We caught up with the brilliant and insightful TuT TuT a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

TuT, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

My journey in music began in 2018, marked by a quest to discover my distinctive sound. Initially, I lacked a defined style, but I immersed myself in daily songwriting and vocal practice, frequently experimenting with various tones, pitches, and personalities during studio sessions. The process of identifying my musical identity was challenging, and it took several years of continuous effort. While I’m still in the process of refining my sound, I’ve made substantial strides in that direction. Currently, I’m actively honing my style by practicing on an array of beats and searching for my unique musical niches. Throughout this journey, the two most crucial skills I’ve cultivated are patience and consistency, as they are vital for sustained growth in music. Additionally, I’ve learned the importance of embracing positive criticism while preserving my artistic authenticity. Despite facing pressures to conform to industry trends, I’ve remained steadfast in staying true to my distinct style and vision. Reflecting on my experiences, I acknowledge that seeking mentorship or collaborating with established artists could have potentially expedited my learning process. However, the journey to finding one’s sound is profoundly personal and continually evolving.

TuT, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m TuTxTuT, originally hailing from Syracuse, NY. My academic journey led me to a bachelor’s degree from Buffalo State University and a master’s in filmmaking from the New York Film Academy South Beach. My venture into the creative world began in the film industry, where I specialized in shooting and editing music videos for local artists. This experience eventually led me to embrace a dual role as a trap artist and director/editor. Since 2018, I’ve been passionately crafting music, and I’ve notably released two successful albums under the title ‘Trap Miami Series,’ alongside various singles and EPs that continue to gain traction. One significant milestone in my career was the release of my recent album, ‘Trap Miami (A-side),’ which received the honor of being hosted by the renowned artist Dave East, significantly boosting my recognition within the industry. I also manage a dynamic multimedia business called Khamenlenz Media LLC. What I want everyone to know is that I’m dedicated to pushing creative boundaries and delivering exceptional content in both music and film, and I’m excited about the journey ahead in my multifaceted career.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my view, society can best support artists and creatives by offering genuine acknowledgment for their exceptional work and expressing appreciation for their talents. While streaming and sharing their creations are essential, there’s immense value in physically telling artists that their music or art is truly appreciated; this simple act can have a profound impact. Additionally, fostering a thriving creative ecosystem can be achieved by hosting more organized events that specifically spotlight local artists. These events should be thoughtfully curated, ensuring that each participating artist receives the recognition they deserve, rather than overwhelming line-ups. I often advise fellow artists that if their immediate circle isn’t providing the support they need, it’s crucial to keep persevering. When your work is being watched and not just supported, it often indicates that you’re on the right track and making waves within the creative community. So, a combination of genuine recognition, well-organized events, and unwavering self-belief can go a long way in nurturing a thriving creative ecosystem in society.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building an audience on social media has been an intriguing journey for me. The key to success in this dynamic space is consistency. Staying committed to posting regularly and engaging with your audience is crucial. Equally important is keeping up with algorithm changes and embracing new features offered by platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. These features can help you gain wider recognition and reach. An essential piece of advice I would give to those starting their social media journey is to be authentic. Don’t be afraid to be yourself because that’s when you attract your true fans who resonate with your genuine personality and content.

I’ve also noticed that some aspiring creators hesitate to release their work due to the potential harshness of the social media realm. While it can be challenging, it’s essential to remember that every artist faces criticism at some point, and it’s part of the growth process. Don’t let fear hold you back from sharing your creativity with the world.

Another crucial point is not to get fixated on the number of followers or likes you receive. Many major artists today were initially discovered with a relatively small following. It’s more about who is watching your content and connecting with it on a deeper level than how many followers you have. Building a loyal and engaged audience is far more valuable than chasing numbers. So, stay true to yourself, stay consistent, and remember that social media success is about the quality of your engagement rather than the quantity of your followers.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.khamenlenz.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/tutxtut
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNVIcaAG3YM7hzZ0QCMJvOA