Q: You’re from Decatur, Alabama—a place not exactly known for alternative R&B and rap. How did growing up there shape you as an artist?
Taye: Honestly, it made me different. I’ve always felt a little outside of the box. I didn’t want to sound like everyone else. That’s why I was so inspired by people like Tyler, the Creator, Frank Ocean, and Childish Gambino—they made me realize there are no limits to how far you can push music.
Q: Let’s talk about your creative process. Do you plan your songs out or let them happen naturally?
Taye: A little of both. I always have ideas written down, so I can go back and pull from them. But sometimes I’ll just hum something or randomly make a sound I like and build from there. I try to stay open because some of my best songs come from spontaneous moments.
Q: Your new EP, The Bow and Arrow Tape, feels very personal. What inspired it?
Taye: Fear, honestly. Fear of love, fear of being taken advantage of, fear of not making it big… this tape was me fighting back against all of that. It was me proving to myself that I can turn those fears into music.
Q: Fans say your music feels very real. Is authenticity important to you?
Taye: It’s everything. If I don’t connect with a song, I won’t finish it. I can’t fake it. My music reflects my life—my struggles with anxiety, my hopes, my dreams. I want people to find their own meaning in it but also to feel free to walk in their passion.
Q: Big question: where do you see yourself going from here?
Taye: I want to be one of the biggest names in music. I dream big. But at the same time, I want financial stability, I want to provide for my family, and I want to buy something really special for my mom.