There’s a lot that’s not so great about streaming platforms (don’t even get me started), but one of the few things I do dig about Spotify is being able to listen to new additions to a playlist that has some of my old favorites. Of course, not all noobs are great, which is why TBliss’ track ‘Numb’ made me sit up when I first heard it a few days ago… barely there music, words that hit different, especially the line, “I’m jus’ tryin’a change my corpse”… Sharing it around with my fam later, I got the same reaction, and one DM really nailed it by commenting, “dope minimalism, yeah”.
Since I’m on a perpetual quest to find out what makes musicians tick, what drives them to make the music they do, I decided I had to find this guy, TBliss, and ask him a few questions. So I did. And I was just blown away by the complete sincerity and simplicity of Jay N, aka TBliss the rapper of Baltimore, Maryland. I’m sharing a summary of our chat here, so our readers can see for themselves what I mean. When it comes to keeping it real, this guy is it. No cap. In the excerpt below, TBliss is indicated by ‘TB’:
Q : Yo, TBliss, what’s your inspiration, man? What’s the driving force behind your music?
TB : Music, for me, is just about expressing who I am. And I’m an average guy. So that’s what my music is about… expressing how it is to be an ordinary guy next door, to be human.
Q : OK… tell us a bit more about why you created ‘Numb’… which, I must say, is anything but “average”.
TB : Thanks. When I said that my music is about expressing what it is to be average, normal, regular, I wasn’t kidding. That’s who I see myself as, and that’s the inspiration behind ‘Numb’, as well. I’m just sharing with my amazing fans and supporters the honest truth of my journey. I’m trying to make it big, sure. Who isn’t? But for all of us regular Joes, it’s hard and it’s discouraging at times, but that’s my message… you don’t need to be born special, or privileged in any way… to succeed at something, you’ve got to put your mind to it, and work with all your strength and determination.
Q : You talked about the road to success. As an independent musician who owns his own brand, where would you say you are on that journey?
TB : Good question. The short answer is – I’ve got a long way to go. The long answer is, I see how I began, as someone who was always hearing I couldn’t go after my dreams, I didn’t have what it takes to be a rapper, I wouldn’t get far… and I’m proud and grateful for how far I’ve come. I own my own company, ‘RealityMakers LLC’. The name is a reminder of my belief that you make your own reality. You’re the only one who can make your dreams come true, but you’ve gotta work for it.
Q : Awesome. What would you say is the major reason your audience connects with you?
TB : Me and my music are all about what it feels like to be a regular guy, working for what you want. And I think that my audience can hear and see and feel that. They know that I’m this guy who wears tees and jeans, drives an ordinary car, works a normal job… no designer clothes, no Gucci or Louis Vuitton… no fancy cars or luxury homes… heck, I don’t even have fancy looks, I know I’ll never be anyone’s pinup. But that’s what my peeps relate to, that I’m just another guy, like anyone else. And if I can make it, anyone can.
Q : Wow, that’s inspiring. Do you have a message for your audience?
TB : Yeah. If anyone tells you you can’t do this or you can’t do that, don’t listen. Listen to your heart. If you want something, go after it. Give it everything you’ve got. There’s this big illusion out there that success is about luck. It’s not. It’s about believing in yourself, believing in your dream, and working for it. The only reason I’m here, making my music, is because of belief… the belief that me and my fans and supporters have in me, in my music. My audience is the only reason I am where I am today.
Q : And would you say you’re having an impact?
TB : Absolutely. From a high school kid who had hardly anyone listening to his tracks, I’ve now got thousands of listeners following my tracks on Spotify. The music video of ‘Numb’ is out now on YouTube, with more music on the way. I’m giving shows, I’ve got magazines writing about me… I’ve seen haters become supporters, after they gave me a chance and listened to my music. I’d say I’m definitely getting my message out there.
Listening to the artist and his music, I’d have to agree. TBliss. Mark that name. We’re going to be hearing more about this rapper, for sure.
Elliot D. Tousley
© 2022, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
