[Exclusive Interview] Talii Releases Self-Love Track “Thickness”
Thick Chick
Talii is the R&B we needed a fresh dose of.
Her new release, “Thickness,” is a fun, flirty track that gets you in the right mood and mindset for the day. It’s an R&B song with all the makings of what it means to accept and love yourself. It’s an ode to body-positivity and the Orlando-based artist uses all of her force, strength, and sexiness to envelop you in this aura of feels. The duality that makes the record both sensual and sweet, hooks you into its silky, bouncy, and dreamy melodies searching for more after the song is over. The clever usage of a casual lingo used today makes the song that more relevant tot the listener. Check out the track above now.
In the past, the artist has released her singles “Lost,” “Mouth,” and “Front Seat.” “Front Seat” also has an accompanying lyric video which you can watch here. In this new track though, Talii really shares the vibrance of her Trinidadian heritage influences through the hypnotic rhythms in “Thickness.” Talii has already received compliments from publications such as Billboard and Affinity Magazine, while also receiving praise from notable artists such as Pink Sweat$ and JOHN.k.
The musician had always had music in her life though, starting from a young age. Born into a family of talented musicians and performers, she took the chance and opportunity she had to follow in the same footsteps. At just the age of 3, Talii began singing and playing piano, so that by age 7 she was already writing her own songs.
For this neo-soul / R&B creator, hard work does pay off. She has a debut EP on the way and we can’t wait to hear more from this well-deserving, up-and-coming musician.
I had a chance to correspond with the artist in this exciting, detailed interview discussing her new music, her personality, and her DETOUR. Read below for the interview:
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What got you started in music?
Music has been a part of who I am for as long as I can remember. From the time I was 3 I was singing as many Disney songs as I could. I then started piano and really getting into songwriting when I was 6 so music was something I always knew I wanted to do in my heart. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a very musical family! My father was an Rnb singer, radio host, and he plays the piano. Almost everyone in my family has artistic or musical talent of some kind so I’m thankful to have been exposed to it my whole life.
What made you want to focus and write on this particular topic for your new single “Thickness”?
My producer & partner G.Bliz sent me the track already titled “Thickness.“ It was such a dope title that I really wanted to incorporate it into the song. The title itself ended up inspiring the thought process and was something I really resonated with because I’m actively working out specifically to gain more of that “thickness” I want, which is a personal goal of mine.
As I wrote the song it evolved to be about more than just the goal of gaining a bigger butt. I began to embody more of the confidence of the song and I started to appreciate my body more in all of its previous stages. Feeling that confidence made me love my body the time I got my thickness on when I had my daughter and gained 50 pounds. It also made me love my body when I lost more weight than I wanted to and was insecure about being “skinny.”
Now I’m proud of who I am, where I was, and where I’m going. I'm proud of my lil booty gains and I’m excited for the journey to reach my goals.
You mention how the track is an ode to body positivity and how it “was inspired by the desire to look and feel my best because my best self is what I wanted my significant other to have.” How do you see our society currently dealing with this in both media and in real life?
I’ve struggled with self confidence most of my life before I was even old enough to become aware of it. I was in elementary school when I was trying to hold my tummy in. Thinking back on that really made me realize how imbedded the toxic mindset surrounding the body image has become especially in the minds of young women and how important it is to heal that subconscious issue. I don’t feel like we’re taught to love ourselves, we have to learn it .
That can be a struggle, especially when you look in the mirror and you’re not happy in the body you’re in because of false ideals society has fed us. People may look at me and not think I have ever felt those insecurities but I have for so long! I personally have fluctuated with my weight for years. Having felt the insecurities surrounding my body for so long, it was really affecting my feelings of confidence, self worth, and self love.
The problem is this isn’t just me.. so many women and men deal with this issue. Not only does it affect our personal realities but it greatly affects our relationships. I want to be my very best in all aspects because I deserve that and so does my partner. In order to do that I have to learn how to love every aspect of me. Flaws & all.
I feel like the best relationships are when each party brings 100% to the table and that starts with self love. If we don’t love ourselves, how can we expect to truly love & be loved by someone else?
Media plays a huge role in either re-writing that narrative or perpetuating the stigma. I feel like it’s the responsibility of people who influence others through the media, to spread more love and remind people how beautiful they are.
Which other artists do you think are amazing advocates for body positivity?
Lizzo, Demi lovato and Alicia keys. I know there are more amazing artists out there who spread a positive message about body positivity but those are the ones that immediately come to mind and the ones that I personally have been inspired by.
If you could describe yourself or your music in one word, what would it be?
Authentic
If you could have a coffee chat with any person or musician, who would you want to meet up with?
I would love to have time to talk to Neri Oxman. She’s an incredibly brilliant engineer, professor, artist and designer who works closely with nature. She’s working to create a future that lives in harmony with this planet and she seeks to heal the damage that has been done to the earth. She uses her passion for art and creation as well as her knowledge of nature and engineering to create harmony between the two.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so inspired by one person. I have a huge passion for environmental conservation and I want to be a part of healing our home so she is definitely someone I would feel honored to speak with.
What would be your anthem if you could pick any song by anyone?
Even though it may sound cliche I think I would have to say my own song “Front Seat” is my current anthem. This year has truly been an embodiment of that song for me. I have fallen more in love with me than I ever have before. I have been there for myself, lifted myself up, and proved to myself that I’m stronger than I thought I was. I’m becoming the woman I’ve always thought I was capable of being... and I’m beyond thankful for that.
What’s your detour? (i.e. What’s something you’re doing unexpectedly or something that’s exciting or surprising for you or what’s another passion of yours outside of music?)
I have a few detours and passions outside of music that would probably be a bit surprising for people to know. My number one passion is taking care of my little girl. I became a mom just after I turned 21. She changed my life in the greatest ways and there’s nothing I’m more passionate about than giving her the best life I possibly can.
I’m very into all things spiritual! I love to study ancient knowledge, spiritual practices, connect with nature and read tarot/oracle cards for ppl, which I’ve been doing for over 4 years.
My last surprising little detour is I also run a vegan beauty business from home and I mentor amazing women on how to build their own online businesses as well! It’s become such a huge passion of mine so quickly. I’ve been able to help so many women and men feel confident with their appearance as well as give so many people the opportunity to build a life changing income from home. It's really unlocked my ability to not only be an entrepreneur, but a leader as well which is invaluable.
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So multi-talented and multi-interested—we love to see it! Thank you for your time Talii and can’t wait to see the amazing journey to come for you!
Be sure to check out Talii on Social Media and on Streaming Platforms everywhere, and to stay tuned to new projects on the way!
STREAM
Souncloud
SOCIALS
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | SoundCloud
WEBSITE
www.taliimusic.com
