TIPFest 2017 is right around the corner. Before you head out to the festival we want to give you a chance to get to know some of the young artists performing this year. Read about them below, follow them on social media and come out Saturday, September 23 to the Petrillo Music Shell for #TIPFest!
Actual Name: Shuba Vedula
Group Members: Nick Pappas, Chassion Rice and Aidan Landauer
What neighborhood do you represent? Hyde Park
Describe why teens should be excited for these upcoming events?
Teens should be excited about these events because music should be as accessible as possible. Seeing artists perform is a chance for teenagers to get inspired to get involved with creative activities and opportunities that are becoming increasingly available in the Chicago youth scene. Being inspired from such a young age will allow teens to start making new friends who share the same interests as them, discovering their creative potential, and improving their artistic projects.
What sets you apart from other artists?
As one of the only emerging Indian American music artists in Chicago, my ethnicity plays a major role not only in the kind of music I create, which draws a lot on worldly sounds infused in Pop/Hip Hop beats, but also the message I hope to send to women and young artists as a whole. I have been fortunate enough to attend a respected university, interact with young adults every day, and be part of many communities that inspire the experiences I have as a growing artist. Although I enjoy writing songs about love and heartbreak, I mostly sing about the kinds of issues that people think about every day, but don't necessarily express out loud or hear about in most other music. For example, a lot of my friends and youth I interact with in Chicago community organizations talk about how they worry about their future or how they feel about growing up, not just about how they like partying and going out. My music and artistry focuses on these sorts of issues and how people can unite in their general insecurities about life and not feel ashamed about them.
Actual Name: Ty Weathersby
Group Members: Carmani Edwards, Jamiah Rogers, Raamen Berry, Ty Weathersby and Jeremy Warren
What neighborhood do you represent? Chatam
Describe the biggest challenge you've overcome?
The biggest challenge I’ve overcome is one that I am continuing to overcome, and that is discouragement, disappointment and not giving up on my dreams. Being a starving artist and an aspiring entertainer is a very tough road in which challenges are expected but still not easy to overcome. I audition and submit for many opportunities, some are successful and others are not. However, keeping a positive mindset and faith is how I am able to overcome this challenge. The music and entertainment industry is my passion. I will not give up.
Describe why teens should be excited for these upcoming events?
Teens should be excited to come to this event to enjoy great music and entertainment in a positive and safe environment. I want teens to come to this event to be inspired to follow their hearts' desire to do whatever it is that they are passionate about.
What sets you apart from other artists?
What sets me apart from other artists is my unique sound. I have the ability to rap,sing and dance which is a rare talent for an artist today especially coming from Chicago. I always make sure there is a message in all of my music. I also represent a struggle that is unique because it's rarely discussed but still resonates with people. The everyday struggles of the average young adult trying to navigate life is who I represent.
Twitter: @PrinceTyWon
IG: @Ty_Won
Soundcloud
Chai Tulani and The Bomba
Actual Name: Sila Tulani
Group Members: Ezekiel Raggs -guitar, Samuel Glover- bass
What neighborhood do you represent? Altgeld Gardens
Describe the biggest challenge you've overcome?
The biggest challenge I've overcome was not being able to speak English When I first moved to the U.S and being teased for my heritage. I was never the "cool kid' coming up, but I always knew I was born to do something great.
Describe why teens should be excited for these upcoming events?
Teens should be excited for these upcoming events because the artists that are performing there may be local artists now, however, many of us are on our way to being international stars by Serving phenomenal arts to the people to inspire the world. If anyone wishes to feel inspired they will find inspiration at these events.
What sets you apart from other artists?
I embrace my pain through my songs, even the happy ones. My performance and music doesn’t just play for the ears, it plays for the soul.
Twitter: @ChaiTulani
IG: chaitulani
Soundcloud
Actual Name: Jazzmin Monet
Members: Jazzmin Monet, Sherrion Jolly, Breanna Anderson, Tiah Jones, Nay'Aisha Edmond, N'Dea Kelly and Peyton Cox
What neighborhood do you represent? Near North, Austin and South Shore
Describe the biggest challenge you've overcome?
The biggest challenge we've overcome is following our passion in spite of the lack of education and respect toward the therapeutic art of dance. Often been told to get a "real job." Some people don't respect art. Dance is more than movement, it's a lifestyle, a story, a gift given to share to heal and revive. Dance is a journey. Any artist can relate and/or aspire to the fact that it's fulfilling to not only share your gift, but to receive compensation for your work. I've been blessed to do both, so I'm a firm believer that following your dream, positioning yourself and knowing your worth is the key to prosper.
Describe why teens should be excited for these upcoming events?
