Meet Teyquil Skelton

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Teyquil Skelton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Teyquil, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I’m a firm believer of prayer and the effects it could have in regard to a circumstance/situation. We all deal with some sort of trauma, and we all deal with our own inner demons in certain ways. The difference is how we combat those demons with the resilience we possess, and my mom was one of those people who took problems head on, and her resilience was unbreakable. So, in turn, my response to this question would be my beautiful mother who’s the culprit/reason to why I’m so resilient and forthcoming.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do? Also, do you have any new projects in the works?

Growing up, life was full of sounds, tempos, measures, lyrics, melody and a crate full of records which I listened to for hours in my sister’s room. I remember quite well what her vinyl case looked like as it had a blue outer interior color with silver locks that closed from the outside. It reminded me a lot of an old antique treasure chest that could’ve very easily been owned by a Pirate on an island. Listening to my sister’s records allowed me to dream and picture my own music spinning round on a needle. Today, I have crates of records myself that I own of some of my favorite musicians from different genres in the music sector. I’m inspired every day by the many possibilities’ music holds and the magic it possesses for upcoming artists. Music is all I’ve ever wanted to do and to get the chance to be creative in my own space musically, is a place I could spend for hours, much longer than I could ever spend in my sister’s room when she wasn’t home. As far as new projects, I do have a new single dropping later this fall of 2025 so stay tuned!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on? To add, What advice do you have for other artists chasing dreams that may be similar to yours or different?

I’m a strong advocate in finishing what you start. Everything has a beginning and end but what’s important is the footprint you leave before the finish. Things get hard and life weighs heavy during one’s journey but staying in the race and sticking to the course eventually balances out if you stay at it. It’s like riding a bike for the first time and for most of it, you’re going to fall and hit the ground. However, the more you stick with it, the less you’ll see of the ground below. I got a lot of these teachings from my mom and how her unwavering strength persevered through struggles she endured. No matter how hard the waves pushed, no matter how heavy the boulders became, she straddled the horse and rode any way despite the difficulties and to me, that’s a form of commitment. My mother worked whatever problems we faced head on and made sure we were safe, and I appreciate her efforts in doing so, with that in mind, I would have to admit that one of the qualities I’ve acquired is being committed. I’m grateful for that trait my mom instilled in me and will forever carry it with honor in her name.

Another quality I acquire would be ambition and music requires a lot of it. It certainly isn’t for the weak of heart and patience is truly a virtue when pursuing this career path. It’s hard maintaining optimism when chasing something you love as it sometimes may feel like the walls are closing in on you but betting on yourself no matter what, shows fight, grit, drive and most of all ambition. This is just one of many stories and this happens to be mine, but “ambition” can be applied to anything/anybody that ever had or have a dream they’re trying to pursue.

If I had to choose a third quality that best describes me it would have to be fortitude. Given the losses I’ve endured, I can honestly say that braving the storm wasn’t easy by far but I’m living proof of what fortitude can do. Had I not embraced my lowest moments in my darkest times, I would not be where I am today. I’m thankful for it all and grateful for opportunities like these to share my story.

For those just starting out on your path, my advice to you is to just be true to what you love and continue to fight for whatever passion you possess to drive you in your journey. It will take time and it may feel as if you’re at a standstill somedays but keep in mind why you’re doing this in the first place.. If you can’t live without that thing that makes you whole, then that thing is the thing you need to strive for because there’s a difference between hobbies and careers and what you’re looking to accomplish is more than something you like to do versus something you love doing.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

Now, this may sound a bit cliche’ but the most impactful thing my parents did was help me to stay encouraged and chase my dreams. My parents believed in me at times when I didn’t believe in myself. In their own way, they showed me support and made sure I didn’t feel alone in my journey and that was impactful to me more than anything. I can truly say that I’m lucky in that regard.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://teyquil.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teyquil

Image Credits

Photographer: James Lowry and Teyquil

I certify that these individuals are aware of the nomination. Curt Himmelberger and Chuck Wortham