We were lucky to catch up with Tate Gifford recently and have shared our conversation below.
Tate, we appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
To be entirely honest, I can never seem to pinpoint an exact time or place when I sat down and told myself, “I’m going to be a professional performer,” as I have been around music all my life. If I were to pinpoint it, though, I would say it was right around the time when I was in middle school. During middle school, I had many more opportunities to spend a lot more time doing things that pertained to music (Guitar, Choir, Theater, other performances, etc.). It’s what started my path towards it as I started to dream-build and work on practicing my craft passionately.
Most importantly, it’s been something that I’ve always felt called to do, and that I know God has given me this dream, to hopefully be able to use it to help uplift and inspire others.
And anytime someone now asks me what the “Secret is” or “Shortcut,” I just simply say that there isn’t one. I still continue to practice to this day, and dream-build as I work towards my goal of eventually being able to play my music in front of crowds of thousands, bringing in more light and cutting through the noise that the world makes, with the power of the music I aspire to write.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Absolutely, I’d be glad to share more about myself and my brand (being my name), Tate Gifford.
I’m an independent artist and singer/songwriter who has been passionately immersed in the world of music for the past seven years. My journey into this industry was ignited by a deep love for music and the desire to share my emotions and stories through melodies and lyrics. I began performing live shows at various venues and gradually expanded to performing at private events, bringing a unique and heartfelt musical experience to those special occasions such as weddings, parties, private concerts, and other private events.
My focus is on creating soul-stirring and authentic musical experiences. Through my original songs and performances, I aim to evoke emotions, tell stories, and connect with audiences on a personal level. My music resonates with people who value genuine and heartfelt expressions that touch the core of their being.
One of the key aspects that sets me apart from others is my commitment to crafting music that is both relatable and deeply moving. I believe in the power of storytelling through song, and I pour my heart and soul into every composition. Whether I’m performing at a private event, writing a new song, or performing for a live concert, my ultimate goal is to create a transformative experience that lingers in the hearts of my listeners.
One of my proudest achievements is the evolution of my artistry over the years. I’ve honed my skills, expanded my repertoire, and grown as a performer. This journey has allowed me to connect with a diverse range of people and touch their lives through my music, and it always is so heartwarming to see that light come back into someone’s eyes when the music is a window to the soul that cuts through the noise that may be in their life at that time. I’m immensely grateful for the support of my followers, fans, and clients who have embraced my work.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that when they engage with me, they’re not just experiencing music—they’re immersing themselves in a genuine and sincere expression of emotions, but most importantly, that I deeply believe in the goodness and kindness of others. I love connecting with people, and I think we need more of that in this world. I’m excited to continue this journey, creating meaningful moments through my music and connecting with individuals who share a passion for authenticity, heartfelt artistry, connection, & kindness.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Simply put, it’s what I’ve felt and known what I’ve been called to do in this life, or another way of putting it would be that it’s the dream that for me personally, I feel that God’s put into my heart. The goal being to cut through the noise, bring people together no matter who, what, or where you are, what you believe, etc.
We are in a place that seems so divided today and focused on all the negative in the world, that we forget sometimes to take a step back, have conversations of better understanding, and realize that we’re all part of the same family—the human family—and that we need to realize that we aren’t alone. We don’t ever have to be alone in our struggles, and I find it’s so much more fulfilling to be able to set aside our differences and instead work together and truly connect with one another.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the profound ability to connect with others on a deeply emotional and human level. Through my music, I have the privilege of sharing my innermost thoughts, feelings, and experiences with the world. This vulnerability creates a bridge between me and my audience, fostering a sense of shared understanding and empathy.
Music has an incredible power to touch hearts, uplift spirits, and evoke emotions that words alone often struggle to capture. When someone listens to my songs and tells me that a particular lyric or melody resonated with them, it’s an indescribable feeling of connection. Knowing that my art has the capacity to make people feel seen, heard, and comforted is both humbling and inspiring.
Beyond the melodies and harmonies, I find immense joy in the idea that my music can serve as a vehicle for spreading kindness and positivity. In a world that can sometimes feel chaotic and divided, music has the potential to be a unifying force. It transcends barriers and speaks to the universal emotions and experiences that bind us all together as human beings and with God.
Through my music, I aim to bring more light into the world. I believe that genuine and authentic music has the power to uplift souls, inspire change, and create a ripple effect of positivity. Whether it’s through a heartfelt ballad, an upbeat anthem, or a soulful melody, I aspire to be a source of comfort and inspiration for those who lend their ears to my songs.
In essence, the most rewarding part of being an artist for me is the opportunity to create meaningful connections, spread kindness, and contribute to making the world a little brighter through my genuine music. It’s an honor to share my journey with others and to play a small part in adding more beauty and depth to the human experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: tategifford.com/contact
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tate_gifford/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giffordtatemusic
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tategifford
Image Credits
Photos taken by: LoneJalpeno- https://www.instagram.com/lonejalapeno/ & John MacAtee at H.O.P.E. Squad