We recently connected with Donovan Tate and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Donovan , thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

At first, I’ve wanted to be an actor. But I always imagine myself in films, especially reading fictional books having an imagination playing one of the characters. Then I would hear music in my head having an idea for the film theme. My music background started on my mom’s side of the family and when my dad bought me a drum set. I was making all the racket getting on my mom’s nerves. Then my next door neighbor bought me an acoustic guitar, but never master it. In my third grade year, I’ve learned to play the recorder. Learning music became more of an interest to me. Especially singing in music class singing songs from the movie “Mary Poppins”. Later on, I sung in the church youth choir and playing the small electric organ and piano at my grandma’s house. The early 80’s, music was different. MTV really changed my life by seeing all sorts of bands and solo artists and the clothes they are wearing that matches their personality and music they’re doing. That influenced me by wanting to be a rock star.

Donovan , 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 very independent. I do everything myself. I can get things done much faster. Sometimes I rather work alone. I don’t mind collaborating, but it has to be with the right person to create a kinetic connection. A person who’s mediocre will make me go ghost and not work with him/her anymore

Services l provide is to produce and create music for artists and do a remix for those on my level. I’ve done a remix for two bands. One is DENORMAL out of Sweden (Europe); and a band with two members called FLYING DARK based out of Atlanta and New York. My experience in music is mainly electronic and film scores.

What sets me apart from other black artists is to create something majority don’t do. Urban music is not me to make. I listen to all types of music and appreciate them all. I do what’s best for me to make myself happy. And do what I love that fits and comforts me.
My accomplishments reigns me by being a veteran musician being in this industry for 42 years. Being underground and independent gotten me more exposure by being interviewed and album reviews on radio, magazines and newspapers. Most importantly getting my music played on radio. College radio that is. Biggest accomplishment is scoring music for a film. That was a dream and it came true. Never know who’s watching you and observing your moves. When someone contact you and wants you to do something big you’ve never done before, but it’s what you always want to do, it’s a blessing.

My brand is my own. I started my label in June 1997. I’ve changed the name so many times. Because I was experimenting and going through phases making different types of music. I’m back to my original roots making electronic music. My new label name is called Synthetique Beat. The new direction is create Ambient music and hopefully score more films and music for movie trailers.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

By staying motivated and positive. My new goal is releasing my book and short story. One of my my poem has already been published in a book since 2001.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

If you’re a fan, support by buying the artists music. Not talking about on mainstream platforms. Buy their cds, cassettes and vinyl records. They’re all back in effect now. Nothing like having a disc to cherish for a lifetime. Support buying other merchandise, attending shows. Artists put all their hard work creating something that’s their passion. To make money, you have to spend money. A hard earned money the artists invested getting the product made, market and promote.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/synthetique_beat?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA==
• Other: https://youtu.be/cAgon2GC2VA?si=kmoZKUa9BD7LLaYW https://youtube.com/@dr.electrosynthesist5234?si=FAzfWB6T1ZZffgoH https://youtu.be/6KZQCI_e9ls?si=xKZG7QEnxWK9FWYm https://youtu.be/CKGqTdAOb7E?si=ne0s8E4XJsmsV6oq https://youtu.be/RUKQhInR3J0?si=clpl82drjmE55uVG

Image Credits
Donovan Tate, Erika Simmons and Daniel Rives