Today we’d like to introduce you to Taiojr
Hi Taiojr, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Started making music for fun in high school at Helix with friends. I began making music on my phone with the garageband app and some old apply wired headphones; which eventually changed to a worn down pair of beats by dre headphones that were taped up. Always have been infatuated with music since my father introduced me to Hip-Hop/Rap at a young age; playing legends such as The Notorious B.I.G, Ice Cube, Tech N9ne, 2Pac, and many more. My mother would play Magic 92.5 before dropping me off at school and that’s where I would get an introduction to oldies RnB. After high school I started making more songs and eventually started going to the studio with friends for the love and passion of the art. Never was thinking to serious at that time, however unbeknownst to me this period; 2019-2021 I would be crafting my skills and learning the basics of what a life as an artist would be. After dropping my debut album “ Best Kept Secret” in 2022, I would gain buzz from across locally with my song “ Westside”, an ode to city and west coast, which has become an anthem to many living in california, or anyone from this side of the country. It’s been history very since.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing that’s comes easy in life is ever satisfying and is something that comes to mind when I think about my journey thus far. Scrounging up money to pay for studio time can be expensive especially at a young age, promoting and marketing is a whole nother beast in self, trying to stay true and make art that makes me happy before anyone knowing some of my audience may not feel what I create can be hard on the mental. Self doubt creeps in every other day, contemplating whether or not I’m deserving of the praise; imposter syndrome. Wanting to take everyone I started my music journey with me, though they might not have the same drive or vision as me hurts one’s heart. Networking can be tough if you are not a social person. Having a team early can be difficult especially when you clash head on about Ideas or strategies. Learning to be consistent, as far as making content and pushing out see content can be daunting to some.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a 24 year old Samoan artist who blends and meshes Hip-Hop and RnB effortlessly. I have unique cadences, melodies and clever lyricism, all wrapped into what one call a west coast sound. I am on the of the few who dares challenge the idea that all polynesian artists have to make the same types of songs, bring the same styles and approach their art with the same ‘ over humbleness approach that has been taught and brought down the last couple of generations. I am a leader in the new wave in the batch of new school Islander artists who has grown an audience of 50’000 monthly listeners across all platforms with no management or team. I refuse to be put in a box and want to be respected by my art not just by my race but my quality of it,
not saying i’m not proud of my blood or heritage but to be in conversation just as an artist rather than a samoan artist is something that I strive for. Better known for my cultural hit songs, “ Westside”, “10 x 10 (feat. JayRome)” and “ Need Somebody (feat. Stone II)”. Just dropped a historical album in San Diego history.
With my newly found fame and platform in the polynesian community an album featuring only poly/ samoan artists from San Diego has never been done before. With gang politics and other drama stopping some of the artists from working together I felt it was important to the progress of my people to make it come to fruition. The 13 track album features 12 samoan / polynesian standout artists from the greater san diego county. Its title is, “ for i so loved MY CITY” , an ode to the culture and heritage.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the diversity our city holds, it’s unlike any place in california. The different ethnic groups and cultures, the pace, the ocean, and food, Nothing like it
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taiojr?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@taiojr619?si=62NyjFExkTnnRkuJ
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1o8NtHz31FGwCZA9gnkkjV?si=L5aXHIHGT8aJsUKhwyCe6Q
