An Inspired Chat with Talé Ojeabulu of PG County

We recently had the chance to connect with Talé Ojeabulu and have shared our conversation below.

Talé, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I had a show in NY in July, my first show with my band. It was such a surreal moment because it gave me a peek into the life I truly desire: touring with my friends, playing at different locations and just enjoying the stage and sharing my music with the world. I think that energy is what set that show as one of the best performances I had.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, everyone. My name is Tale’ Ojeabulu, my artist name is Tahlele. I’m a 33 year old artist and musician from PG County MD. I primarily make music in the Alternative RnB/Indie genre. It’s a space that the DMV isn’t as privy to as I would like. I think that’s what sets me apart from others and makes this whole thing special. I want to bring a new sound and even create a new scene in the DMV, a place with amazing talent and little music infrastructure. I’m part of an amazing music collective named Luvzaamwe Collective and we’re working on making that dream of a thriving music scene into a reality. I’m constantly working on new music, with a bunch of new releases on the horizon.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I believe the relationship I have with Jesus Christ shaped how I saw myself, from my youth to even now. I learned what it meant to be someone special, someone with intrinsic worth, just because I’m alive and I’m me. I wouldn’t be an artist without me growing up in the church. I see myself as a consummate artist because Jesus says that I am. I can’t see myself as anything else to be honest.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I have an EP called Time and a Half I put out about 3 years ago. I had a fairly tumultuous relationship and experience with someone that I have a great relationship with now. I had some songs on that project that showcase how I really felt throughout the relationship. That moment of being vulnerable granted me a lot of peace. It helped me fully process my feelings and gave me strength. It taught me how to take that pain I had and express it into something beautiful.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think that the “public version” of me Is somewhat exaggerated. As an artist, we have a tendency to perform and act. We put on personas when we hit the stage or enter a different mindspace when we write and create music. Sometimes we just take that persona out in public and use it as a means to carry out daily tasks. It’s a good way to separate those close to you and everyone else, since those close get the “real you” instead of the public version.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down everything I had, I would still have the music. Music is so entwined within my being, from my childhood to the present. Even if I wasn’t an artist and I didn’t put out music, the creation and enjoyment of music can never leave me. I would make music up to my last day on earth and even beyond.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/tahlele
• Instagram: @tahlele