We’re looking forward to introducing you to TJ $uavé. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning TJ, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
A recent moment that made me feel proud was the release of my reconstructed inaugural project, CALICO. I successfully integrated select tracks from the original trilogy of tapes I previously released, complemented by newly produced material. In conjunction with the project release, I launched a merchandise line consisting of shirts, hats, and hoodies available for purchase alongside the album. This accomplishment was particularly meaningful due to the substantial support received from family and friends, who visited my website, tjsuavemusic.com, and made purchases.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is TJ $uavé and I am a 28-year-old music producer born in Miami, FL, who grew up in Boynton Beach. I’m now residing in Orlando and still collaborating with local artists and producers on some amazing projects. Between 2019 and 2021, I kicked off my producing journey by releasing three beat tapes—“Calico I, II, & III”—that showcased my talent and connections I made while networking across Florida. After graduating from UCF (GO KNIGHTS!) in December of 2021, I felt inspired to freshen up my sound and decided to take down those earlier projects to start fresh.
During the Spring of 2022, I was initially working on an EP inspired by my zodiac sign, Gemini, but then decided to do a full-length feature instead. In June of 2023, I released “GEMINI,” featuring an intro that signals a call out to all fellow Geminis and 9 other tracks that definitely go hard. I then teamed up with the independent artist platform HITMKR INC, where I produced two tracks for the “HITMKR Mixtape, Vol. 1” in 2023 and then took on the role of Executive Producer for the five-track “HITMKR Mixtape, Vol. 2” that released in February of the following year.
In 2024, I worked on remixing and rebranding my catalog. First I produced 19 tracks (10 songs from previous EPs) with the rap trio Kill$et on an EP titled “Missing In Action,” which dropped in August. Just a month later, I released another 9-track EP alongside my good friend/collaborator Jeri Newton called “Lost 16s,” setting the stage for my next project to drop in 2025. On April 25th, 2025, I re-released the “CALICO” project as one cohesive full-length feature, combining both brand-new tracks and old favorites from the original series.
My next projects I aim to drop are more beat packs for artists, new music with collaborators, and more exclusive content on how and why I create music.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was being a young man about to go off to college. I was a freshly turned 18 year old who thought I had it all figured out but I learned quickly that that wasn’t the case. College honestly helped me find my true power which I discovered was my love for creating music. Once I graduated and created my LLC, I set my mind to figuring out how I could turn this passion of releasing music into a full scale business that I could be successful in.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I actually have a few things I would tell my younger self. I would tell my younger self to definitely keep pursuing your dreams now matter the obstacles that get in your way. I would also tell myself to be patient because the right opportunities that I missed could have slipped away because I sometimes lacked it. I think one last thing I would have to tell my younger self is to set proper boundaries early, especially when it comes to your music and how you operate with business and personal matters. People will take advantage of kindness and you have to be prepared to fight for your place in this industry.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lies my industry, which would fall under Music/Entertainment, would be talent will get you to where you want or need to be. Often times, we focus the attention on those who can cause more of a negative disturbance in this culture compared to a positive one. Another lie I believe our industry fools us into believing is that you can’t make a living off your talent unless you sell out or do something against your morales or beliefs. I feel like as long as you stay true to yourself in all the decisions you make and let God guide you, you can have prosperity within a very calculated industry.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I just hope people remember me for my music and the care and support I show for those around me. I am big on family and friends and if I consider you one or the other, I will always be there to help when I can. Go stream CALICO and all my other projects available on Digital Streaming Platforms and visit my website tjsuavemusic.com for my merch and albums to support!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tjsuavemusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retro_suave808x
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Retro_Suave808x
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetroSuave808x
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCeUAJdr1rne7vGZIU7ZArg
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/retrosuave808x
- Other: Email: publishing@tjsuavemusic.com
Image Credits
Erin S.
