KelownaNow is excited to launch a brand new music segment where we highlight local and Canadian artists around the country. We’re going to share some tunes and talk a bit about how these individuals got into the industry.
We kick off our first episode with Teon Gibbs, who is quickly gaining traction as a vocal powerhouse coming out of BC.
Originally from Botswana, Gibbs has lived in the UK, South Africa, Angola, and even right here in Kelowna before settling in Vancouver.
He’s played in all the local spots, from Doc Willoughbys to Fernadnos in a number of indie/ alternative bands, but since moving to the coast has decided to work on developing his own sound.
(Heads up: some of the songs highlighted in this episode contain explicit language.)
“I feel like I used to try and emulate a lot of artists in the past and now I really just want to carve out my own niche sounds and just explore how creative I can get with it,” explains Gibbs.
His catchy songs range from a mix of hip hop and R&B, but Gibbs shared that as of late he isn’t afraid to take risks with his art.
He recently released his new single ‘Find Out’, and the popular entertainment magazine, Complex UK stated it has “hit on a fusion sound that has been sorely under-explored.”
His fearlessness, coupled with songwriting and rich vocal tones is the reason why he is able to shine so consistently on his tracks.
As restrictions around COVID-19 have started to relax, Gibbs explained that the past two years have given him time to reflect on the legacy he plans to leave behind as an artist.
“I started looking more inward to my music as opposed to what I thought people would like to hear. If I’m going to put songs out, I’d rather put songs out that I will love.”
“At the end of the day I’m still an independent artist, I’m still working really hard to market myself and I don’t have all the resources that major label artists would have. So the one thing that I am in control of is that I can make what I want to make.”
Listen to the full podcast here, or on any streaming service.
