Té Atana is a singer, rapper, songwriter and producer from Boston, Massachusetts. A former student at the Berklee College of Music, Té Atana began her professional music career in 2019 with her debut single “Lady and the Champ”. Make sure to follow her on Spotify!
Boston Culture: You recently performed in the same concert as a lot of big artists such as Ozzy Osbourne for the Let Me Help foundation, an anti-bullying non profit. How does it feel being able to perform in front of big names?
Te Atana: It’s a huge deal for me. The first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning is music, making progress, and becoming a better version of myself. So, to see that investing in myself and focusing on myself is finally paying off, is not only relieving, but exciting. I love the Osbournes, too. Ironman has been my favorite rock song since I was 10.
Boston Culture: In the concert, you performed an original song called “Passion the Purpose”. What is it about?
Te Atana: “Passion the Purpose” is about how I turned my pain into passion, and found purpose in my passion, which for me is music. I want to inspire and influence my fans to do the same when they listen to the song.
Boston Culture: We’ve seen that anti-bullying is a subject you are passionate about and frequently post about on your socials. Why is that?
Te Atana: I was severely bullied in middle school for a speech impediment. It shaped me in a way though, and I feel wiser than most people my age because my options were either to give up on life, or learn to love myself relentlessly. Now, I’m an advocate for anti-bullying. While I can’t control the pain victims of bullying experience, what I can control is what I teach victims of bullying and that’s how to turn their pain into power.
Boston Culture: Wow, that’s powerful. How did music play a role in what you went through?
Te Atana: I had already been playing piano since I was 5 and writing poetry, but the rapping started when I was 12. When I came home from school one day and just happened to discover Eminem for the first time, I became obsessed with the way he would bend words and with how fast he could rap. So, I would rap to his songs and learn them back and forth. Eventually, rapping to Eminem’s music is what cured my speech impediment so I figured I would begin writing my own rap songs at my piano and later taught myself how to sing. Now, here I am!
Boston Culture: You have a unique name. How did you come up with it?
Te Atana: I found my stage name, Té Atana, during a dream, actually. It was cool because I saw the name floating around and woke up in a jolt, so I wrote the name down because it felt important. Then I researched the meaning of Té Atana and in Hindi, Turkish, and Arabic combined it means “I unite people with music” which has literally been my life’s mission. So I made it mine!
Boston Culture: You posted on Instagram that you took a break from social media and music this year to focus on your health. When you get back to it, what will you be working on?
Te Atana: I’m actually back to work now and I have a lot of things lined up for 2021.
Boston Culture: If you were* to collab with any artist, who would it be?
Te Atana: That’s such a hard question because I love so many genres of music. I would have to say in no particular order, Eminem, Post Malone, Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, 24K Golden, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Kanye west, The Weeknd, Jessie Reyez, Kehlani. The list goes on!
Boston Culture: What made you want to create your first song and how old were you? Was there someone you looked up to or aspired to be?
Te Atana: I think listening to Eminem a bunch and just realizing when I discovered his music how I already play piano, I already write poetry…why not? Why not start making my own music? I was at least 11 or 12. And yes, the person I looked up to was Eminem, but I don’t want to be like him. I want to be Té Atana.
Boston Culture : What was the best advice you got early in your career?
Te Atana: Write. Whether it’s poetry or lyrics, spend a lot of time writing. Write, write, write.
Boston Culture: What do you dislike about the art world/music industry?
Te Atana: There’s a few things. To be blunt, I hate how over sexualized the music and entertainment industry has become. It’s stomach turning and infuriating how there are so many talented women that have potential to be mega stars but don’t get full credit when they’re not willing to sacrifice their self respect and body for fame and money. Also, the music industry has turned into a popularity contest more than a place where musicians can be recognized on a mass scale for their talent and dedication to their craft. I want to hear and see more originality.
Boston Culture: Did the pandemic affect any plans you had?
Te Atana: A little bit. I’ve gone viral on Tik Tok since January when I made a video with the chips “Takis”. Because of that, I would have gone into Boston and collaborated with other influencers more, had Covid not happened.
Boston Culture : What do you think of the music scene in the city? Are there any Boston producers or artists you'd potentially like to work with?
Te Atana: I love Seefours music. I also love Kaywattz music, Shellz is dope, too. Vanni the producer; his beats are crazy. I want to collab with Millyz ASAP…have a song where he raps and I sing and write the hook. The versatility of vocals on that track would be gorgeous and have a major underdog to top dog feel. I’d put it on my Tik Tok.
Boston Culture : Tell us about your goals for the rest of the year and 2021.
Te Atana: For the rest of 2020 is to be healthy and happy. I experienced a lot of personal loss from November 2019 up to March 2020, so my goal is to continue healing and learning about my new self. 2021 is going to be a great year. I’m more prepared, as well as surrounded by a whole new team of people.
Boston Culture : What inspires you to wake up everyday and stay focused, hungry and humble on your goals.
Te Atana: My purpose.
Boston Culture: Anything else we missed you want to tell your fans?
Te Atana: I’ll be releasing a new song and music video in January called “Mirror” that’s about having a healthy relationship with your physical appearance. Stay tuned!!!
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