D’Ante Kareem Adkins, better known by his artist name Turn Up Tobi, is a New Jersey based music producer, engineer, and professional musician. He frequently collaborates with other artists and creates backing tracks that others can buy a license to use to create their own songs.
Below he answered a few questions about his background and work.
What drew you to the music industry?
Music is in my blood. My grandmother on my father’s side was a jazz singer, and my father is a writer and rapper. At the age of 12, I started to play the piano, and after that, I’ve been learning new instruments ever since. I grew up in church and started playing the organ on Sundays.
Also, in school, I joined the choir just so I could train my voice and sing better.
Who are you inspired by?
There are many things that inspire me to be honest. But my main drive to keep on going is that I want to be able to live life knowing that I went for my dreams. Both of my grandmothers passed away, and I know that they are looking down on me, and I want to make them proud. Also, I want people to say “Turn Up Tobi is the best producer ever” or at least “Turn Up Tobi is the best producer in New Jersey”.
Do you collaborate with others? What is that process?
I collaborate with new artists on a daily basis because I want people to hear my sound all the time. My process starts with me going on Instagram and finding a local artist to see if they would like to work.
If they book a session, I like to make a beat in front of them just to impress them and make them want to book again.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t listen to people who say it won’t work out for you or etc. Make sure that you learn something new every day and that you always meet new people so that you can network with them. I would also say, find or build a team that would help you. Keep on working and keep your head up.
What do you like to do for fun outside of working on music?
When I’m not working on music, I like to learn new things and create content. I also like to try new foods and cook. I like to network and meet new people.
