Teebo is a French contemporary dancer and singer-songwriter who has been living and working in London since 2009. He possesses a strong flair for creating art that is powerful and engaging. 

 

In this interview he explains how and why he uses new media and technology within his projects in order to enhance the artistic value of his work.

 

 

You are a trained contemporary art dancer. Please tell us how you what attracted you to contemporary dance and what your training involved.

 

Teebo: It was actually an accident. There was a dance workshop at my high school that I went to every week. One day a dance choreographer came to the workshop and we started talking and she asked me to come and dance with her company based in the centre of France. We performed a lot on the streets and that helped me to learn a lot about dance.

 

You performed professionally for three years in the French contemporary dance company before moving to London in 2009 to pursue your desire to dance and perform. How does your experience of working as an artist in London compare and contrast to your experience in France?

 

Teebo: Contemporary dance in France is hugely popular, however I think London is more professional and open-minded. I like the London scene more because there are more opportunities to do art.

 

Which artists have inspired you creatively and why?

 

Teebo: David Bowie and Michael Jackson. I actually wasn’t into Michael Jackson until I was 16. I didn’t really understand the meaning of the songs and the art. I think he’s one of those artists who you need to be really mature to understand. I’m glad I like him now because of how his work and passion has helped people. I think he was so patient and understanding that he influenced my way of thinking about music, dance and about art in general. And to me, David Bowie is a very spiritual artist and I like that his art isn’t controlled by boundaries or limits and that’s what I want to create in my music.

 

You have been working on a multimedia project that features you performing your song Freedom. How do you feel that media development and advances in technology have been able to help you creatively as an artist?

 

Teebo: I had to really understand what photography, videography and music is to see how they would work together. What I like about this project is that it involves everything. It wouldn’t make sense if it has no music or it doesn’t have photography or it doesn’t have videography. I think it enhances the art further because of all these elements. In 2015 technology is evolving so much and it’s amazing to use it in my projects.

 

…And please tell us more about this project.

 

Teebo: It started with a song and a video. Afterwards we decided to release a few pictures from the video. We are now creating a photo exhibition, during which people will have the opportunity to interact with all the art. The project gives a different perspective on how we would interpret freedom; a chance to reclaim our own freedom. I want to make this project accessible to anyone for free.

 

 

 

 

 

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What advice would you give to budding artists wanting to enter your field and how would you reassure them if they are apprehensive about financial obstacles?

 

Teebo: Go for it! What helps me is that whenever I’m scared to do something, I know that’s the first thing that I need to do. I’m really scared of piercings and needles but I realised I didn’t want to hold onto that fear anymore, so I decided to pierce my ears. Afterwards I felt happy, relieved and free. My advice is to do it, especially if you’re scared of it. Money doesn’t have to interfere because money is material and your dream is not. If you focus on money the intention of your art may not be achieved. We all have people around us to help make our dreams come true.

 

Tell us about your upcoming projects….

 

Teebo: The Freedom project is ongoing and I’m doing a dance project, which is similar to Freedom as it involves photography and videography as well. At the same time I’m about to write some more songs with another artist. There’s quite a few things coming. 

 

To find out more about Teebo find him on social media.

 

 

 

 

 

From the Freedom project soon to be exhibited in New York.