Behind The Music: Tee Peters
Tee Peters makes music to be the soundtrack of someone else's success story.
The South-East London born artist is firing from all cylinders, and his influence stretches beyond his own music. He continues to act as a catalyst for self-reflection and creativity in music through his movements such as Working Szn, and his own live jazz band The Working Class Band. The acclaimed musician speaks on his transition from videography into music, what Working Szn means to him, his favorite live performance, and more.
What is it you do; how would you describe yourself?
I would describe myself as someone who works in music creatively and behind the scenes. I make chill, catchy, conscious music. I like to make music for people who want to work and benefit from the fruits of their labor. I also have a group of young people at a charity project I’m managing called Wired4Music whose music journey i support through mentorship.
How did you get into making music?
It was multiple events stockpiling on one another. My family computer had a DAW software on it, I used to play around with that, that was my game. In my teenage years I discovered the online world of creatives, I was dabbling in these things and making music constantly. The main part for me was seeing spoken word people like George the Poet. Seeing these lyricists talking about politics, and things that are relevant to me. I wanted to try it.
Do you think growing up in South-East London has influenced your music in any way?
Definitely, the reason I started was just emulating what I liked and what I was around. You naturally insert yourself into what others are doing, and for me that was grime, the South London sound. A lot of it revolves around the pride of your area.
Your music was in the April playlist for the restaurant Patty and Bun. I saw in another interview that one of your goals for 2024 was to have your music played in as many coffee shops, restaurants, and workspaces as possible. What is the story behind that?
Going back to what I said, I like making music for people who want to work and enjoy their lives because of their work. I thought, what if I can make a more fun version of lo-fi music with actual lyrics? My whole brand was to be in the places where workers are working, live by that motto, and support that lifestyle.
Outside of your own music you run Working SZN, a music brand/collective that fosters a positive environment where individuals can cut out distractions and hone in on their purpose. What exactly is Working SZN, and how did it come about?
I don't know what it is honestly, but what I do know is that it is a lifestyle choice with a name. I use working SZN to commemorate the time I started taking music seriously. I used to do videography, one day I was filming at a Lil Pump concert and the worst thing possible happened. Someone had thrown tear gas into the venue, and everyone had to evacuate. I ended up losing everything, all my equipment was gone. But I realised that the camera was just a distraction in the way of me making music myself, all the music work I was doing with the camera was a way of me avoiding actually making music.
Regarding Working SZN, do you think there is an absence of the positive space you've created and does that somewhat contribute to its creation?
I think it's very unique and special to me. I don't listen to music religiously as a fan like I used to, but I feel like the things these artists care about are mainly ticket sales or selling out the 02 for example. Don't get me wrong selling out the 02 would be cool but for me, I think more about collaborating with a gaming company, I get gassed every time I go to Lidl and hear a Tee Peters song. For the past two years I've seen people that I have mentored get music awards, these things have pushed me more than anything else. I like to think I can pave the way for these environments.
You are also the Programme Producer for Wired4Music, a community-driven initiative helping young musicians through their career. Can you tell me more about how you got into that, and the value you think it holds?
I was affected by them before I even worked there just by being a young musician. Jasmine Kahlia was in my role before me, she helped me gain that confidence through advice and 1-1 sessions. She ended up recommending me, which is how I got into it. The main highlight is being someone who affects people. Yesterday I was teaching 14–16-year-olds how to put on events. Little interactions like that with these young people are very wholesome. These people end up being fans too, they might hop in my live videos and say they remember me, it's a full circle moment.
The overall features I see within your music and other endeavors are a sense of community, inclusivity, and positivity. What is the message you want to convey through it all?
It's all about purpose to be honest. The reason I started was to find my purpose and go on my own journey. I'd like people to ask themselves more often is what I'm doing purposeful? Through my actions you can see I'm just a guy trying to find purpose. When I was younger, all I used to talk about in my music was girls, now I talk about faith, so it's a reflection of my own journey.
You have performed at some prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Soho House, and Love Supreme Festival. What has your favourite live experience been?
There’s one that stands out the most because of how challenging it was. I had performed at a small gig at Camberwell fair, from that I got invited to Love Supreme Festival in 2021. It was my first trip away from London and I was already proud of it. It got to 10 minutes before my set and the audience was practically empty, it turned out Tom Misch who I consider to be a massive version of me was playing at the same time as me. I was stressed but when it came time to perform, we just played like there were ten thousand people in the audience. By the 4th or 5th song the tent started filling up, it meant so much. You never really know with music you only have zero people watching until you start, I feel like a lot of people would have given up in that scenario.
What is your advice for an aspiring musician?
Honestly, my one piece of advice is always reflect on your journey. Think whether this is what you want to do when you're older. For me I already know what I'm investing in, showing people the things I love through my music, and working my way towards being a brand ambassador. Reflect on your career always, and don't copy over people.
