Grammy-nominated, award-winning producer Tay Keith talks about the role of arts in his upbringing and how he hopes to motivate kids to find the motivation he did through community role models.
Can you tell us about your journey into music and production?
I started making music when I was about 12 or 13. I had a microphone, and I just used to record sounds. I had a keyboard that I used to just play around with, and I had started working with a couple of different programs like Mixcraft and Odesi. I basically just started trying different programs and software and recording myself — just making music, rapping, trying to make beats, trying to DJ different things on the computer. I just fell in love with it from there. I kind of knew then that I was on to something.
Eventually, I started focusing directly on producing. I had made a lot of records in high school. I had worked with a lot of upcoming artists and produced for a lot of upcoming artists, and it kind of just built my reputation up in Memphis. By the time I got to college, I already had a nice reputation for the music I was producing in Memphis.
What made you realize that you wanted to produce music instead of being an artist?
One thing about producing at the time was that it was a market that was wide open. A lot of people weren’t really into music production at the time. If you produced a song with an artist on there, you were doing something good, you were doing something right. So, my goal was to produce for artists and get my name on platforms like Live Mixtapes and SpinRilla. Working with artists was how I was able to get on those platforms because it was exclusive. I kept working with a lot of upcoming artists, and the upcoming artists eventually started getting on these websites and these platforms, and then the music that we were creating would start trending.
Why do you think arts education is so vital for young people today, especially in underserved communities?
Speaking from my own perspective, I started out drawing, being creative, and expressing myself in different ways. When I used to draw, it set me free within school; it was a relief for me. I think a lot of students can relate to that.
It’s very important to have art in education. It’s a form of expression. When I used to draw, it set me free within school; it was a relief for me. I think a lot of people can relate to that.
Are you currently involved in any initiatives or programs that focus on supporting arts education or providing resources to underserved communities?
I’m involved with quite a few different programs, especially in my hometown in Memphis. Recently, I was involved in the MyMemphis Poetry Challenge, a poetry contest in partnership with the City of Memphis Office of Youth Services. I had the opportunity to meet the young winners, gift them sneakers, and advocate for young creatives. It was powerful for them to see people like me return and give back to the community.
Why is it important for successful artists and producers to give back to their communities?
When I was in those situations, there were people who influenced me and changed my perspective forever. It happened in small moments; it could have been a conversation or a few words of encouragement. It was so impactful for me to have those voices and people who were able to set an example for the community. I was able to get motivated and inspired by that. I realized that I may be in this position now, but in 10 or 15 years, what should I do? For me, it’s setting that example, giving back, bringing awareness, and motivating the kids — showing them that it’s possible because it is. I’m living proof.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind as an artist, producer, and advocate for arts education?
If there’s something that impacted you, make another impact for somebody else. As far as art and education go, I’m making my impact step-by-step, day-by-day, and I’m going to continue to grow it. I want to see the people who I motivate and push forward get to the next level in art and education. Then, when they get to that point of being successful or being able to lend a helping hand, they do the same thing. I think that’s my ultimate goal; it’ll just make the world a better place.
