First Day Feature: T. Woods talks “Unforgiven” EP, SXSW, the impact of live performance and more

Texas has long had a storied history in rap music. From the 90’s and the influence of Geto Boyz/UGK, to the growth of DJ Screw and his sound, to the wave of artists who saw light in the 2000’s Texas has definitely left its imprint on the culture. Looking to continue the trend in 2016 is T. Woods, repping Seguin, TX with his witty, yet personal brand of music. With solid mixtapes already under his belt like his previous, Da Come Up, the star in the making is preparing his EP “Unforgiven” which is sure to shake things up and put him on an even larger stage. Before the project’s release we were lucky enough to catch up with T. Woods and get some information about the sound as well as other topics like his live performance and business acumen. Read our conversation to learn more.

For those new to you could you please provide some background info?

My name is Terrance Woods. I’m a hip hop artist from a small town called
Seguin, Texas. My rap name as you can see stems from my government name.
Since I was a kid they called me T.Woods and it kind of just stuck
through the years. I’ve been involved in music my entire life and don’t
plan on stopping anytime soon.

What is life like in Seguin compared to more prominent cities like Dallas or Houston?

Laid back living man. It’s real slow boogy down here. One good thing about it though is we are in the middle of everything. Houston is down the road, Dallas the same, then Austin and we are 30 minutes from San Antonio.

Do you remember the day that you decided to make music? What led you to start?

I remember the day like yesterday. I was like 6-7 and my dad brought me to his bands practice. He was a drummer. I wanted to be an entertainer like him ever since. So my dad is what inspired the start.

Was there ever a time in your career you were close to quitting?

Never. I’ve quit a lot of things in life but music is one thing I couldn’t shake. I love it to much.

Being in the game since age 6, naturally you learn some of the ends and outs. Based on your experience what is something you think every aspiring rapper should be taught early on?

The business. There’s more to this shit then just making dope records. 95% business and the other 5% is talent. So really learn the business aspect of the music industry first. Making dope records is important but understanding how the machine works entirely is just as important.

Your EP “Unforgiven” is set to come very soon. What details can you give us about the way it’s sounding thus far?

It’s coming together very well. I’ve really grown during this creation process. Incorporating the melodies over brash delivery and witty lyricism has taken my sound to a new level. I can tell you this. Every song will have a different sound and feel. You won’t be able to predict what’s next. There’s nothing like it.

You’ve mentioned “Die Alone” as a song you’re particularly fond of and it seems as though it will be your lead single to kick off the album push.What was it like creating this record?

I actually created this record working the night shift driving at work. I listened to the beat like 3-4 hours straight and it all just came to me naturally…. It was easy because it was real. It was how I felt at that very moment. I didn’t even write it down until the following day. Revised it and that was it. It all came from the heart. Probably the easiest record I’ve ever written.

Why was this single chosen to start the rollout?

It defines everything I stand for.. Everything I’m I’ve been through and going through. Anyone can relate to this record. Anyone that has worked their ass off for something can relate and appreciate this record. This record was meant to motivate someone to chase their dream regardless of odds.

What other songs do you think may end up as standouts?

I have a song called on the O.T.R that I’m really excited about. Smooth record. That feel good music.

You’ve said prior in our interview that you’ve been studying artists who use more melodies in their music. How easy has been to for you to incorporate the use of these elements for your own music?

It’s been pretty easy. I come from a singing background. Everyone in my family sings so that’s where I picked up that aspect of creating from. It’s natural in a sense. I just never really incorporated it into the process until now. Grant it I’m not full fledge singing like Boys 2 Men or something hahahah… I just like to spice up the records with dope melodies through out the song sometimes. I study the artists layout of their songs in a way. Where they place the melodies and where the harmonize and so forth.

How has it impacted the quality of your sound?

It’s impacted it quite a bit. It adds character to my music.

Outside of the album what other ventures are upcoming for you in the
future?

I have SXSW coming up in March which I’m really excited about. My Vevo channel goes live at the end of this month and I’ll be releasing my visual to ” Die Alone”, the single off the album. I plan on staying consistent dropping music, finish up the album and make my mark in the game. Just continue to work mane. Keep pumping these shows and networking.

SXSW is in your plans this year and as a Texas native I know you’ll treat it special. What can be expected from your appearance there?

You can expect a high energy performance and good music. Next level entertainment. I’ll have merchandise, copies of my latest mixtape ” Da Come Up”. I just really want to share this energy with the people. When they leave I want them to remember my name.

The amount of shows you’ve been doing has picked up recently and it seems you really enjoy it.

Hell yeah. I love it.

How do you feel the live performance aspect helps impact your fanbase as an artist?

It’s important. You’re right there, they can touch you.. They can feel you. Performing is important because your bringing your words to life right in front of them. The energy is different from hearing it over headphones. They appreciate the connection. It’s all about the connection. There may be someone there that’s never heard you before and sees you perform and becomes an instant fan.

 

You performed alongside one of the many legends from Texas in the form of Z-Ro back in October. Being a rapper from that state I’m sure there is no question he is an influence for you. What was it like to get an experience like that with someone you look up to?

It was real dope man. This dude has fans from every walk of life. From a hustler on a street corner to teachers and lawyers. It’s dope seeing people appreciate his truth, his story. I was inspired. This a dude who never changed who he was. Kept it trill and came up. That’s the only way to do it.

Could you tell us more about your label Distinguished Records and the roster there.

I created Distinguished Records in 2007. The name speaks for itself. Distinguished is top of the line. The best of the best. So we have to live by that, breath that and embody that. We vow to only give quality work in anything we do. This a family over here. Respect, loyalty, and honesty are basic principles we stand by as well. The roster are my boys I’ve been rapping with for years, we from the same home town and they been riding with me since day one. My brothers feel me. Wattzo, King Cutt, Jay Holmes, JTuck. All dope artist, all different artist. I wanted to keep a diverse sound over here so everyone has their own style and sound. They are going to be a problem. These boys working their ass off to give you guys that heat. We feed off each other. Be on the look out.

What would you consider to be your proudest moment as a rapper to date?

The moment I’m in now. Seeing everything fall into place is a great feeling. Once I started taking my career serious I noticed a change in my career. I’m sure I’ll have a million other moments after this but right now I’m proudest.

How can you be contacted for collaborations and other work?

Keeynote@keeynote.com

What’s a message you would like to leave for all of your fans?

I would like to say I love yall and continue to support. I’m nothing
without you guys. You’ve believed in me since day one and I won’t let u
down. There’s so much more to come so stay tuned.