T.S the Solution is one of the most well-known and well-respected artists within the Spokane music scene. T.S’s longtime producer and DJ is the founder of Respect My Region, Mitch Pfeifer aka M-Pyre. Some change has worked its way in since the early days of RMR and T.S and M-Pyre’s collaborations. But, the music is still alive and well with his new single “California Rays” with Topp.
With a wife and kids at home, T.S has had to switch his focus just a little bit. Undeniably though, his dedication to music is still firmly intact. I linked up with him through Instagram and asked what he’s been up to the last few months. We went over why he’s made the decision to drop singles instead of his EP, his thoughts on the local scene, and more.
T.S the Solution had planned to drop an EP but suddenly decided to switch up game plans and do monthly single releases. Amongst those releases are tracks such as “Shine,” “Recollection,” and “Scenery.” T.S presents an eye-opening state of hip-hop, his shows, and his music holds a message. T.S the Solution is a conscious rapper with intelligent, thoughtful, and knock-out bars.
T.S The Solution & M-Pyre
These expectations might speed up the process, spinning my name in these circles started to make me nauseous. Far from flawless and feeling undeserving of all this. I could be gassed to the max and still feel like a starving artist. My garments basic as my cable deal.
T.S the Solution – “Recollection”
T.S the Solution and Topp
T.S’ latest drop came just a couple days ago. “California Rays” featuring Tri-Cities artist Topp and produced by Respect My Region founder Mitch Pfeifer and Spokane producer Talent Beatz. A slower-paced and vibey track with some fire sampling makes “California Rays” the perfect summer nights anthem. The song is a story of the come-up, of being on a mission and working through the setbacks.
Every now and then a rainy day will come. But, if you stay focused, believing in yourself and what you’re doing it’ll pay off and those California rays while shining bright. These two artists have worked together before and known each other for quite a minute too. They approach a new track with great respect and love for music and one another. T.S and Topp are one of the most symbiotic duos on the east side of the state when it comes to doing features.
T.S The Solution feat. Topp “California Rays”
Exclusive T.S the Solution Interview
This Interview was edited for clarity
What was the motive behind switching from EP releases to dropping monthly singles?
There was a few reasons why I switched from projects to singles. I really wanted to try the “Russ route” and see how much music I could pump out. I love the concept of me giving to the world constantly. Also DJ Spicy Ketchup makes beats super fast and is all about releasing it to the world as soon as possible. So I said why not!
How do you feel about the direction of the PNW hip-hop scene and how Spokane fits into that?
PNW is on the map. It’s hard because we don’t have a sound or a life style that people find popular or we are missing something the world can hold that makes us special. But PNW is on! Spokane is on its way. Of course we are behind. But y’all see some names popping up making noise on the same stages as Seattle artists. That’s big
You seem to work pretty close with producers and I know you used to produce yourself. What’s the motive behind that as opposed to shopping for beats from everywhere?
Having a genuine connection with the producer provides authentic music in my opinion. I can almost feel the intention behind a record while writing to it. Spicy has a style that gives me a specific space to tell specific stories. Working with my brother Mitch (M-Pyre) is the same way. Songs come out better that way to me.
Who is some of your favorite local talent to work with and why?
My homies of course are my favorites. Production from Mitch, Spicy Ketchup, Talent Beatz, and vocals from Topp, Exzachange, Matisse, or from my family W-Lyfe and Easiah out of Tacoma. The list goes on but those are off the top of my head.
What is one of the most common/frustrating mistakes you see young up and coming artists make that could have been easily avoided and what could they have to avoid it?
Overthinking music is holding them back. Put it out there, assess, restrategize repeat.
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