For readers just discovering your work, how would you introduce yourself and your sound as T.J. Tha Producer?
I’m a emerging music producer from the south side of Chicago with a eclectic or very open style of producing drawing from many genres.

You’ve been involved with music since the age of 10. What sparked that early passion, and how has your relationship with music evolved over the years?
I started in the church choir singing, but my mom listened to many music artist as I was growing up. When I got into high school and was in the band I started appreciating the instrumentals and different instruments. In college I really started learning how to compose which to me is the foundation of producing.

Growing up and still living in Chicago, how has the city’s music culture influenced your production style and creative approach?
I feel it influenced me greatly because I’ve heard blues and jazz bands, as well as R&B, rap, juke and a little rock.

What does your creative process look like when you’re building a track from scratch? Mood first, melody first, or something else entirely?
My creative style is me listening to different instruments sounds, melodies, drum beats as well as creating a sound myself. It may take me a few days to finish a beat to a month. But there were times I’ve done it in a few hours.

One of your biggest accomplishments is getting your music—and the artists you work with—heard worldwide. What does that milestone mean to you personally?
It TRULY MEANS A LOT, that means that I have a true starting point. It also lets me know how people truly feel about my music and what to work on, because I don’t want to make good music, I want to make EXTRAORDINARY MUSIC.

As a producer, how do you approach collaboration with artists to make sure their vision and your sound align?
I like to get with the artist and discuss the meaning of the song a they write to it. I some times write down my thoughts and let them arrange the lyrics. Im a stickler for PRACTICING THE SONG BEFORE WE RECORD IT. To me the recording studio is NOT for practicing the song but for recording and mixing.

Who are some producers or artists, past or present, that have influenced your journey in music?
My biggest influence is N.W.A, which I was a huge Dr. Dre and Easy E. fan. DJ Quik, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Timbaland and DJ Khaled. Currently Im a huge Glorilla fan, as well as Bone Thugs, Twista, Da Brat, Cardi B, Megan The Stallion, Sabrina Carpenter. Trust me there are way to many both male and female to name.. 😂😂

You’ve expressed interest in producing for both well-known artists and up-and-coming talent. What excites you most about working with emerging artists?
Me having a hand in cultivating them as an artist as well as their style.

You mentioned having a few songs currently in the works. What can listeners expect from these upcoming releases in terms of sound or direction?
I want them to hear something completely different as well as something everyone can relate to.

Looking ahead, what goals are you most focused on right now, and where do you see T.J. Tha Producer in the next few years?
I’m truly looking forward to working with different artists weather they’re emerging or the top tier well established artist. Im looking to eventually hear my songs on rotation on the mainstream radio station as well as being a platinum artist along with the artist I worked with.

Where can we follow you on social media?
Instagram.. Terrancehicksjr75
Tik tok..T.J. THA PRODUCER
FACEBOOK ..BUST YO EARDRUMS PRODUCTIONS

Any Shout Outs?
Thank you to my daughter/artist TRE-K,
SAVARIGO, BIMPIN, MACK DELFINO, MISTY OF HYPE 87.3 IN ATLANTA