Meet Taquirah | Singer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Taquirah and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taquirah, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks has played a huge role in success for me. As a creative I’m constantly forced to put my self “out there”. I have always forced myself to be seen no matter what I’m going through or what others may think of me. I’ve always prioritized expressing myself over silencing my voice because I try not to dwell in my fear. There are many days where putting my self out there and stepping out of my comfort zone has changed my life. To be honest when I first started making music I had no idea what I was doing… I was simply just venting about feeling lonely in the current relationship I was in… I wasn’t doing anything connected to singing…I was a rehearsal director for a dance company called Gaspard and Dancers. I felt really unfulfilled… I felt like I wanted to do more but I wasn’t sure on music. It took me going to Russia and performing to realize I was ready to drop my first song and see if making music was for me. I just knew that when I made music I was being completely myself. I wasn’t telling one’s story but my own.. and that gave me a freedom that I valued. My very first song that I was afraid to release got picked for the television show All American . That moment was very big for me and I am so grateful I didn’t let fear stop me from transitioning from dance to music.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I would NOT consider what I’m doing easy. I’ve dealt with friends stealing from me , people using me, people talking horrible about me… but I also I’ve met people who have loved and protected me. I always say nothing is easy and everything comes with pros and cons. I’m so grateful to be in a space where I’m surrounded by love and support. I don’t regret any of the betrayals either. It’s taught me boundaries, self love, and learning to be a business woman and not just an artist. I consider myself very unique. I am heavily inspired by ballet and I use different forms of dance to tell my story. My connection with movement and dance makes me stand out in a unique way because of my choreography and vulnerability. I truly believe anyone who celebrates or listens to my music is truly comfortable with being vulnerable.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would go to the Falls Lounge on Monday.. I usually go there to see Moonflower. We work a lot together so I consider and that place like home. It’s a very intimate lounge where it’s always a live performance. I would get food at Water grill and then take them to the beach to just talk. I’m a very chill person and I love being in spaces where I feel relaxed and safe. Those three places makes me feel at home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this series to Sidney Bradley, Hortensea Miskell, Danielle Bradley and Gary Noble. All these people listed have supported my journey. My uncle Sidney always encouraged me to follow my dream no matter how bizarre I came off . He’s always found a way for me not conform to standards I didn’t believe in. He is the main reason I was able to come to Los Angeles or live in New York. My grandmother who was a teacher always read my poetry that I sent to her growing up and my Mom is someone who encouraged my song Grateful. I had experienced a very dark time in my life and she help me focus on gratitude and affirming myself that life wasn’t over for me. She reminded me I had a purpose and reason to exist. The last person Gary Noble is the mixing egineer who really poured into me. He passed away but he really encouraged me and helped me finish releasing my third album . He treated me like a human being instead of person who would pay his bills and that is so rare to experience in my industry . I would also like to shout out my band! We have a very rare performance at the Hotel Cafe September 29th at 7pm . They had dealt with be begging for rehearsals and they do it with no complaining. Shawn Atkins on the drum, Rian Knight on the guitar, Breyton Croom on the Saxophone and Corey Scimenes on the bass. It’s our first show together and I’m so grateful to have a team of people who trust my vision and work.

Website: https://new.hotelcafe.com/event/taquirah/

Instagram: @taquirahthompson

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Youtube: Taquirah

Image Credits
Iris Torres
Charles Morgan