An Interview With TERI TOBIN On Her Upcoming Tour, Her Current Music and More!

Meet the lovely and talented soul singer-songwriter, Teri Tobin! She writes honest and empowering songs that encourage listeners to allow love and support to happen in their lives, and to stand just as boldly and proudly in their truth as they have allowed Teri Tobin, with dignity and grace.

Learn more about Ms. Tobin in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today! So, what’s a typical day look like for you lately?

A typical day in my house starts off with me trying to get my almost-teenaged-son out of bed and ready for school. Typical mom’s checklist! (Laughter) Once he’s out of the house, I do a back handspring! Just kidding. From that point on I’m pretty much glued to my social media- I’m following up on emails, drop requests, checking in with my manager, etc… Since I’m preparing for my European tour dates, I am also re-working or re-creating the flow of my music arrangements. As if I don’t already have enough on my plate, I will likely be back at ASU this Spring, so I sprinkle in classes and studying somewhere in between all that.

In the late afternoon, [my son and I] go over his homework, and now he’ll have basketball training, practice or games. So the evenings are interesting. Then I’ll finish dinner. When it’s “lights out” for him, that’s when my creative juices are flowing and I write and record in my home-studio. (And that’s the abbreviated version)

Growing up, did you always want to be a performer? Could you see yourself doing anything else today?

Yes, I guess it was. I’ve been performing since I can remember talking or even walking. So really, my dreams were always set on being a recording artist. Being a mom, an independent recording artist and a full-time student…it’s been challenging, to say the least.

Truth be told, I wouldn’t have it any other way. During the time where I worked at my corporate job, I just wasn’t as fulfilled since I wasn’t operating in my passion and what I believe to be my purpose.

Where do you get the inspiration for your music? Is that always changing?

I’m inspired by life whether it be my own or what I desire for myself and those around me. I strive to put positivity out there and have faith that it will come back to me. I’m also inspired by that feeling you get when someone sings or plays an instrument and you just “feel it”. That’s the kind of thing that moves me. It does change from time to time as the seasons do, but it usually comes back to love.

Can you talk about your album “Truth Is”? What was it like putting this collection together?

“Truth is” is my third full-length album, so when I started thinking about what I wanted to say on the collection, I reflected upon just who I am as a person, as a woman and as a mother. Up until that point I had found myself being comfortable with being “on” all the time, instead of being honest and open about the trials I may have been faced with, or some of the low moments that life at the time. So the album was kind of a way for me to tell my truth, but I also wanted to do something with the listener and be inspired. If you take a look at the back of the CD, there is a message. Say “Truth is” before each song title or put some of them together and it will reveal something to encourage the listener.  For instance, Truth is “Love Happens”. Truth is if they didn’t love you right, “Someone Else Will” ….. and so on.

What can you tell our readers about your newest single “I Am Love”?

“I Am Love” wasn’t even going to make it on the album initially. It was always one of my favorites but it is a personal anthem. It was a song that I wrote after a heated argument with someone and I told myself not to allow the negative energy keep me from what I always was…. And that was someone who loves myself and speaks life to others. Two years later, I decided to share it with the world, again to put more positivity out in the universe.

What artists have continued to inspire you through the years?

There are so many. New and veterans. Donny Hathaway inspires me to approach a song with emotion and heart. I always say that his voice and songs are what love looks like. Stevie Wonder too. He is just a master songwriter and singer. Again, you can feel it all in your soul. But my music collection also includes The Beatles, Barbara Streisand and Yolanda Adams.

Who would you love to work with one day?

I would love to work with Jamie Foxx and D’Angelo. Not at the same time, of course. Those that know me, know the love I have for them respectively.

How do you think you have grown as an artist since you started performing?

With each album, my goal is to show some growth. If it’s stretching my vocal range or improving as a songwriter. Hopefully I’ve been able to show my growth on “Truth is”.

In your vast career, what’s been a favorite memory of yours so far?

Every time I get the opportunity to perform tends to be my new favorite memory. (Laughter) I would have to say when I was watching DirecTV and my song came on the Silky Soul channel. It was kind of a surreal feeling even though others had told me they’d seen it, but to see it for myself was definitely a memorable moment.

What do you think you have learned the most from?

My mistakes and heartbreak. My mistakes have been the most enlightening aspects of my journey. Without them I would not know the enjoyment of achieving growth.

Heartbreak gave me lyrics to some of my songs, but also motivated me to love those that truly love me, that much harder.

Where do you see yourself in the next 10, 15 or even 20 years?

Well, in addition to continuing to perform music that has the power to heal the masses, I also plan to invest into future generations with the non-profit organization I’m establishing. The goal is to help others hone in and fine-tune their pathway to their passion and purpose.

What do you hope is the message of your music? 

“Truth is” you are “Wonderfully Made” so “Always Be You” and know that “Love Happens”.  “Free Yo Mind” in a “Pool of Love” and “#Shine”.