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

Teo, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I got serious about making music when I was 14, tinkering with GarageBand on my brother’s laptop, crafting beats and writing rap verses. But my musical journey actually started way earlier. At just 4 years old, I’d entertain my family with rap performances, even if the lyrics didn’t make much sense. Music was always in my blood.

Growing up, my older brother had a makeshift studio with just a MacBook and a MIDI keyboard, where I soaked up everything about music. And it runs in the family – my dad was part of a crew of artists in Philadelphia during the 80s, spinning records at parties.

From those early days, I knew music wasn’t just a hobby for me; it was my destiny.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I hail from a small town just outside of Philly, where I grew up in a blend of Italian and Black cultures, thanks to my Italian mother and Black father. This dual heritage has profoundly shaped me as an artist. I believe it’s what sets me apart – I grasp the intricacies of both narratives, drawing inspiration from the rich artistic legacy of the Italian Renaissance and the profound creativity of Black culture.

Being immersed in these two worlds allows me to infuse my art with a unique flavor, reflecting my diverse background. I’m not afraid to delve into the depths of my experiences, confronting the challenges and triumphs I’ve faced among family and friends. My art is a raw and unfiltered reflection of my life, akin to writing an open book for the world to read. I’m unapologetically honest and transparent, fearlessly expressing the thoughts and emotions that dwell within me.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Being an artist to me is synonymous with freedom. It’s the liberty to express oneself without inhibition, to convey emotions and ideas freely. This is my narrative, my journey, and I embrace it wholeheartedly. It’s reminiscent of childhood, where imagination knows no bounds, and I still carry that childlike wonder within me. Just like playing with toys in my bedroom at the age of 6, I approach art with the same sense of joy and exploration, but on a larger scale as an adult.

Artists are architects of their own worlds, sculpting realms that resonate with their innermost visions. And that’s what captivates me the most – the boundless creativity and the ability to shape realities from dreams.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

What propels me most on my creative path is simply myself. Creating feels like therapy; without that urge to express myself, I’d feel lost. It’s like a necessity, a way to channel all the stories I’ve collected in my life. Moreover, as a fan of my favorite artists, I recall the profound impact their work had on me. I aspire to evoke that same feeling in my own fans. It’s this desire to connect and resonate with others that keeps me driven and passionate about my craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.teopasquale.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teopasquale/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwhrEo-jqrFHJyd58ndga1w

Image Credits
Justin Lennox Williams