Teens should excited, because they not only get to attend these events, but participate and engage with artists that inspire them.
What sets you apart from other artists?
What sets us apart from other artists is our story. I spent some time running from dance, yet it was my first and only job since. I've been coaching and dancing professionally for 7 years. I went choreographing after school, performing in showcases as a child to my first job teaching as a sophomore in high school to starting a team my junior year (that has continued to this day) to earning a leadership scholarship to studying at Columbia College Chicago, and owning a studio for 2 years now (J Monet Studio, Home of Chez Elite Femmes and J Monet Dancers), coaching and performing at events through the city. Dance is life, truly.
Actual Name: Thomas McCoy
What neighborhood do you represent? West Chatam
Describe the biggest challenge you've overcome?
Describe why teens should be excited for these upcoming events?
Because Its A Great way for teens all over the city to come together as one body with good people, vibes, and the music. Why not be excited.
What sets you apart from other artists?
I'm Different.
I'm Diverse.
But I'm In My Own Lane.
Twitter: @Tajarama
IG: @Tajmxxoy17
Soundcloud
Actual Name: Daniel Weisberg
Group Members: Daniel Weisberg, Simone Townshend, Damontay Banks, Chris Johnson, Derrick Griffin and Jazmyne Fountain
What neighborhood do you represent? West Side, Austin
Describe the biggest challenge you've overcome?
Confidence and acceptance, the ability to listen, learn and accept criticism
Describe why teens should be excited for these upcoming events?
It gives an opportunity for kids to ride the new wave of music, spread positivity and stay off the streets.
What sets you apart from other artists?
I do not curse in my music. All of my music is honest and from the heart. I get into character and act out my words on stage. I use storytelling, as well as facial expression and unique word pronunciations and adjustments to engage and get people to relate.
Twitter/IG: @therealndpndnt
Group Members: Jazmine Stubbs, Kourtney Glenn
What neighborhood do you represent? North Lawndale
Describe why teens should be excited for these upcoming events?
Because it's a chance to celebrate what is great in Chicago
What sets you apart from other artists?
Our message is our strongest component. Reminding listeners to be aware of who they are emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. We are healers with our words and melodies.
Twitter/IG: @kostar_journey
Actual Name: Brenda Gilbert
What neighborhood do you represent? Austin, North Lawndale
Describe the biggest challenge you've overcome?
One of the biggest challenge I've had to overcome was being confident with my imprint on hip-hop as a violinist.
What sets you apart from other artists?
I have an aspiration to bridge the gap between music and education as a tool to introduce all demographics to a wider selection of sound.
Twitter: @Windy_Indie
IG: @Windy_Indy
Soundcloud
What neighborhood do you represent? I represent Chicago as a whole
Describe why teens should be excited for these upcoming events?
Teens should be excited for these upcoming events because no other city has the opportunities and influences that Chicago has. These festivals show local Chicago artists their age and a bit older living outside the box and taking risks with their music. It takes a lot to bear yourself on a stage in front of strangers. On top of that you can meet new people to connect with and just be in a safe friendly environment having fun.
What sets you apart from other artists?
I'm set apart from other artists because my sound is unique. I make music and I write poetry. I call myself a floetrist because the isn't a box I can be put into I'm a musician, a poet, a singer, a rapper. I'm a Floetrist.
Twitter/IG: @Leximonee97
Soundcloud
Actual Name: Ridley Morgan
What neighborhoods do you represent? Rogers Park
Describe the biggest challenge you've overcome?
The biggest challenge I've overcome is adversity regarding my career choice. When I decided to become a professional musician, many people around me didn't understand why I would choose such a grueling and chance-driven field. As time went on, however, and I started to accomplish more and more, people started to understand and support my dream.
Describe why teens should be excited for these upcoming events?
I think teenagers and kids in general are our future, and their opinions and intelligence actually hold a lot of weight in our communities. Events like these are created to hold the city together. In order to do that, we need all ages to be eager and involved. These events are geared toward the well-being of our youth, and it helps the cause immensely when the younger generation is able to get involved.
What sets you apart from other artists?
What sets me apart from other artists is my versatility, and my drive. There are very few independent artists I know that work as hard as I do to reach desired goals and dreams. I refuse to be put into any artistic box, especially when it comes to genre. I am blessed with the capability of being a musical chameleon and switching it up according to my mood, desired message, or current creative space. My creativity is in constant flow, and I have my image and branding constructed down to a science.
IG/Twitter: @ridleythepoet
Soundcloud
Actual Name: Kennedy Pulliam
What neighborhood do you represent? Chatam
Describe why teens should be excited for these upcoming events?
