Today we’d like to introduce you to T.Couture.
Hi T.Couture, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been overall creating since I was a little girl. From making collages on my bedroom walls of my favorite artists to photographing/directing my own series in 2016 to finally putting my DJ knowledge and skills to the test in 2017 – making a career out of that mid-2019 and lastly designing graphics 2020! Creating is all I’ve ever known. Whether that’s visually or musically. Everything I do is with love and I try my best to make sure that’s always showcased throughout my work. In 2016/2017, I was a senior in Highschool. I was always interested in music growing up as a kid but I believe the older we get, the more we start to appreciate certain things a little more. By this time, I wanted to even take up music production. I wanted to learn everything from sampling to beat making and so much more. I knew this wasn’t an easy process but I still wanted to give it a go. In the meantime time, I would always play around on Virtual DJ slowing down/speeding up music – little did I know two years later I’d have DJ equipment and this would be an absolute love of mine!
Late 2018 I was gifted my very first DJ controller from my brother – this was him saying, I’m putting the battery in your back – now it’s time to get started and that’s exactly what I did! In June of 2019, I landed my first gig at Hooch & Hive in Downtown Tampa for a show my friend Frikidonya was putting on. She saw the potential and wanted to give me my first experience playing in front of an audience. From then, everything went up! In January of 2020, I launched my very own independent radio show/mix “Couture’d Radio” that releases every first Friday via SoundCloud where I introduce my favorites and soon to be yours. That could be anything from R&B, edits, Future beats, Jazz, Instrumentals, Afrobeats and so much more. I’m two years in with Couture’d Radio and three years in DJing. In 2021, I finally released merchandise supporting the radio show. Couture’d Goods was my way of presenting that not only am I a DJ but I design as well. Couture’d Radio has grown so much over the two years and it felt so right to provide more than just great music – I want to provide memories and experiences.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been the most smoothest road in the world, I must say that! As a multi-creative, you’re always juggling multiple things. In November of 2020, I left my daytime job to pursue my dream as a full-time creative. It’ll be two years since I’ve done that and I’m so happy that I did. As a self-employed person or full-time creative, there is a lot of adjustments that have to take place. Creating your own schedule, sticking to that schedule, becoming more organized with deadlines and just making sure in the same breath, you’re taking time to rest and not overdo it. I would definitely say that now, I have a little more experience in entrepreneurship – I’ve learned balance and it does make things easier. Whether that looks like creating a to-do list everyday, keeping a calendar on hand or scheduling meetings with others to make sure I’m communicating effectively.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a DJ, Graphic Designer and overall multi-creative. As a DJ, I am most proud to represent Women and POC who DJ/Produce or are interested in taking the next step to do so but aren’t sure how to do so. The DJing industry is a male-dominated field but it’s been so nice to see that women can do it as well. Being a DJ or music curator is like having a superpower. You have the ability to control the vibe in one setting, you’re putting people onto new music or playing music that may have been forgotten about. As a graphic designer, I’ve had the chance to design flyers for parties and businesses from Florida to LA to DC to Chicago. I absolutely love seeing colors come together that can complement each other well, shapes and typefaces! I’m self-taught in DJing and designing however – there’s always something new to learn every single day.
What matters most to you?
Doing creative work that makes the world or communities a better place. 2020 was a rough year for most. We’re currently in an ongoing pandemic and people are still recovering however, we’re not on a complete lockdown so people can travel and be out most of the time. Traveling to other cities to DJ is a goal of mine. Connecting people through music is a mission of mine. Seeing people dance, come out of their shell and just be themselves with the biggest smile on their faces is the best feeling in the world. I’m a joyful person and I want to spread that energy the best way I know how!
Contact Info:
- Email: booking: tcouturelive@gmail.com
- Website: bio.site/t.couture
- Instagram: instagram.com/t.couture
- Twitter: twitter.com/tempesttcouture
- SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/tcouture18
- Other: couturedgoods.com
Image Credits
Tyla Harrington (@thisistyla) 44 (@gawds.eye)
