The Musician Spotlight Series shines a light on up-and-coming bands and solo acts creating heartfelt and original work across genres, giving them an opportunity to talk about their music, their collaborators, and why they do what they do.
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To submit an artist or band for consideration, email editors@myentertainmentworld.ca.
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“Children at heart who love poetic, theatric, satiric yet at times serious storytelling alongside magical music and visuals, should prepare themselves for the surprising world of Ronley Teper. Born in South Africa and growing up in Toronto, she is an active composer, producer & multimedia artist. Her storytelling and songwriting styles cycle through many influences from folk, funk, jazz, cabaret, art rock and pop sensibilities. A musician and performance artist, Teper has been an active member in the arts scene for almost two decades. Over this time, she has recorded 6 independent LP’s, including the latest “Everyone Loves A Good Story”.”
When did you know you wanted to be a musician?
Ha! I am still not sure I want to be a musician. Playing music, writing music, performing with others in any capacity brings joy and therapy. If this is what made me want to be a musician then it all started in kindergarten singing in a song circle.
Are you trained? How did you develop your skills?
From Grade 7-9 at public school students took the band and following roots in early childhood singing this gave me a chance to actually touch and try different instruments. The skills developed over many many many years of playing in my bedroom, on the stage, lots of touring and playing, and some casual lessons here and there with musicians I admire, particularly when I felt like I needed a kickstart when I feel I’m not developing anymore and writing the same stuff over and over again and/or also wanting to dabble into new territory and new instruments.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Any artist that has taken chances, finds their own unique sound and tones, can improvise, and most importantly the music evokes goosebumps in me. My earliest memorable musical influences include Tom Waits, Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, Frank Zappa, and The Grateful Dead.
How would you describe your sound?
Genre-bending and blending
What’s your favourite tune in your repertoire and why?
“Faith”. I wrote it in 5 minutes, balled my eyes out. It still makes me ball my eyes out both with feelings of happiness and sadness. It seems to affect so many people even with varying tastes in musical genres. It’s a universal theme that keeps on giving. But, perhaps I should be saying or plugging New Love, my new single, that one also hits home, but it’s too new to say if it’s got a long-lasting repertoire staying power for me personally yet.
What can audiences expect from one of your live shows?
No expectations. It’s never the same. Maybe that is the expectation? We never play the same songs the same way ever and there is always improvisation, a rotating roster of some of the finest musicians joining, theatre, and antics and new songs can be created on the fly. You never know what you’re going to get. And to be honest our live shows are spectacular and surpass any studio recordings. I can’t wait to return to the staging post-Covid times.
Where can we find your music?
You can find the music on generally all the platforms. But if ya want to really support indie musicians buy us at our Bandcamp and you can stream pretty much everywhere. Just search Ronley Teper. I hope you enjoy the tunes. Stay safe, and healthy in these bizarre times.