I met Tuan a little under a year ago. I happened upon an open mic that he was hosting. As time progressed, I kept coming back to the monthly open mic event. I encountered so many amazing and interesting artists and it was like a breeding ground for my creative thought process. Throughout it all, I kept a watchful eye on Tuan X. I followed his tumblr. I read his blog. I friended him on facebook. And during the open mic event itself, I’d often tweet his hash tag in support of such a great outlet for creative expression. It wasn’t until a couple months ago, when I heard Tuan sing a number of his songs, that I realized I needed to get to know him better. After hearing him that night, I promptly wrote, Creative Artist: Tuan X. But those are my words about him. Its time to hear the man himself.
Everyone meet,
Tuan X
What kind of artist are you?
Primarily a vocal and lyrical one. It gets difficult to pick a genre for myself because I delve in many. My most noticeable art may be the modern R&B, Soul and Hip-Hop music I create. Musically I also intend to display my prowess as an engineer of sound. I’d also like to experiment in and create great Alternative, Rock, & Pop music; not necessarily vocalized by me.
Outside of music, I’m a writer; often performed poetically. I’m an actor. I’m also an amateur web designer, videographer, & photographer.
How old are you?
I’m 20-something. I’ll claim that for the next 16 years; by that time, I’ll be 40.
How have you learned what you know? Education? Experience? Formal Training?
I’m a great sponge, absorbing all that interests, intrigues, & inspires me. I take the knowledge I’ve acquired and attempt to implement it in a more creative & unique way. Formally I’ve had choir training. I went to and dropped out of Brooklyn College, while studying Theatre.
Why do you think art is important?
Art is the line between the sane and insane. It provides the human existence a creative buffer of expression; keeping many from collapsing into themselves.
What and who inspires?
Beautiful people, dogs, nature, the sociological nature of humanity, love, hurt, loss, me, the stars, science, sex, & Jesus … Jesus works at my corner store, you’d really have to know him to understand.
What is your favorite medium to use in creating art?
Science, technology & astrology are my favorite mediums. All used in relation to life.. as I understand it.
What are you currently working on?
Musically.. I’m currently recording & writing for the upcoming ‘Black Boy – EP’. A concept extended play in the perspective of a nerdy, conscious teenage black boy.
Immediately after, I will continue working on EP’s … tentative titles are; ‘As I Lay Dying – EP’, ‘Behold A Pale Horse – EP’, ‘Invisible Man – EP’, ‘Fences – EP’, & ‘The Piano Lesson – EP’.
That’s all I can speak on at the moment.
You host an open mic featuring artist from across the east coast and perhaps beyond. How did this happen? Why do you host a free open mic? How are you connected to so many artist?
Yes, I currently host ‘Rewind!’ Open-Mic in Melanie’s Juice Bar & Bakery at 1285 Fulton St., Brooklyn, NY every first Wednesday of the month around 7PM. I’ve featured artists from as far away as Australia to as nearby as “around the corner, on the right hand side, up the blue stairs with the reddish light post in the yard.”
I’ve for many years curated or hosted events. I first co-hosted an open-mic back in 2007 called ‘Eargasm’ at what was Solomon’s Porch. Recently, in February of 2010, I was approached to host a theme based open-mic in, what was, Soulé International Restaurant. I dubbed it, ‘Last Request’ Open-Mic. I hosted there for 12 consecutive months and have now relocated, renamed and refocused my free open-mic.
I think free open-mic’s are a necessity because mufukaz are broke; and entertainment, a quality message, and good vibes shouldn’t be limited to just people with more than bus fare in their pockets.
Networking is a necessity, even for an introverted person like myself. It’s definitely a difficult task for me, but it’s an artists lifeline.
You recently released an EP, can you tell me about this album? Why should we listen?
I released my first collaborative extended play entitled ‘Of Mice And Men – EP’. It features a small few of the numerous talented MC’s living in the NYC area; SoSoon, Mega, Cavalier, Faro Z, Jerry Wess, Sean B., & RIP The Ruler (R.I.P.M.C.).
Most have known me primarily as a rhythmic vocalist. I felt the need to display my talent beyond R&B/Soul rhythms into the Hip-Hop/Rap vocalistic and rhythmic realm. It’s a great listen, with great production, great energy, & a vibe that any pure Hip-Hop or Rap fan could enjoy. Their are gems in all of my lyrics; I dare listeners to hear past the rhythm and mine through my wordplay and metaphors.
You know that I love Crazydopetastic.com. I’m assuming this website is devoted to things that inspire you, intrigue you and interest you. Knowing that, how does your mind work? What goes on up there when you are alone and left to your own devices? I guess I’m asking about your thought process and your mentality. How does it work for you?
If I understood me, I don’t think CrazyDopetastic™ would exist.
What has been the highlight of your artistic career, so far?
My ghostwriting helped sell over 900,000 copies of a talented artists album in the UK. I’m extremely proud of that.
I’m excited and thrilled to be creating and sharing my own music. Being able to do what I love on a week to week basis has been a dream for me. My upcoming performance on March 4 at the Apollo in Harlem, NY will be icing on that cake. If I don’t cry on stage, I’ll cry off. It’s hard to explain how much I love what I do.
What, if any, artistic mistakes have you made?
Trying to portray something I wasn’t. Be that being too conscious or too hood. I’m a well blended mix of the two. My mistake was trying to please the listeners of those two polar opposite spectrums instead of trying to reach out and embrace all who sat in between the two realms.
What do you do when you have “artist” block? (similar to writer’s block)
I watch and read up on world news, a lot. More so than I do on a normal day to day. I try to reconnect myself. I sit on life. I sleep. I listen to music I love.
What sort of artistic liberties do you find yourself making?
I speak on god a lot more than many do; my pantheistic views & belief that god is all & that all is god. My overall disbelief in deities is something I speak very liberally on.
What is your favorite quote?
“I realized, love doesn’t sing a sad song. Sad people do & harmonize wrong.” – Tuan X
Yeah, I tooted my horn.
I honestly don’t have a single favorite quote. So much has been said.
Do you have any encouraging words for those who want to be more creative?
Sex, Pizza, & Netflix will inspire, fatten, & make you lazy. Not necessarily in that order.
Oh.. you asked for ENCOURAGING words?? … hmm … Stay black!
Of what, are you sure?
That I LOVE life.
What legacy do you want to leave?
I have many astounding dreams. In the end, I just want to know I was appreciated, respected, cared for, & maybe even honored. I hope to have a daughter one day, she will be my legacy.
Where can we find you?
At your local Subway Restaurant, Apple Store, Engadget show, or open-mic. Otherwise you’ll find me online at http://www.tuanx.com … or any major social networking site with a .com/tuanx … Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube, LiveStream, Vimeo, etc.
Any last words?
Be happy.
Is there a question I didn’t ask that you wish I had?
Tuan X: You never asked what my favorite position was!? Like, what the F? LOL
Thank you Tuan X for taking the time to do this interview. It has been a pleasure to learn more about you as an artist. I find you so refreshing, funny and I enjoy all the layers of you that are beneath the surface. I can’t wait to see the line up at the next open mic, I’m hoping to catch you at the Apollo and I’ve already purchased your EP on iTunes. I’m all about supporting artist and you are one who’s praises I’ll sing any day. Well, I don’t sing. You do. I’ll stick to writing!