Podcast Summary: Toure Show Episode Featuring Tedra Moses – "I Am Music"

Introduction

In the January 29, 2025 episode of The Toure Show, host Toray engages in a compelling conversation with renowned singer-songwriter Tedra Moses. The episode delves deep into Tedra’s illustrious career, her unwavering commitment to artistic integrity, and the profound influence of her New Orleans roots and black heritage on her music. Throughout the discussion, Tedra shares invaluable insights into navigating the music industry, the importance of owning her work, and her strategies for maintaining a loyal fanbase.

Early Influences and New Orleans Roots

Tedra begins by reflecting on her formative years in New Orleans, a city synonymous with rich musical heritage. She emphasizes how the vibrant music scene shaped her as an artist:

“Every day of my life, home and school was full of music... Soul is innately in me.” ([06:45])

Growing up, Tedra was immersed in the sounds of R&B, gospel, and jazz, influenced by local artists like Shirley Murdoch and Anita Baker. Her music teacher, Ms. Shatters, played a pivotal role in nurturing her vocal talents and harmonization skills, instilling in her a deep appreciation for the art form.

Career Beginnings and "Complex Simplicity"

Tedra discusses the creation of her debut album, Complex Simplicity, highlighting the balance between sophisticated sound production and authentic emotional expression:

“I think that was the complex simplicity in the sound... I keep telling myself that life is simple, but we complicated.” ([20:18])

The album, released two decades prior, showcased Tedra's ability to blend 80s R&B influences with her unique artistic vision. Despite initial self-criticism, Tedra has grown to appreciate the album's impact and the personal growth it represents:

“I didn't like it at first... I listen back and I'm very proud of myself because it was way better than I thought it was.” ([23:05])

Challenges in the Music Industry

A significant portion of the interview focuses on the obstacles Tedra faced within the music industry, including label bankruptcy and legal battles:

“The label going defunct put me back into artist development... I'm on the road now. I'm perfecting, learning, how to rock these shows.” ([25:41])

Tedra recounts how the dissolution of TVT Records in 2008 disrupted her career trajectory, forcing her to pivot towards independent artistry. She emphasizes the importance of owning her publishing rights, which provided financial stability despite industry setbacks:

“I own 100% of my writing and 100% of my publishing... My sister learned how to administer publishing, so we just kind of like, we made good money.” ([35:53])

Owning Her Music: The Power of Publishing

Tedra underscores the significance of owning both her songwriting and publishing rights, a move that has proven financially lucrative:

“I was sued one song. I made, like, $5 million on one song... I own my writing, I own my publishing, too.” ([35:53])

This ownership has empowered Tedra to maintain control over her artistic output and financial earnings, contrasting with many artists who enter 360 deals that dilute their profits and creative control.

Building a Loyal Fanbase

Adopting an independent approach, Tedra focuses on nurturing a dedicated core of fans rather than pursuing widespread, impersonal promotion. She leverages direct communication and grassroots efforts to sustain her music career:

“I have a core fan base... I'm going to concentrate on who loves me already... this worked.” ([42:20])

By engaging directly with her audience through mailing lists and social media, Tedra fosters a personal connection with her fans, ensuring sustained support and word-of-mouth growth.

Collaborations and Artistic Growth

Tedra shares her experiences working with influential figures in the music industry, notably producer Raphael Sugg (referred to as Rafael Siddiq in the transcript). Their collaboration on her debut album highlighted Raphael's genius and his ability to empower artists:

“He just encourages you... He was like, that's amazing. You should keep that. I can do what I love to do and do it at the quality level I like and be okay.” ([50:28])

This partnership not only enhanced Tedra’s confidence but also reinforced her commitment to maintaining artistic integrity.

Personal Life and Resilience

Balancing motherhood and her music career, Tedra speaks candidly about the challenges she has faced, including an abusive family situation and the struggles of raising children as a single parent. Her resilience and dedication to her craft shine through as she recounts overcoming personal and professional hurdles:

“I became a much better artist... When you don't have anything, you lean on what you do have. And I had talent, so I just started leaning into that.” ([29:31])

The Role of Black Heritage in Her Music

Tedra passionately articulates how her black identity is the cornerstone of her artistry. She views her heritage as her superpower, deeply influencing her musical style and personal interactions:

“That's my superpower, being black... I don't think I would be as good at anything without my blackness.” ([52:01])

Her music embodies the rhythms, resilience, and communal spirit inherent in black culture, making her work a powerful expression of her identity.

Perspectives on Cannabis and Social Change

Towards the latter part of the interview, Tedra discusses her views on cannabis legalization and its cultural implications. She highlights the disparity between societal acceptance and legal restrictions, advocating for broader legalization and recognizing its historical significance:

“This is my God given right... It’s a beautiful plant... You want peace? Let everybody smoke marijuana.” ([48:05], [48:37])

Tedra connects this stance to broader social justice issues, particularly the overrepresentation of black individuals in the criminal justice system for cannabis-related offenses.

Closing Thoughts

As the interview concludes, Tedra reflects on her journey, celebrating two decades of musical evolution and reaffirming her commitment to authentic artistry. Her story serves as an inspiring testament to perseverance, the importance of ownership in the creative process, and the enduring power of cultural heritage.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “I made, like, $5 million on one song.” – Tedra Moses [35:53]
• “That’s my superpower, being black.” – Tedra Moses [52:01]
• “I own 100% of my writing and 100% of my publishing.” – Tedra Moses [35:53]
• “I didn’t like it at first... now I love it.” – Tedra Moses [23:05]
• “We have a core fan base... this worked.” – Tedra Moses [42:20]

Conclusion

This episode of The Toure Show offers an intimate look into Tedra Moses’s life and career, highlighting her resilience, artistic integrity, and the profound influence of her cultural heritage. Through candid discussions and powerful insights, Tedra provides listeners with a deeper understanding of what it takes to maintain authenticity and success in the ever-challenging music industry.