Tennessee’s own Tim Gent has been putting out music and grinding for years with Soundcloud tracks dating back to 2012. But for 2015, he planned to finally take up a notch with his music career. Spending most of 2014 and some of 2015 crafting what he dubs his official debut, Tim Gent delivered his anticipated and impressive 16-track project Clarksville Nights about two weeks ago. Given how much we enjoyed the project, we had to reach out to the Clarksville artist for a interview which he gladly obliged. We talked about who Tim Gent is, his creative process, inspirations, what keeps him going, and more cool shit, which you can read below.
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So, tell us who is Tim Gent?
I’m a God fearing man, first. I’m a brother, a son. I’m just an average brother who loves music man. I’m also about to be a father.
From what I’ve seen there’s been a lot of positive feedback on Clarksville Nights, how do you feel now that it has been released?
I’m almost a little sad man contrary to popular belief. I really was feeling the process of making the tape. It was so fun, man. I made it for the people, though, so it’s cool. It is crazy that it’s taking off this way, though. We’ve been getting a lot of love within just a week, you know. I really appreciate it.
What’s your favorite line off the project?
” I was taught lessons that kept me leveled and kept me from being like cross dressers: bitches in real nigga wardrobe. That ain’t for niggas like the Hilfiger wardrobe it’s dark out, find the light I’m giving niggas Morse Code”.
In your song “Perseverance”, you said “3 years ago if you asked me, I couldn’t tell you what I wanted to do besides the music.” What made you get started rapping, and if you weren’t what do you think you’d be doing instead?
I’ve honestly always had a genuine love for music. I used to freestyle on basketball road trips in school. My step brother had FL Studios back in 9th grade and we made a couple songs. It got serious for me my senior year (2011) in high school, though. My rollie, T Clark, had put out a mixtape and we all were about to graduate. It was titled “Made For This” and it was bumping. [Laughs] He did a bunch of covers and it just inspired me so I started writing man. I was at it everyday for a long time. Kendrick Lamar dropped Section.80 on and then I knew. The rest lead me to where I am now.
What’s your creative process like?
I usually hear a beat that draws me and I’m compelled to write. I never try to force anything because that’s when the whack stuff is created, personally. I have no set structure when I create though. There are so many inspirations around us, it could be anything at anytime.
In a lot of your songs you mention your parents, mostly advice and wisdom they passed onto you. Do you feel as though they’ve had a major influence on decisions you’ve made thus far?
I thank God for my parents, man. They really instilled a lot of positivity and love in me. I grew up in the church, so a lot of lessons I’ve learned were because I listen to those i believe to have wisdom and knowledge. I really appreciate them for some of the values they gave me. My parents are good people man.
Explain the meaning and inspiration(s) behind the project.
Well when I began to write the project and the idea was formulated, there were a lot of negatives I was working with. My city is a bit abysmal. A lot of people from Clarksville, TN absolutely hate it. There’s not much to do. Everybody knows everybody. The system is screwed. People get stuck here. So, within all of that I was creating a tape somewhat expressing that same description. I decided to make something that felt good. I wanted to bring some positivity and a sense of pride to the people that were born and raised here, like myself. There are some positives, though. People make it out, man. I’ll make it out. The tape is the maturation of a young man. In the beginning, I’m looking for the women and talking shit. Close to the end, I’m talking about things, I feel, that matters and can help somebody.
What would you like for people to take from Clarksville Nights?
Just enjoy it for what it is.
Outside of music, what else influences you?
God.. My family.. My homies.. Women.. I love women. The fact that I have a son on the way is really influencing me to turn it up a notch.
What’s your ultimate goal with music?
I want it to be how I provide for my family. I love making music, man. If i could get to a point where I don’t have to clock into a call center and tell people why they’re AT&T bill is so high and just make music, I’d be very fine with that.
What else do you have planned for the rest of 2015?
Shows and features right now. I’m working on my next project as well that I’d love to drop this year. I don’t know if I will, but I’d like to have it ready for people soon.
BY: Valeria Granja
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If you haven’t already, you can download Tim Gent’s debut, Clarksville Nights, for free here.
