Featured Artist - Tea Fannie

Chameleonic rapper Tea Fannie is an unstoppable force in the music scene. This Alberta rapper started off her music career in Treaty 6/edmonton and moved around a lot (her father served).  4 provinces, 9 cities but she calls Mohkinstsis/calgary home!  She grew up listening to Kenny Rogers and Whitney Houston, no typo, and by the time she was old enough to choose her own ear vibes she was into Green Day and Nas. Follow Tea Fannie on Instagram.

Her music style reflects that in a random way especially because she listens to music for lyrical content over beats which is kind of different in this day and age. Her music is heavily lyrical as well and she wants people to go back and listen to it again like: “did she just say…???” In 5 years she has been heard or seen on Sirius XM, Virgin Radio, iHeart Radio, Edmonton Journal, Global News, Calgary Herald, Xclaim, Downtown Arts Calgary, The YYScene, CBC radio, The Yellowknifer, with many more to come! With her project, It's All Love, funded by Canada Council, released September 27, 2024, she is sure to continue forging her own path in this industry.

1. What is the coolest show you have ever played? 

Sled Island at Palomino Summer 2024. I was having a bit of a breakdown/panic attack before the show outside, just soaking in someone else's energy and problems, and I couldn't find my center to take center stage. One of my best friends and DJ, catfishthewizard, told me to use that energy and change it into energy for the performance. It was the best show we've ever done together. I was able to pull people up from the crowd, showcase a lot of the city's talent and everyone had a great time with us. I learned that night that I can hit the stage no matter what. And that was powerful for me, as I had stage fright until 2019 haha. 

2. How do you keep yourself healthy and happy working in music?

Thankfully doing shows is my cardio hehe. When I practice alone at home I do with heavier cardio so it seems like I never run out of breath on stage lol. Performing and writing and creating makes me happy, so it's easy. I recharge at Niagara Falls.

3. What is the biggest challenge you've experienced in getting to where you are?

Being taken seriously as a female rapper in the non hip hop scene in the city. Hip hop is a real art, rap is a real art, and should be funded and awarded as such. 

4. What is the best part of your life that isn't music related?

Isn't everything music related? hehehe. hmmmm, I like organizing stuff. Like I'm that guy that purchased an unpacking game and played it while I still had stuff to unpack in real life.

5. What is the best advice you have been given in the music business?

Not to forget that it's a music BUSINESS. That business part is a big part of it. Having an entrepreneurial mind really helps.