By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Los Angeles-based progressive tropical pop/r&b singer Teasley describes his overall vibe as “Chris Brown on a beach” and we can’t argue with that one.
Known internationally for his debut single “Hit It,” which gained over one million streams and landed at #8 on the MTV Italia Dance Chart, his 2016 debut EP ‘Feeling Better’ was also co-produced by a member of EDM trio Cheat Codes.
The music video for his latest track “Moonlight” recently dropped, comparable to the likes of Majid Jordan and The Weekend, guitar solos and all.
The Music Bugle had the opportunity to talk with him about “Moonlight” and more.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Teasley – No one specific at the moment, to be honest. I listen to Spotify’s “New Music Friday” every week to see if anything stands out, but I haven’t been locked in to one artist for a minute! Last year, I was listening to a lot of Mahalia and Rexx Life Raj.
Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your style of music?
Teasley – I think it makes you feel good! I’m all about the good vibes. We need more of that in the world right now.
Music Bugle – How would you describe Los Angeles to someone who has never been there before?
Teasley – LA is a bubble! (Laughs) It’s not real life. Everyday is beautiful, 70 degrees and sunny. If you don’t watch the news, you could get detached easily. You can do anything here, both good and bad.
Music Bugle – What inspired your single “Moonlight” and what was it like making the video?
Teasley – I was actually hanging with this girl who made me think differently about relationships, that maybe it didn’t need to lead to something serious and I could take a break away from work and it just be what it is. Getting lost in the moment instead of trying to set up the future. The video was pretty fun to make as well. It was great getting out of Los Angeles and visiting Joshua Tree for the first time too. I haven’t been on many adventures since the pandemic started and this videographer from Arizona hit me up about collaborating, so we went for it.
Music Bugle – Does social media help or hurt music?
Teasley – I think it’s a great tool for spreading music and getting awareness, but I think it can hinder the creative process if you get too absorbed in the culture. I also think it’s made it harder for artists to make money too, but things change and you have to keep adapting!
Music Bugle – What has been your proudest accomplishment so far?
Teasley – Hmmm. I’ve never really thought about this. Having a couple songs chart overseas was pretty cool, but I love creating music more than anything, so I think the fact that I can wake up everyday and work on music from my bedroom in Los Angeles is what I’m most proud of.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Teasley – Well, I haven’t gone a year without playing a live show in 10 years, so that’s probably the biggest thing, but on a positive note, I got a home studio set up and picked up a lot of skills in the meantime. I’m also getting good at the piano. Proud of that.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need to escape?
Teasley – I go visit my parents in Oakland or to the beach!
Music Bugle – What’s something you wish happened more in today’s music industry?
Teasley – I wish artists focused more on albums than singles. It’s about quantity over quality now. It’s more important to have a good balance of the two, in my opinion.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Teasley – I have a bunch! “How you do anything is how you do everything,” “Best way to be ready is to stay ready” and “No matter how flat you make a pancake, it always has two sides.”
