Interview with hip hop artist Tanner Skinne

We are sharing our recent interview with hip hop artist Tanner Skinner.

Twist Online : First of all, please introduce yourself to our readers.
Tanner Skinner : I’m Tanner Skinner, just a regular guy. I’ve done things that some might consider extraordinary, but I just follow my heart and see where it takes me.

Twist Online : Who or what inspired you to get into music industry?
Tanner Skinner : My friend, Trill LeBeau from the band, “Cosmic Serenity”. He inspired me to find my voice and learn how to channel it. I discovered it by using my writing skills and poetry, one day the music just flowed out of me. That’s really the only way that I can describe it.

Twist Online : How much influence has your religious faith had on your music?
Tanner Skinner : Quite a bit, though I wouldn’t call it religious. Buddhism is a spiritual science that leads to the cultivation of mindfulness and “Metta”, which is loving kindness. My music and lyrics are a meditation and teaching, realizations and experiences that I’ve had.

Twist Online : Tell us about your recent project “Wisdom, The Main Idea”?
Tanner Skinner : This project was just that, a project. I had no idea that it would sell 146,000 copies. I was not trying to become a musician, I was just having fun expressing myself.

Twist Online : What kind of response have you received from the release?
Tanner Skinner : Overwhelming support, it has pushed me to take music seriously and start regularly making new albums. I’ve had a lot of people tell me that the album has helped them or inspired them. It gave me confidence and validation as an artist.

Twist Online : What attracts you more, performing on stage or working in studios?
Tanner Skinner : Working in a studio, I like the intimacy and being in the creative process. I don’t really like to perform, I enjoy creating.

Twist Online : Have you set some goals to achieve?
Tanner Skinner : A few, yes. To release an album every year, to tour across the states and in other countries, and to challenge myself to learn piano and guitar.

Twist Online : Are you working on any new project?
Tanner Skinner : Yes, I’m actively working on my second album right now. I’m also working on a Dubstep release that is a remix of my first album.