We were lucky to catch up with TC & Danielle recently and have shared our conversation below.
TC & Danielle, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I believe we are all gifted by God with unique talents, viewpoints, and past experiences. This makes storytelling and learning a constant fresh experience because no two people will tell the same story in the same way. Learning this helped me lean in to being different from others and it’s where I was able to find even more creativity in my art and storytelling.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
We are a singing and songwriting duo who met and fell in love through music. We have been singing, writing songs, and leading worship locally and all around the world for seventeen years. Travel, nature, and our faith fuel our songs and we love creatively telling big and small stories that always lead to hope and life.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Especially when I was younger, I would often put pressure on myself to write the best song I had ever written every time I sat down to write. Letting go of that pressure helped me remember why I love to tell stories through song and inadvertently my music and writing got better because I let myself create for the love of telling the story and being true to who I am as an artist.
Another thing I have learned over the years is the importance of a really great team. The music we are making now is the best we have ever made and it is largely in part to our producer, band, and community that support us and calls us higher. I truly believe we were not meant to go things alone so while only you can get the ball rolling on your dream and creative pursuits, accept the help that comes along the way as things grow. This will also help you lean into your strengths and let others on your team help you in your weaknesses.
Lastly, creativity feeds creativity. Anything inspiring is a chance to create something new. So for me, I must allow myself to get out in the world, have fresh conversations, go on adventures, explore nature, dive deeper into my faith, and choose to see the art around all around me. It is so important to stay inspired.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
I think a lot of people think The Bible is just a book about rules but, for us, it has been one of the most life-giving and beautifully inspiring books about a happy God who is wildly creative and deeply loves His children.
Psalm 104 (MSG) says, “What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations. Oh, look—the deep, wide sea, brimming with fish past counting, sardines and sharks and salmon. Ships plow those waters, and Leviathan, your pet dragon, romps in them.”
In John 10:10b (MSG) Jesus says, “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.”
And in Matthew 11 (MSG) Jesus says, “Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Learning about the heart and character of God has caused us to want to create and show the world the lightness, freedom, and abundance that comes from Jesus. His is playful (like Psalm 104 says), so happily creative, and loves to give good gifts. This is why we write and sing.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcanddanielle/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczp8oU-dMX2hpnsMXboBKQ
- Other: Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/1cFimaCWwLQKYutJ5AqEPP Apple Music – https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tc-danielle/1437415632
Image Credits
Bill Hadam Rusty Baldwin Michalanna Haley
