Ekikeabasi Peter Owodiong- Idemeko, is the multi-genred musician, known as T3agray. T3agray does not confine himself to one genre; often switching between punk rock and indie, while dabbling in folk music. His frequent transition between multiple genres is due to the ongoing sculpting and refining of his individual style. Besides, he is just not one to confine himself to strict bounds; fluidity and movement coincide with his person.
T3agrays’ creative confidence and exploration can be attributed to his family and childhood. His father was an unorthodox artist, the type that continuously broke the bounds of normality around the rules of art. While his sister is an ingenious poet who paints realities with her words. His other siblings, brother and sister, are talented vocalists with vast range and mastery. Although his mother was the odd one out; without any real creative pursuits. She had a great ear for sonic brilliance.
This talented family set the tone for his creative interest as he took piano, guitar and vocal lessons. In spite of that, he cites wanting to be like Adam Wade Gontier, former lead singer of his favourite band, or Micheal Jackson as the reason for engaging in creative pursuits. He did actualize a lot of these aspirations, performing the song “Fireflies” by Owl City, in his first musical at the age of 7. Even though as a child he was shy, found more comfort in quietly reading books than playing with kids his own age. His creative prowess still shone through.
With this extensive background in music and the creative arts, it is not surprising that T3agray ventured into a music career. He explains that he would feel incomplete if he did not create music. He speaks of how captivating creating music is, along with his fascination about the world of sound, it was almost impossible for him not to make music. However, music also allowed him to express himself; releasing the thoughts he had stirring within him.
Speaking of creative processes, T3agray speaks very meticulously abut his process. He listens to a beat to derive inspiration from it. Then breaking the beat down; dividing the instrumentals into segments, allowing him to tweak and adjust his flow to fit each phase of the song. Moreover, on days when he doesn’t feel so imaginative, he mumbles over a beat until he creates a melody that he approves of. He speaks of waking up in the early hours of the morning, feeling like the earth is coaxing him to create. His creations at these hours, tend to be his best.
Asides from music, T3agray fences for the Nigerian National team. He has represented Nigeria at several competitions, including the Commonwealth Games. He enjoys making short films, playing games with friends and watching anime.
He mentions having quite a lot of inspirations. However, if he was to mention a few, it would be Lil peep, Eminem, Beyonce, Ekaette, Nyaknno, Idara, Ide, Ide the second, Corbin and Three Days Grace. For him, his music is like his entries in his diaries that he is letting everyone read. It’s just his way of expressing himself, he does not necessarily have a message to pass across. To be seen within his creations is his main goal.
T3agray promises that a lot of crazy things are coming. I’m patiently waiting to see his next moves and what genre he’ll take on next!
