We were lucky to catch up with Thelonious Love recently and have shared our conversation below.

Thelonious, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I grew up in performing in plays, choirs, and talent shows. I’m a writer and a poet. I was always hanging with the musicians, even before I considered myself one. I was exposed to a lot of different music really early in my life. I always wanted to make music. Being onstage has always felt liberating to me. I thank all of my theater teachers who nurtured the young performer in me all the way thru college. Learning about voice & breathe, stage presence, and camera angles helps me to this day. Storytelling fascinates me. There are so many ways to say something with sound, lyrics, and performance. I was fortunate to have had access to insightful and encouraging teachers.

Thelonious, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an artist and performer based in Austin, Texas. After relocating to Austin from Houston in 2009, I began expanding my journey in spoken word poetry into songwriting, producing, and performing live music. My background in theater influences everything about my technique. I’m a storyteller. I like to blend all my favorite genres in my music. I’ll take a trap beat and infuse some R&B, Funk, Rock, Reggae, Jazz, Blues, Gospel, and live instrumentals to create a distinguished Hip-Hop sound. I’ve released 2 studio albums with a new one coming soon, “Love Me Naught!” This new album is 100% ME. I had to relearn how to love myself and change some ways I was showing up in my life. From heartbreak to bad habits, I told the raw truth on the album and it has been liberating. I promised myself to make it fun! People want to dance! When I play live, I want people to feel empowered! Like, “Yes! I love me!”

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

It’s hard to understand an artist’s journey because nothing about the process is absolute. Everything is up for interpretation and change. My process is my own. There are often several moving parts happening at the same time. A lot of the music industry is building and maintaining relationships. Timing and accessibility are real. You need access into the industry. It is a business. There’s a huge personal and financial investment we take. There is a lot of work that goes in that has nothing to do with the art. Technology and the internet have changed the music industry, too. You have to know who you are as a person and be willing to do adapt to whatever speaks to the times. Few people will understand.

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

I love connecting with people thru my art and making people feel seen/heard. It feels like giving people a permission slip to be their authentic selves each time I am myself. It’s liberating. Like, I get to be a whole ass person. I am beautiful, complex, and growing in every way. It’s an honor to be able to share it in my music and art. Let them know, “You’re not alone!”

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.jurnt.com/thelonious-love
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theloniouslove
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theloniousloveofficial
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/theloniouslove
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JurntEntertainment/videos

Image Credits
Photography by: Austin Mesch