Tu P is the perfect example of an artist on their grind.
When this Brisbane, Australia emcee isn’t creating music you can find him practicing medicine.
We were fortunate enough to get a little bit of his time for this interview to discuss hip hop, medicine, and influences.
Instead of repeating your bio, briefly tell us in your own words who you are, your style of music, and where you are from.
I am a hip hop/RnB musician hailing from Brisbane, Australia. I make conscious music.
How long have you been making music? Was there an “ah-ha!” moment when you realized music is what you wanted to do?
I wanted to make hip hop ever since I started getting into hip hop, which was when I was 14. I have a restless temperament – I found it difficult to just be a fan of hip hop; I wanted to participate, and the art form of rap looked like something that could be learnt with practice and dedication.
How much does your multi-cultural influences play into your music? Do you feel you have a broader perspective to share?
My earlier songs dealt a lot with multicultural topics because I felt it was an under-represented area in the Anglo-Saxon dominated Australian hip hop scene. I believe lyrics that acknowledge multiple aspects of Australian society have a greater chance of fostering tolerance and understanding. Since then, I have also covered several topics other than nationality to appeal to a broader audience.
I really dig how you incorporate your friends and community into your creative process. I think this sets you on another level compared to the average artist. What inspired you to do this?
I’ve done some volunteer work with underprivileged youth in the past, and I found it more effective engaging them when I allowed them to contribute to a project rather than when I tried didactic methods. I applied this principle when I started song writing and making videos, as it gives others a sense of involvement and ownership. It also allows for more exposure, which is incredibly important when starting off as a struggling, unknown artist!
How has your experience(s) as a medical doctor affected your music?
It didn’t really affect my earlier work, as I was still going through university at the time. I still had plenty of experiences growing up to draw inspiration from. However, actually practising medicine has been a real eye-opener. I have seen child birth, cardiac arrest, and most things in between. My more recent songs delve into a wider breadth of topics, using my experiences in the field. Having said that, I only ever make songs about issues that affect me in some way – I don’t feign authority in topics I don’t have a mandate to cover.
Are you still practicing medicine? Is it hard to find a balance between being a doctor and being an artist?
Still practising. Medicine is how I funded my debut record! And yes, it is difficult to balance the two. They both require regular attention. It is a constant hustle.
What is the hip hop scene like in Brisbane? What other artists or producers do you work with?
The local scene is getting bigger and better. We have a lot of acts that combine jazz/funk/soul with hip hop. Most of my collaborative work here has been done with Andrew Polzin and Surya Sumantara; more is planned.
I read you started taking music more seriously after recording with your cousin in Saigon. Do you bounce back and forth between Australia and Vietnam? Or do you spend most of your time in one area?
Most of my time is spent in Australia. I consider myself as an Australian with Vietnamese heritage. I have been back to Vietnam twice to visit extended family.
Do you actively play shows? Tour? Have you worked your way into the US market(s) yet?
I’ve done a number of live battles and a couple shows – I have a launch party planned for my debut at the Spring Hill Hotel in April this year. For some reason, I’ve been played on 2 radio stations in Australia but on 9 in the United States.
What role does the Internet/Social Media play in marketing your craft and connecting with fans?
A huge role – with the right tools, independent artists can get decent exposure, and fans can access music with digital distribution. I am most active on my Facebook page.
Is there one thing you could say to an up and coming artist that you wish someone had shared with you when you first started?
Work with people who are actually skilled, not those who just sell themselves well. There are several underrated savants and overrated frauds.
Album? Where can people find you and check out your music?
My album is called “Made of Jade” and can be bought on cdbaby.com/cd/tup, iTunes and Amazon, and can be streamed on Spotify.
Any last words or shout outs?
Shout out to the haematologist that gave me a reference and bought my CD.
Connect with Tu P on Facebook or Soundcloud.
