 | | On the mixing desk |
Having met Tanisjah Matthews, I was so inspired – I simply had to “google” her! I wrote her name into the search engine, and though no articles were found, I have no doubt that within a few years there will be hundreds of sites talking about her singing talent. I walked into the office of ‘Crush Music’ at the Custard factory and saw ‘Tan’, as she is referred to on stage. She was sitting at a desk, reading a magazine - nonchalance oozing from her. When we got talking it was obvious that her laid back attitude was reserved for her social life, as apposed to her music. Although only 17 years of age, Tan is focused, she not only has her own opinion about what is wrong with the music today, but thinks she knows what to do to improve it. She feels songs at the moment just contain an opinion rather than a story. She prefers her listeners to go on a journey as they hear the track. Thanks to Crush Music, she is able to put this into action by using their studio, free of charge. What makes Tan so inspiring? It is because she is out there getting herself a reputation in the music industry. She has performed at a number of talent shows, showcases and youth centres; locally and nationally. Furthermore, thanks to a scheme called ‘Freeness’, Tan is soon to be included on a CD that will be released and delivered to a number of record companies. Minority groups, of Black, Asian and Chinese artistes, were invited to an event at the Custard Factory. Everyone handed in a CD, and each song was played to the audience and a panel of judges. Tan’s song ‘In the middle’, got a great reception by both the audience and judges.  | | Tan |
The same event took place in lots of major cities, including Manchester and Glasgow, and had no age limit. So, as you can appreciate competition was intense. But along with 19 others, Tan was selected to have her hip-hop/rap song, on the compilation CD; and will now be going to the launch party in London on September 13th. Lyrical genius?…you decide Tan has had a passion for music since the age of 2. Brought up as a Rastafarian, she has had a sense of culture and identity from a young age. This is evident by her lyrics. Subject’s she focuses on include relationships, religion and politics. Her song, ‘In the middle’ examines her relationship with a previous manager. It talks about her battle between music and the music business. Her lyrics haven’t been embraced by everyone. One organiser in Leeds refused to let her perform because of what she sings about, especially her outspoken views on the socially taboo subjects of religion and politics. But that doesn’t worry her. She sees it as ‘ignorance’ and is just more determined to succeed. She feels words are a tool that can be used to connect to her audience. Showing, ‘there is someone out there feeling the same as you and you can take it on or empathise.’ Icons It was only at the age of 7 that Tan became interested in rap music. Nas, Tupac and Run DMC all became huge influences. But before this she was much more interested in poetry and the spoken word. This has given her the opportunity to combine two musical skills, rap and singing. When asked to describe her voice, she said it ‘had a soulful tone’. But was keen to point out it was unlike the R ‘n’ B voices that are around today. Many have said it has “crisp” texture, giving her an edge like no other.  | | Tanisjah |
She is keen to assert herself as an individual, which made me interested in finding out who she regarded as an icon. She quickly responded, ‘Missy Elliot’, but again she was just as quick to point out that no one can copy Missy Elliot, and she would hate to try. Instead Tan is inspired by how business minded ‘Missy’ is. Not only does Missy Elliot have businesses in a variety of genres, including music and fashion, she is most importantly successful in them all. She may talk the talk, but is there any substance to her talent? With Missy Elliot as her inspiration and with strong views on what the lyrical content of a song should be – Tan as high standards. But is the quality of her voice equal to those standards. Absolutely! I was amazed at the warmth in her voice. Her rich tones entice the audience to listen to her powerful lyrics, and her vocal range was remarkable for someone so young. If ever there was someone who deserved recognition it is Tanisjah Matthews.
There is no doubt Tan is talented. Her incredible voice along with her ambition, intelligence and conviction in her beliefs will hopefully ensure she has a very successful career ahead of her. | 
