Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Autumn Tuesdae . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Autumn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?
I was 13 years old when I started recording in the studio for the first time in my hometown of Newark, New Jersey. My uncle had a studio located downtown on Broad Street at Newark Symphony Hall. Growing up around that time, you were likely to get caught up in doing all the wrong things but my parents decided to introduce me to recording as a way of keeping myself busy and out of harms way like most parents would prefer. I would go there to take ballet lessons as well. Both my parents are vocalists and creatives so it just made sense to insert the Arts at that time.
I always knew I could sing but never took it seriously at all. I wasn’t the average girl that wanted to be a “superstar.” I just knew I had a pretty voice, came from a musically inclined family, and enjoyed singing to every song that came on the radio lol! Asking me to sing for money was never a thought. I was way too shy. Me? Singing in front of someone comfortably? Absolutely NOT.
However, my thoughts changed when my father told me that I was chosen to be a featured artist for an upcoming “Team Jordan” campaign for the release of the Air Jordan 17s that was scheduled to launch in 2002. Back then, any consumer who purchased those sneakers received the footwear in a briefcase with a CD of a song produced by saxophonist, Mike Phillips and they would have the pleasure of hearing my voice on the track. I was paid $300 and as a youngin’, that was more than enough for me to buy some fresh kicks and an outfit so I was hype. Besides, not too many singers can say their first check was signed by MJ, the greatest basketball player in NBA history. My parents have held on to that check to this day LOL!
Looking back, I realize it wasn’t about the money. I was satisfied in knowing that my loved ones believed that I was worthy and talented enough to be apart of a large campaign, that you can still listen to on social media platforms today so for that I will always be grateful.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Autumn Tuesdae’. I am a singer, songwriter, and vocal creative. I would consider myself an endless dreamer of the Arts. My name is an extension of life’s creation. I was born in the season of Autumn on a Tuesday morning.
Growing up in New Jersey, I always knew I had a voice. My mother told me she noticed that I was able to sing at the age of 3. Honestly, I never considered pushing myself to be an artist. Which may set me apart from the average person who knew they wanted to be a singer. I never wanted it. At all. There was nothing you can do to make me to sing in front of anyone. EVER. Funny thing about life is that your experiences can shape you into who you become and I’ve learned that my best form of expression is through music. Not to mention, me being a singer was inevitable because I spent my entire childhood surrounded by family who are musicians.
Most of my musical influences come from listening to a mixture of Jazz, R&B, Soul, and Blues. It was between the ages of 9 and 12 when I became intrigued by the vocal ability of legendary singers Billie Holiday, Faith Evans, Oleta Adams, Nancy Wilson, Aretha Franklin, and Donny Hathaway. They blew me away. Especially Faith Evans. Her background vocals are unmatched.
I spent all of my nights listening to “The Quiet Storm” on radio station 107.5 WBLS faithfully. My parents thought I was sleep but I was up until about 2-3 in the morning writing and honing in on each song that played. I payed attention to all the musical elements from the production, to the background vocals and the lyrics. I was more intrigued by the emotion that spewed all over each song. They all sang like music was the safest space to express all of their truths. The only space.
I wanted to learn how to channel that feeling, I guess. Probably because I was growing, but I was shy and couldn’t master how to find an outlet that resonated with how I felt. Life taught me that it was always and will forever be in Song.
I started my creative path when I decided to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia in 2014. Months before, I recorded my first song entitled “Catch Me.” The song had alot of positive feed back and something told me it was time for me to take my artistry seriously. I just knew it was time. After getting settled in Atlanta, I became acquainted with a lot of talented singers and musicians in the local areas. Went to a few open mics, vocal workshops, and jam sessions.
From there, I was able to network, build rapport with the music community and land a few live performances along with recording sessions. Eventually, I was fortunate enough to work with a few celebrities in the music industry such as Summer Walker, Ro James, Cyhi Da Prince, Case, Raheem DeVaughn, Shanice, and Donell Jones, to name a few. Each opportunity given inspired me to go harder and most of all help me to appreciate that my gift can really make room for me.
My most recent accomplishment that confirmed my potential was when I had the opportunity to sing overseas for 5 months in North Africa. I must say that experience changed me forever. I am never the same. I met some amazing people, traveled, and created the most beautiful memories. It wasn’t easy by far. I was beyond excited but I still felt complacent in my creative path. Life forced me to dig much deeper. The only thing I could count on was my God and my gift. That was my “why.” Those two factors alone was the foundation that sustained me and kept me level. When I accepted that along with discipline, my confidence became indescribable. Each night I stepped on that stage was a beautiful reminder that I’m right where I belong. I came back to the states with a drive to pursue my music career in ways I’ve never thought possible. Everything has to make sense now.
As an artist/creative this journey is probably the most, fearful, joyful, frustrating, motivating, challenging, cut-throat, unpredictable, yet rewarding career you could ever experience.
Ultimately, I wouldn’t be serving my purpose if I didn’t pay it forward by encouraging someone else who aspires to be. Your gift is YOURS. Accept it and Protect it. Sometimes, I want to stop. Sometimes, I want to keep going. Sometimes, I’m not even sure of the outcome. However, I know that I was granted a gift not too many people can claim. I’d be foolish not to continue to pursue it. And so it is and so shall it be……
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Being an artist allows me the freedom to be my most vulnerable and connect to the people. There are many life altering changes that can force you to question your purpose and the biggest reward for me is knowing that I can continuously create time and space to express myself authentically.
Most importantly, I am a mother and I have a responsibility. Knowing that I can show my daughters what strength, hard work, dedication and resilience looks like while chasing passion is the ultimate blessing. That’s the real flex if you ask me.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Most people do not understand how many challenges we face with staying consistent in a free lance career. Yes, it looks great when you see all the imagery and recognition. However, some must understand the risks that are taken. Finding balance while chasing dreams is not for the weak. We’re at constant battle within ourselves and the world that surrounds us. We’re continuously learning newer versions of ourselves as an individual and as an artist so alignment is extremely important. Some of us are parents, spouses, have families and other roles we have to maintain in our daily lives. Some days, you will lack motivation. Unforeseen circumstances can occur that is beyond your control. Some days, you may be rejected. Sometimes, you will be judged. Some days, you will have sleepless nights. Some days, people may come and go. Some days, you go broke. When you’re truly passionate about your craft you may fill yourself with doubt because we understand the music business is constantly changing so we have to put ourselves in a space to stand firm in spite of any obstacle. We’re human and we too have to fight to maintain our mental and emotional stability when we know the sacrifices that comes with being dedicated to your artistry. Grace is given freely and it means a lot when you can receive that from a genuine place.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: autumn_tuesdae
- Facebook: Autumn Tuesdae
