Amariyah Mallory 
Up next in our FTG Spotlight Feature series is Chicago native, Tanisha Tarrelle. She is one of the True Star Open Mic artists to have earned a spot to perform on the main stage at this year’s fourth annual From the ‘Go Festival. Learn more about Tarrell’s story and her love for music by reading below.
What does it mean to you to perform at the FTG Fest?
Performing at this year’s FTG Fest means everything to me! I attended one year and said to all my friends “Y’all I gotta get on that stage,” and I’m finally getting my chance to perform for my city!
How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I would describe myself as an unorthodox jukebox. I literally sing EVERYTHING: gospel, R&B, pop, rock. I sing it all. Nothing is off limits for me as an artist.
How did your passion for music begin?
My passion began as a child of course. I sang in church and my dad sang when I was small as well, and I was also a part of the greatest children’s choir in the city “THE SOUL CHILDREN OF CHICAGO.” We’ve traveled all over singing from big arenas to small ones to the morning news and more. They really helped develop me as a singer all together.
Who are your musical influences?
Oooo, I love this question! Celine Dion, Beyoncé, Brandy, Jhud, Whitney.
How did you come up with your stage name?
Well, my name is Tanisha and I give really bad dating advice to anyone that asks so, my friend Jazzy was like, “Talking to you is like talking to a guy, so we gotta give you a dude nickname.” We came up with Tarelle so I just put it all together.
What are your main goals for a music career?
My main goal is to have my voice heard by tens of thousands of people! Even if I never become “famous” I just want my sound to travel all through this world to places even I can’t physically reach!
What artists would you like to collaborate with in the future?
I would like to collaborate with Beyoncé, Chris brown, and Dua Lipa just to name a few.
What advice would you give other emerging artists?
Just always be yourself! There’s literally no one in this world like you! No one is as unique as you are, as amazing, or creative as you are. NEVER look at the next person’s career. Just focus on the gift God gave you and don’t wait to start. START NOW even if you are scared. DO IT SCARED.
Where do you hope to have the opportunity to perform one day?
Short term a Bulls game. My goal right now is to walk on that court and sing for my city team, either the national anthem or a half time set of my own music. My larger goal would be opening for major artists coming to Chicago. Even bigger goal: a major tour with a major artist.
What has been the highlight of your musical career this far?
The highlight for me so far is winning a $10,000 singing competition and having my music played on the radio.
What are your hobbies outside of music?
Literally nothing. It’s so bad, but somehow no matter what I do music is involved.
When did you know you wanted to do music?
I knew when I had my first heartbreak. I didn’t wanna cry, I wanted to write a song so if I ever felt that way again or if my friends ever did, we’d have a soundtrack to eat our “sad girl” ice cream to.
How would you describe your style when it comes to making music?
My style is pretty simple actually I just have to be in love with the track and my songs pretty much write themselves. Oh, and I almost always have to write in the car!
Be sure to come check out Tanisha Tarrelle this Saturday, July 27th, at the From The ‘Go Fest from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the DuSable Museum campus. Click here to get a free festival pass.
By Amariyah Mallory, Junior, Whitney Young
IG| Dancemari_
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