We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tyné Angela Freeman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tyné Angela, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents taught me not to fear failure. One of my personal mantras is “rejection is redirection.” This mentality is in large part due to the encouragement I received from them to try new and difficult things. Even when I failed, they reaffirmed their belief that I was destined for greatness. I have learned to step out on faith and take risks with the intention of learning, even if my initial goal isn’t immediately attained.

As an early example, I grew up singing in my church choir surrounded by talented and dynamic vocalists. As a more reserved personality, I experienced plenty of jitters and vocal mishaps! I often felt like I was failing when I couldn’t reach a note or achieve the tone I wanted. Although it was difficult to see at the time, I was failing forward—my voice was being refined each time I nervously took the stage. I gradually began to develop my craft and also experience the spiritual depth that inspires meaningful art. That environment allowed me to hone my instrument, and it stretched me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. The courage my parents instilled in me helps me remain committed in the face of new challenges.

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

I am a musician, author, and entrepreneur. Since 2010, I have released five full-length albums and opened for artists like Vanessa Williams and Lalah Hathaway. The arts have opened doors to some exciting experiences—from performing at the Kennedy Center, to delivering TEDx Talks, to publishing a historical fiction novel.

I studied music at Dartmouth College, where I had a chance to explore ethnomusicology and collaborate across cultures. I still love engaging with music through a scholarly lens, with a particular focus on the intersection between the human voice and recording technologies. Jazz, blues, neo-soul, and gospel are my favorite genres to perform. I grew up singing in my church choir, and I have always enjoyed the soulful, improvisatory nature of the genre. Each new musical environment has challenged and inspired me to grow.

Lastly, I’m also an entrepreneur—as many artists are! I founded a tea company set to launch this summer. I look forward to developing a brand that caters to vocalists of all sorts, promoting the health and maintenance of our most precious instrument. At the core of my work is a desire to help others find their voice and tell their story.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Throughout my journey—applying for many creative opportunities, colleges, jobs, et cetera —close calls and rejections have been frequent. In 2020, I applied for a Fulbright grant to study music in the UK. After preparing extensive application materials, securing recommendation letters, and flying to New York for the final in-person audition, I opened an email beginning with the words “We regret to inform you…”

Although these big rejections sting, I had faith that things would work out somehow. When I shared the sad news with one of my professors, he suggested another grant—but the deadline had just passed. I still decided to reach out to their office, just in case. Ultimately, I was able to submit all of the same Fulbright materials for this alternative opportunity, which came through and ended up being even better than the initial grant I wanted.

Since the pandemic had just begun, I wouldn’t have been able to travel to the UK for the Fulbright. However, the Reynold’s Fellowship that I was awarded allowed distance learning. I was able to enroll in the program while remaining near family during that uncertain time, complete the final stages of my novel, and even become a homeowner. None of this would have been possible if things had played out as I had originally planned.

I have also applied for PhD programs four times around. Each time, there have been obstacles to attending, from financial barriers to being rejected from programs. Although I was recently accepted to an amazing doctoral program, I’m still working on securing funding. Through it all, I’m learning how to trust this (very long) process. I’m passionate about my artistry, and each rejection has brought me a step closer to where I’m meant to be.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to inspire and connect with people. Music has carried me to new countries, sparked deep conversations, and allowed me to create bonds with people who don’t even speak the same language as me. I remember traveling to South Korea with my a cappella group in 2016. We sang the song “Fix You” by Coldplay. The song is about healing, and each time I sing it, I connect with the lyrics in a new way. During that performance, the audience members reached their hands toward us palm-up as we sang, which someone explained was a gesture of gratitude. Several people cried, and I was overwhelmed by their strong response. One man came up to me afterward with tears in his eyes and just held my hand for a moment. These types of encounters came to characterize my experience as I traveled and performed. I felt a sense of purpose and joy, as my musical gift allowed me to touch people’s hearts.

When I recorded a cross-cultural album in 2017, I worked with artists from several different countries. Through our collaborations, we came to know each other on a deep level. I was moved by their kindness and their excitement to take part in the project. Music has been like a compass, guiding me toward the right people and places. Pursuing my artistry has inspired lifelong connections. Several of the most important people in my life came to me through music.

Contact Info:

• Website: tyneangela.com
• Instagram: @tyneangela
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/tyneangela/
• Youtube: youtube.com/tyneangela