For North Texas’s multi-talented Music Business Entrepreneur/ Songwriter/Producer Tina E. Clark, getting to record a song written about the love affair of her biggest influences, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, is like a fairy tale come true. Clark’s song “Obama Kind of Love” is just one her highly debuted Singles, released in July 2009. “What Tina has created is such a blessing to couples everywhere. At a time when so much of today’s music is negative and doesn’t speak of love or relationships in a positive manner says a lot about her personality.”
Tina describes her own music as fun and fresh while at the same time signifying deep meaning. “R&B Soul, Neo-Soul music is about stories. Some of those stories can be meaningful and still be fun. I never write a song that I can’t relate to in some way, shape, or form. My music will always reflect who I am.”
When asked about her experience in a North Dallas studio, Tina responded, “My engineer was amazed at how well I did in the studio having composed all the music and sang all the vocals. But this was my first time working with this particular studio engineer. He said no one has ever come into his studio that prepared and doing it all! But I am use to it and most times I prefer it that way. I like a drama free working environment and sometimes working with people who have big egos doesn’t give you that experience.”
Tina’s voice is rather youthful sounding but she’s been in the industry a long time. That doesn’t mean that Tina doesn’t seek constant improvement and constructive criticism in all areas. “You can be a writer and not be a singer, but I also sing. I have no current desire to be an artist first because my strengths are songwriting and producing. I studied music in college as a theory and composition major, but I spent time hanging around recording studios studying and observing everything I could about the music industry and producing music. Of course in exchange for being their gofer , you know, go for the coffee, go for the donuts, etc. That’s how I was able to hone my songwriting and producing skills. Being a hit-making songwriter/producer isn’t just a dream of mine, this is a goal that I am determined to achieve and I won’t give up.” Tina takes and applies all the advice she receives from music industry professionals she works with and who serve as mentors to her.
In addition to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Tina’s musical influences include the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. She was first touched by Michael’s music when he and his brothers were with Motown Records and then later on as a solo artist.
Tina’s career as a songwriter started in the basement of a church. Perhaps that’s because she didn’t have a piano at home and couldn’t afford music lessons. “ I remember being in the church youth choir and during service I would sneak to the basement where there was an old upright piano. It was dark in the basement and I didn’t want to turn the light on out of fear of getting caught, so I settled for the light coming from an old Coke machine. That’s how I learned to play piano because I would do this at every service. I eventually went on to learn to play other instruments through summer programs and school music programs.
Tina is no stranger to the stage.”I was a minister of music and worship leader at my church for many years before branching off to write and produce other styles of music.” Tina’s ultimate goal as a songwriter/producer is to be a hit-maker and write good music with positive messages.
