Tashera

Tashera Robertson. I’m 26 years old and I was born and raised in the heart of Baltimore. Growing up in Baltimore where I lived right in the middle of drugs and crime, I was blessed with a single mom and an older brother that consistently kept me grounded. Somehow all the bad choices and negativity flew by me and opened my eyes to the beautiful side of Baltimore. The talent, creativity, and support in Baltimore is real and this is the place I found my voice and passion. I noticed I could sing around first grade, all the kids would make me sing all of time and I loved every bit of the attention. I began to really tap into my voice when I joined the Baltimore City College High School QWAH. Ms. Hall the former choral director and my music teacher helped me to discover what my voice could really do. I’ve had some of my best life changing experiences on this choir, traveling the country and singing in places like Carnegie Hall. I’ve met some of my best friends on that choir, that I am honored to still sing with to this day. My years with the choir and meeting other talented singers is what helped mold me musically. We were taught everything from classical to jazz and I began to grow more of an appreciation and ear for all genres of music. I couldn’t wait until it was time for music class, this was the go to classroom for lunch time and skipping other classes. I was no longer alone with my talent and had other creators to sing, write with and discover new genres of music.  

Although I had grown a new level of support there were still a few voices in my ear telling me that pursuing music would not be practical. My initial dream was to dig deeper into my abilities and to become a music major in college. I wanted to intensify my gained knowledge from my high school music classes but the outside opinions took a huge toll on me mentally. So, when applying to colleges I accepted what was considered a “practical” major. Throughout my first few years in college I started to struggle with serious depression, feeling like I was fulfilling another person’s goals. I started skipping classes, avoiding friends and family and even got to a point where I just completely didn’t want to exist. I wasn’t making myself proud which is what mattered the most. Eventually the pressure, confusion, the lack of passion and drive lead to me dropping out of Morgan State University half way through my 3rd year. I started working a full-time job on a night shift and singing during the day with some of my closest friends in a group we called The BGVS. I always loved writing and obsessed over harmony but the inspiration I gained singing with The BGVS is where my writing and vocal arranging abilities started to come to light.

After a few years with the group I felt like I was gaining back my momentum with music. I soon I had my son and slowed down for a while but I want to show him that our dreams are worth fighting for. Having my son added an entire new dimension to my purpose. I didn’t want to stay at a 9 to 5 forever. I needed to hit on some goals. I have to show him that anything worth fighting for is never going to be easy so never let naysayers halt your passion and growth. This is something I wish I could have discovered earlier on. All along my little sister, without knowing, kind of helped me realize it. The more I see her grow in her art of dance and going to school to perfect her craft and the passion in her eyes when I go to her performances, I see myself. The version of myself that I have now locked into. I am humble at the number of wonderful people I have on my team who have been some of the greatest forces during my journey. I am growing more confident in my abilities as a singer and song writer and will continue to learn throughout my music career despite any obstacles I might face. Me and music have slept on one another for way too long.