R&B extraordinaire TQ is back after a long break with a new double album and film under his belt. Harmeet Virdi caught up with the Westsider to talk about his album 'Paradise' and new film 'Rockin' Meera'
BY HARMEET VIRDI | MAR 16, 2009
Q. So, what does TQ stand for?
TQ: Real simple, my name is Terrance Quaites.
Q. Why haven't we seen you around for a while now?
TQ: I've been working at home and putting out records, but before I'd put the record out I had an internship at a record company. I've heard conversations that other artists should not hear! So I became a difficult artist to deal with as I have been exposed to the way they work! Now I'm on my fifth record, own my own company and on my way now. I have cut all the middle men out.
Q. Where did you grow up, and what it was like for you?
TQ: My neighbourhood is Compton in the US. Compton taught me how to survive; it has so much gang warfare and not that much going on there. But now I must admit I have moved to the hills!
Q. You first came on the music circuit during the era of 2Pac era; did you get compared to him?
TQ: I have been compared to him and it is flattering but I cannot accept it because he's 2Pac and is on another level to me.
Q. What's the essence of R&B for you?
TQ: The fact that our particular music comes from the soul. It was born for a reason, like the civil rights movement created soul music. We use R&B to communicate, like a means of therapy. It is soul music.
Q. What made you take the role of 'Rock' for the film 'Rockin' Meera'?
TQ: Param Gill the director of 'Rockin' Meera' saw my scenes in my first feature film 'Richard III' and he approached me to play 'Rock'. I was intrigued by the Indian culture as I use to know someone in school and use to ask him about it. I knew also I was going to have a good time in India. It's amazing, none of my friends can say that they have had the opportunity that I have to ride across the desserts and be chased by bulls!
Q. How was it working on the film and shooting in India?
TQ: It was hard work but great! It was shot in Rajasthan. Sometimes we would just break out into a song all of a sudden. Param would also cuss the crew in Hindi, it was really funny.
Q. Any more films in the pipeline?
TQ: The last film I have done is called 'Consequences'. I've also started another film by my own film company now as well. I want to see what we can pull off.
Q. Any Bollywood roles planned like Snoop Dogg's appearance in the film 'Singh is Kinng'?
TQ: I would love to, acting is fun but music is my job and acting is my hobby.
Q. Tell me about your new album 'Paradise', why the name?
TQ: I think now I am in complete 'Paradise' that's why the name. Everything that I wanted to happen has happened with this album and it's a good feeling when you listen to your songs. Listening to paradise is kind of about Lil Wayne as he isn't around anymore. It is hard to listen to it.
Q. Who's your favourite singer? Is there anyone that you would like to work with?
TQ: I love Marvin Gaye and to date Mary J Blige. I'm not into the up and coming guys and I don't feel it because R&B is about the Soul, though I would love to work with Dr Dre.
Q. What do you think of British music?
TQ: I like it. I like the alternative stuff like Paolo Nutini, Cold Play and Duffy.
Q. You seem to like your tattoos...what do they symbolise?
TQ: They are about me, my record labels and logos.
Q. Final quote to remember you by?
TQ: Never ever ever ever give up.
TQ's single S.E.X.Y is taken from his new double A-Side album Paradise. His new film 'Rockin' Meera' is set to release later this year on 4 July.
www.myspace.com/TQOfficialSite www.thugpoetry.com/tq/main.html www.gracieprod.com
