<<During Spring 2012, Uncommon Grounds selected awarded three Hoyas the UG Arts Scholarship, which encourages students every year to submit their visual or performing arts contributions and explain what art at Georgetown means to them. BTC interviewed Tate Tucker, one of the award recipients, who used his scholarship funds to create and produce a full-fledged, professional rap music video. Tucker’s music videos can be seen on his YouTube Channel. >>
BTC: What did you do for the UG arts scholarship?
A whole lot…ha! It started with a song I wrote myself and mixed and mastered, as well as co-produced alongside executive producer Aaron Rennell. I wanted the video to take it a step further. The entire video was a learning process because it was the first time I tried to make it a serious production.
As for the art work involved, I reached out to Lexi [Cotcamp] and Capri [LaRocca] about finding a visual artist. That was all Daniella (She’s a baller!). She had a lot of happy pieces, which I liked because I knew it would make this melancholy piece a challenge.
BTC: Why did you decide to focus on a serious issue?
When people point you out for lacking serious issues in music, you start to think about different approaches. People labeled me as things that I didn’t believe represented me, and I wanted to come up with something that people would take seriously. I think it’s important to always show different facets of an who you are. One-sided artists don’t make it long, and that’s the truth of the matter.
BTC: Take me through the step-by-step process of creating your music video:
Pre-production: This was 80% of the process and included meeting with the director; talking about the song; and storyboarding the song. Then, we went back to reshoot and refine certain scenes. The planning is definitely the most important part.
Filming: There were about seven takes of each scene, meaning a ton of time.
Editing: I did a music video earlier this year, which taught me a lot. There’s a lot I would change about the video now, but the editing was impeccable.
Screening: This took about a month, mainly due to coordinating schedules. It’s crazy how busy everyone is when you all need to meet, even just for a screening.
BTC: What’s your take on the arts at Georgetown?
When people come to Georgetown, there’s usually no creative reason behind it 99% of the time. But about 70% of those people are still creative. It’s funny that a lot of people don’t even know where the theater is, but they know where the MSB is and could tell you the ins and outs of the Bloomberg Terminal. They’re so focused on pursuing a career that makes money that they forgot what else exists.
The arts here are kind of underappreciated, but I’ve found that once you enter the community, it’s an awesome family. But every time there is an opportunity for a scholarship or whatnot, it helps to make that arts community just a little bit bigger.
BTC: Do you plan to continue pursuing the arts in some form?
I’m never going to be an investment banker. I’ve been teaching myself music theory. The do-re-mi bullshit that most people forget to consider. I’m going to start composing and producing my own music too, so I definitely want to have a strong foundation.
Right now, I’m an English major, with a minor in sociology and government. I don’t know exactly what I’ll do in the long run. But that’s the beautiful thing about it—you have the opportunity to do so much. So maybe I wasn’t the kid who knew wanted to be when he was seven years old; I think it makes things all the more interesting along the way.
BTC: In your own words, why do you love music?
I never considered myself any bit creative. But once I got older, I realized that I was raised in a creative household. My parents met at a record label. I think about music now, and it freaks me out that music isn’t authentic these days. The Top 40 isn’t honestly true music. I was brought up in that sort of colorful environment. My mom was into visual arts; my sister was into visual arts. Music was my form of love and rebellion.
I saw acting as a vain endeavor, whereas music seemed like something I could share with the world. My mom would play Gangster’s Paradise in the minivan, and I never realized how cool that was at the time. I didn’t really notice how large a source of happiness it was. We danced to it; talked about it; ate good food to it—just lived it.
BTC: What should the world look for from Tate Tucker soon?
I just released a song called Blue Clouds. I’m also filming a video for my next single, titled ‘Grillwalker,’ on December 15-16, and it should be out sometime in January. Check it out; it’s going to be a real piece of art.
BTC: How could Georgetown students get involved?
If you like to sing, hit me up. If you like to make music, hit me up. We also always need graphic designers. There’s so much I do myself, but it’d be awesome if anyone’s down for helping. Or if you’re down to record, I’m always willing to teach.
BTC: Do you have any advice for those who want to be a part of the arts community at Georgetown?
Do not be afraid to do something because you see that someone else hasn’t done it before. There was NOBODY rapping at Georgetown when I started. The next thing you know I met Professor Dyson, and the following day, I met Lupe Fiasco. Reaching out will always result in people who have your back.
Chase your passions, and fight for resources. You can do it!
Lexi Cotcamp enjoys living vicariously through the musical talent of others. She herself is a professional kazoo player.
