Tevin Studdard is a recent graduate of Indiana State University, where he majored in communications and public relations, two commodities that accentuate his musical talent. The 24-year-old recording artist has written close to 80 theme songs for colleges, universities and professional sports teams across the United States, all prior to graduating college.
In addition, he produced hit YouTube videos such as “Young, Black, and Educated” and “I’m Home Now,” which aired on Hot 96.3. Studdard’s next endeavors are to film more promo music videos and create a remix to his hit song, “Young, Black and Educated” in Atlanta.
Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper: How did you get started as a recording artist?
Studdard: Well, I had to be 11, just right after my cousin (Reuben Studdard) won “American Idol.” Being backstage seeing him perform just made me really want to do that. I think at a really young age, you just get influenced by different things. It was around the same time I had a cousin that was shot, so I always wanted to pursue the streets, but I was like, I’m going to second think that. (Reuben’s) on TV living his dreams, so I fell in love with music.
What steps did you take in jump-starting your career?
I did a song for a football team. From there, some of the other teams started singing it, so I was like, I can do it for other schools. So, at the end of my senior year, I did the Indiana Fever song, and that just turned into a slew of opportunities.
How did you connect with the different producers you have worked with?
It’s funny. I have a friend, Armand Washington. He introduced me to his dad, who is a producer for Interscope. We were at a football practice, and he said, ‘My dad is a producer,’ and I just thought he was lying. He said, ‘No, man! Come to the house.’ I saw all these plaques on his wall, so I was like, whoa. So, I got to do some of my first songs with him.
What was your experience like working with a producer from Interscope Records?
It was humbling just to see all the artists that he had worked with, to be able to record my first song with him. His name was Kenny Washington. He really honed my talent, so he really just taught me as far as song structure and how to capitalize on a song.
It’s Black Music Month. What does that mean to you?
To me, Black Music Month means to persevere the melodies that delivered us through slavery, civil rights and the crack era, to continue the genuine tunes the people depended on to be uplifted through turbulent times.
What’s the most difficult part for you as a young, Black, educated artist?
With only three music videos, the support has really been there for me with a quarter million views. I feel like I have an advantage being an educated artist, because I do frequent interviews with this radio station.
From your experience, do others perceive you as a role model?
I had stopped doing music for a few years. I got back into it, because a young lady was having a surgery, and the whole time she was in the hospital she was singing a song I did. It made me feel like, if I could have that kind of impact and effect on people, I want my life to reflect the positive music that I’m doing.
What advice would you give to others seeking their dreams?
Have a vision, eliminate distractions and grind, grind, grind again. Only dead fish go with the flow. When you have a vision and an endless work ethic, the sky is the pedestal.