Its a great chance to showcase talent to teens and to have a space where everyone gets along and can just have fun
What sets you apart from other artists?
My energy I give loads of energy and like to make sure the people are involved ...I also like to mix styles I'm easy to listen to for lyrics but I also get it fresh and innovative for the younger generation
Twitter: The_Ken_
IG: The_k.e.n
Soundcloud
Describe the biggest challenge you've overcome?
My biggest challenge is myself and coming to understand who I am outside of what others expect and have told me.
Describe why teens should be excited for these upcoming events?
Because it is the music of their generation which is constantly transforming and forgoing genre. This music embraces that it is different and a melting pot of genres that have come before.
What sets you apart from other artists?
I am an artist that writes music based on a feeling rather than a set goal for lyrics. My songs are more of an uncovering than a new piece. I also take longer than many artist to write a song due to the way in which I get intimate with every aspect of each chord and lyric.
Twitter: @Viano_music
IG: @Vianomusic22
Actual Name: Eric Williams
What neighborhood do you represent? Humboldt Park, Austin, Garfield
Describe the biggest challenge you've overcome?
Describe why teens should be excited for these upcoming events?
It is a way to experience great new musical talents from Chicago artists while enjoying a positive atmosphere.
What sets you apart from other artists?
My unique arrangement of songs and desire to put the best effort in everything i want out of life, also my ability to play multiple instruments.
Twitter/IG: @Musiconthewall
Soundcloud
Actual Name: Monique Ogletree
What neighborhood do you represent? Southside
Describe the biggest challenge you've overcome?
The biggest challenge I've overcome is performing in front of others. As a young creative starting out I struggled so much with owning my craft. Through relentless practice and dedication, as I found my voice more I was also able to develop the self-confidence I needed to perform in front of anyone anywhere.
Describe why teens should be excited for these upcoming events?
Teens should be excited for these events because it recognizes the next generation of amazingly talented individuals on the rise in our city. These events are fun, safe, and celebrate creativity and the importance of self-expression within our youth. It's also beautiful and pertinent for us, as young people, to come together and support one another because we are the future.
What sets you apart from other artists?
The biggest thing that sets me apart from other artists is my sound. Today's music enforces a strong emphasis on partying and carefree fun. I seek to incorporate a refreshing sound of new soul and r&b for this generation filled with soothing melodies and harmonies that gives us a taste of our favorite old school jams. Writing music and recording is a healing process and a continuous journey for me and when creating music, I like for my audience to know that they are never alone no matter what they're going through. Music connects us all.
What neighborhood do you represent? South Side, East Side
Describe the biggest challenge you've overcome?
Describe why teens should be excited for these upcoming events?
It not only represents the culture we have been exposed to, but shows what the bright minds of the next generation are capable of. This music although sometimes graphic and simplistic can still be seen as beautiful works of art once decoded correctly (or maybe sometimes it's there when you just wanna turn up). It's our identities and view points of Chicago culture itself.
What sets you apart from other artists?
My hunger, ferocity, determination, my attitude, my consistency, my work ethic, my energy, my energy, my energy, and my imagination. Above all else, I feel like I'm much more than a rockstar. I set out to be a icon of my millennial generation and I plan to inspire change and love through my music. It's aggressive energy but it's completely positive. No one has the same presentation as me, the same set up let alone the same precense I bring when performing. The way I see it; with this blessing or not the way I see my route it's purely a matter of time.....
Twitter/IG: @solothedweeb
Actual Name: Shayla Johnson
What neighborhood do you represent? South Side, Hyde Park, Garfield
Describe the biggest challenge you've overcome?
The biggest challenge I've overcome would have to be battling depression. I went through a period where every month I lost someone close to me for about a year and a half. Dealing with so much death and grief became overwhelming and I started to feel hopeless. But I started writing poetry and for the first time I felt like I had a purpose. My poetry is bigger than me because not only has it saved my life but it's saved others. And knowing that my struggles could help someone else in anyway is the most rewarding feeling there is.
Describe why teens should be excited for these upcoming events?
Teens should be excited for TIP Fest and other upcoming events because they showcase all of the talent and brilliance this city and the people have to offer. Today's artists are the future leaders and change makers of the world. And the events are free so there's no excuse not to go!
What sets you apart from other artists?
What sets me apart is my drive and my purpose. I'm not interested in being rich in a monetary sense. I'm interested in being rich in love and light and making other people's lives rich in the same way. I wanna be that example for little black girls that regardless of your circumstance what is meant for you will always come to pass. Any dream that you have is always within your reach and just because others may not be able to see your vision doesn't mean it's not true or tangible.
Twitter/Instagram: @shaybrenee
