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

Hi Tucker, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

It was a couple of years ago. I had entered into a song writing competition for fun. I placed 3rd in the competition, but afterwards, the judges said that out of all the contestants, I had the most potential to actually make a full time living with music. It’s one thing to have friends and family say you’re a good singer. It’s another thing to hear industry professionals tell you that you have what it takes.

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.

Yes, I come from a musical family. You may be familiar with the name Tillis. Mel and Pam Tillis are cousins of mine and they had a great deal of success in the country circuit. My family worked in Mel’s theater and I spent quite a bit of time back stage with my other cousins as child. Fast forward to my early 20s, I was beginning to share music at a local open mic night, getting comfortable performing and interacting with a crowd. People enjoyed listening to me and I eventually began booking gigs. In an area where country, folk, and tribute bands have become oversaturated, I have carved out a niche as a bluesy, soulful, acoustic rock performer with a highly eclectic set list of nostalgic covers and beloved original tunes brought together by a cohesive and refreshing sound.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

To not waste my life, really. They say “If you had all your needs met, what would you do”? Well, if I had it my way I would live a sedentary and hedonistic lifestyle of sitting around in leisure. Most creatives have a sense of intrinsic motivation. I don’t. If I want to do anything I have to have an outside force pressuring me to get things done. I look to my faith heavily in this regard. I believe we are all given gifts of skill and opportunity and if we don’t use them, we are not being good stewards and disciples. Deadlines can be shared with others so that they expect to see you deliver on something too. This is not the same as sharing vague plans with people. Imagine the stereotype of local bands saying “BIG THINGS COMING” only for nothing to happen. I played music for fun and sometimes work for about 5 years before this year when I released a song. I always would tell people I would publish a song in the future, but with no deadline to back it up. It wasn’t until last year that I told people I would release a song on a specific date, that I felt the pressure to actually follow up. If you lack discipline, try using other’s expectations of you to fuel your work.

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

Money. Seriously. That may sound crass but here is why. I could say I find value in touching the lives of others most, or the ability to express myself. Both are true. However when someone likes your music enough to spend their time in your world AND spend their money, (which for most people is a physical representation of their time and efforts) it makes an impact. Money is what encourages artists to continue pursuing their craft full-time and makes it possible to continue doing what they love. This is not to say we should do these things for the money, but how much you make can be a barometer for your success as an artist. It turns a passion our passions into a good idea, not just a leap of faith.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Tuckertillis.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tuckertillis?igsh=MTVqbTFvZGZ1emswag==
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tuckertillis?si=3qC1XEN9OLJAPeNk

Image Credits

Henry Head – Torches Together Photography