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

Hi Tani , thanks for joining us today. One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

Everyone knows I am a busy body. I am never not engulfed in a project. Just a few months ago, I was traveling for work when I was involved in a very scary collision with an 18-wheeler. I am grateful to be alive, of course! BUT my-oh-my has this been a time. I have really struggled with healing mentally, physically, and emotionally. Thinking about all of the things: I “had to get done” by a certain date; All the people that were depending on me; All of the things I wasn’t doing the same, or as good, or as fast…I just kept stuffing myself with all these things that didn’t matter and was literally forced to sit down. However, this set back made for a bigger comeback and so many amazing things have occurred as a result of this down period for me. I don’t think there will ever be a time where things won’t happen to you or around you that could knock you off your path. Sometimes you will have a hiccup and it will be random. Other times, it will be a series of things that happen. When things get the most overwhelming or confusing, I bring everything to God. God pulls me up and out every single time right on time.

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.

I have been ghostwriting for rappers and singers since I was 12 after meeting my first producer at a music store. Largely, because I didn’t understand the logistics of the business and partly because I was just great at it. I learned overtime and after many many mistakes how different aspects of the business works and now get credited for my creative works. Mama, I’m a songwriter now (haha). I have worn many more hats than a writer at this point from media personality, author, illustrator, editor, manager, graphics/web design, etc. As a result, I went through so much in this business that I started coaching people in my orbit until it became a source of income for me. I now coach on the side and offer courses on how to register songs and various aspects related to the same. I am focused heavily on growing my repertoire as a songwriter. I look forward to adding some big names to my board over the next season and making a greater name for myself in this industry.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Non-creatives may never understand how creatives truly dissect the world around us and the responsibility it comes with. Many of us are called ‘weird’ for being different when those same differences are not only what people know and love us for but are entertained by. Creatives are super sensitive to all of that because we first feel “life” deeply then process our traumas through our outlets. Some of the biggest, brightest, most gifted creatives also have the biggest, darkest, most turbulent past. Be mindful of that in this day and age of “cancel” culture. We are all ever-evolving and just trying to be our best selves. For the ones that are watching those that are creating and sharing under a microscope (possibly idolizing), please be mindful that we are not only human but giving a piece of ourselves every time we do.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Oh the novels I could write about what I had to unlearn in this industry! First of all, do good business all the time and you will have an abundant career always in all ways. We have a culture in this business that pushes bad habits and bad business as a sacrifice, gateway or right of passage type because someone at some point early on may have presented them with a contract or a job that wasn’t mutually beneficial, etc. I am not saying sacrifice is not a thing that happens. What I am saying is when you have worked to the point in your career where you are now able to give opportunities, when you do, do it fairly. Be the change you want to see in the world, not just the person in the background that takes advantage the first chance you get. You will be given opportunities at some point to make hard decisions, don’t rush anything. Ask questions, often. Never stop learning. Never stop praying. Know that not everyone is your ‘friend’ but keep everyone close to you because this is a very small community (everyone knows everyone or someone that knows someone that knows everyone). Always keep it classy but be authentic to self and let God fight your battles.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tanirenee.com
• Instagram: iamtanirenee
• Facebook: iamtanirenee
• Twitter: iamtanirenee
• Youtube: imuppodcast
• Other: @imuppodcast on all socials

Image Credits
davila_photography