YV Media Digital Cover: Taz Bentii Interview
YV Media: You’ve made it a mission to turn your hometown into an international hip-hop movement with The Kid from Ottawa. What makes Ottawa’s sound and story unique compared to established hubs like Toronto?
Taz Bentii: Yes, I’m trying to change the hip-hop movement in Ottawa. I feel as if Canada already has a big mark on the hip-hop game as there are big Toronto Artists. Ottawa has had its artist-like Belly, Night Lovell, FTG Metro, TwoTiime and me. What makes our sound unique is that we are all different, we all share different stories and all share different feelings with music. We have talent; we just need a leader.
YVM: You’ve spent time recording in major music hubs like Atlanta, New York, and Miami. How did stepping into those legendary studio environments shape the energy and direction of your new album?
Taz: Definitely helped the creative aspect as I can use new tools and new equipment but for the most part, I’m more comfortable recording at my main studio, Viva Recording studio based in Ottawa. I’m just so comfortable with my engineer Jonathan Payette. Our workflow has been working for four years so I don’t like changing up.
YVM: Working with artists like OVO’s TVGUCCI and Atlanta’s DJ Holiday is a huge statement. How did those connections come together, and what did you take away from those experiences?
Taz: All these connections came from networking. You just need to put yourself out there and talk to the right people. The right people will find you if you’re a good person. I truly believe that I learned a lot from Holiday; how to move in this game, how different cities act, how different cities became what they are and how to move back home. I also love learning from different artists just to see how their workflow is compared to mine. It’s always good to pick up new tips and tricks.
YVM: You’ve shared stages with everyone from Murda Beatz to Cash Cobain and Nardo Wick. What has touring and performing at major venues taught you about connecting with a crowd?
Taz: I’ve done multiple shows so you kind of learn crowd engaging is very important, crowd control is important and making sure people are engaged. They might not know you, but a huge step into performance is just playing genuine music and being a genuine person.
YVM: Your single "Realest" is gaining major traction on radio and streaming. What was the exact moment or mindset that sparked the writing of that specific track?
Taz: My mind said it’s always the same when I go into writing. I dedicate certain hours to write songs down and then record the same day, so I don’t lose the idea. Nothing was different about this record when it came to the writing process, I freestyle the second half.
YVM: Your sound bridges introspective, personal storytelling with high-energy street anthems. How do you balance being vulnerable with keeping that heavy, energetic presence in your music?
Taz: Well, I make a lot of different music. I don’t just make hard energetic hip-hop/rap. I also sing. I also have Rnb songs. I also have House songs. I also have EDM songs. I really do everything. I don’t like boxing myself in, but yeah, becoming vulnerable is very important in music, sharing emotions through music is what connects people to song.
YVM: The Kid from Ottawa serves as both an intimate look inside your life and a launching pad for what's next. When listeners finish the album, what core message do you want them to take away about Taz Bentii?
Taz: Yeah, I want them to know I’m not leaving. I love making music, I love sharing my music and I love people’s reactions to my music. I want them to expect more music, more content and more Taz Bentii in the upcoming year.
YVM: Share with us why Your Voice Matters.
Taz: My voice matters because my whole life I’ve struggled with writing reading school home, etc. I really want to make that one person that isn’t feeling good. A certain day feel better when they hear my music. I had a tough time in school. Everybody thought I wouldn’t be able to do certain things but now I see myself and I’m very proud of myself as where I am in my career. I want everybody to know nothing is impossible.
Follow Taz Bentii on Instagram @tazbentii
Publicist: Sasha Stoltz Publicity @sashastoltz
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