We recently connected with Tansu Maxwell and have shared our conversation below.

Tansu, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents never limited my creativity. I first showed creative interest in myself in the way I dressed. My nanny famously recalls finding me getting dressed for kindergarten one morning, and I had put on layers of plastic costume jewelry. She offered to help me edit my look, but my mom said, “let her wear what she wants. She should be able to express her style.”

Fast forward 18 years and I’m applying for college. My dream school is Berklee College of Music. Now mind you, I don’t come from a family of musicians, although my mom’s sister has a hell of a voice. But she never did anything with it; back in their days growing up in Istanbul with a strict Turkish dad, his rules were the rules. His calls were the call. So, when my aunt expressed interest in singing in college, my grandfather mockingly denied it, and told her she’d studying accounting and become one. Which is what she did, until she got married and became a mother. So when I said I wanted to sing in college, I’d like to think my mom was so supportive not only because she believes in me, but because she got to support something her dad didn’t believe in. It’s kept me going, the way my parents see me.

Tansu, 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?

Ok so hi! My name is Tansu, and my artist name is TANSU. There’s a big difference.

I am a singer / songwriter / growing artist in Harlem, NYC. I’ve worked with many writers, felt many musical feelings, and sung through many sleepless nights to get here. I am constantly developing and redirecting my sound. I like to write music I like to listen to. mostly soulful pop. I’ve just released my latest EP, “The City,” all about navigating relationships here in nyc.

I have a residency at the Virgin Hotel downtown where I sing once a month. I also do a variety of voice over and jingle work. I do love having a voice that pays the bills. Or at least… some of them.

My energy is what sets me apart. I appreciate that about myself. I’m funny because I’m honest. Why not, right? I love singing. It’s when my body feels right. I love holding the emotion of the room and changing it. I like inspiring people, in a good or bad way. I like changing people’s perspective. I love the tone of my voice and I love sharing It.

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

Many musicians and artists get their paychecks from invoices. A lot of those invoices have a net 30 clause, or something similar. I believe it’s time to normalize paying musicians for services rendered immediately. I’ve spent many weeks waiting for checks to come through. More often than not, I have to pay my band out before I get paid. Imagine leaving a restaurant and paying for the meal a week later. Or getting your hair cut and mailing a check 28 days later. Musicians and all artists deserves to be paid in a timelier manner than net 30.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I love receiving messages from fans, from people I would have never known had it not been for music. I love when people take my music and make it their own. I had someone reach out and say “Easy Love” takes her and her husband back to when they first met, when they had life easier (they have kids now, woof). “Better Off” has helped many of my girlfriends recognize fake friends. To provide a musical answer to somebody’s question is a great way for me to live. I love being there for people in that way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.iamTANSU.com
• Instagram: @iamtansu
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAmTansu/
• Twitter: @iamtansu
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAMxyN9iH_-Bt6cRU2Azhrg
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tansutansu
• Other: TikTok @iamtansu
  Threads @iamtansu

Image Credits

Sean Jamar
Shervin Lainez