Tedi "Son Of Pearl" Robinson Interview

Bassist Tedi Robinson's SunSpot, Featuring the Massalina Funk Squad, Sparks Worldwide Excitement with New Album, Tango Romeo II: Songwriter Magnum Opus Fere! 

INTERVIEW BY: GINA SEDMAN, WRITER/JOURNALIST & HEAD EDITOR 

Florida-born artist Tedi Robinson, also known as Son of Pearl, is making waves in the music scene with his unique sound, which he affectionately calls “Mellowfunkism.” His latest release, "Let's Get Away (The Vibe Mix)," builds on his debut with CapSun Records in Miami and showcases his distinct blend of classic rhythms and contemporary vibes, creating music for the discerning listener. 

Robinson's recent album, Tango Romeo II: Songwriter Magnum Opus Fere, is available on both vinyl and digital platforms, enjoying international acclaim. One standout track, "SunSpot," features the talented Massalina Funk Squad and radiates a lively, Cameo-inspired funk energy. Tedi is seeking Grammy consideration for his track "SunSpot," produced by D Tent Kelly, a talented producer from Thailand. Kelly, who produced seven other tracks on the album, shares a deeper connection with Robinson as they are both Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity brothers. The remaining tracks from Robinson's collection were produced by Flight Boy Music, based in Baltimore, MD. 

Other featured songs from the album include "Truth or Dare," "Something in the Water," and "Fall for Me." 

An accomplished bassist, Tedi plays an array of instruments, including his favorite 4-string Crystal Galveston Bass, a 5-string Diamond Series Ibanez, an 8-string Dean Rhapsody, a 4-fretless Fender Jazz, congas, bongos, water drums, and kalimba. 

He is currently published through Poor Robin’s Publishing and The State of Tenacity Records, he was once signed to Six Nine Records in the UK. Beyond his musical endeavors, Tedi is a decorated veteran who served in the Iraq War. His favorite quote, “You can’t find satisfaction without courage,” reflects his journey as an artist and individual. Tedi is hopeful for "Grammy" consideration for his track "SunSpot," produced by D Tent Kelly from Thailand. D Tent also produced seven other tracks on the album and shares a deeper connection with Tedi as they are both members of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. The remaining tracks were produced by Flight Boy Music, based in Baltimore, MD.  

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Tedi to explore his musical journey and the experiences that shaped him before stepping into the spotlight. Here’s what he revealed. 

Tedi! Wait a minute! Tell me you don't have a clear bass guitar!  Oh, yes, I do because you have to be transparent with that funk now! (laughs)   

Absolutely! We're kicking things off on a fantastic note! Tedi, I want to express how delightful it is to chat with you today. I truly appreciate you taking the time to connect. Thank you.   

My pleasure. Absolutely! Tedi, while many are well-acquainted with your incredible accomplishments, there are still some who might not be as familiar with your music. I'm absolutely thrilled to dive into those fantastic topics with you! But first, could you share with us where you are originally from and where do you currently reside? I'm from a small town called Panama City, FL, also known as the Gulf Coast or "The Panhandle." My wife and I currently reside in Baltimore, Maryland, with plans to relocate in the future.  

Awesome! So, Tedi, there comes a point in every musician's life when they fall in love with music. What I want to know is: When was your earliest recollection of falling in love with music, and how did you realize that God had given you a talent for it? My earliest introduction to music was listening to my mom and grandmother sing gospel. My mom had a beautiful voice, and my grandmother had this rich, baritone tone. They would harmonize, and I'd think, "Man, I wish I could do that." 

Although we lived in Panama City, FL, and my grandmother was in Miami, I could still hear them sing to each other over the phone, which was comforting, especially during hard times. I'm the eldest of seven kids, and my mom wasn't fortunate in love. Unfortunately, she passed away when she was just 33 years old. 

After that, our great-grandparents took us in. We lived in a place called the Massalina Projects in Panama City. I'm sure London has its own ghettos and projects, where you see everything from drug dealers to thieves and women doing things they shouldn't be doing at night. That was the environment we were in.  

My uncle took my brothers and me out of that situation and decided to keep us off the streets by starting a band. I thought, "OK, great!" I was also an athlete at the time—I played football, ran track, and wrestled. One day, after football practice, I showed up late to band practice. My brothers had already claimed the drums and the guitar, so all that was left for me was the bass. That was when I first realized the bass was for me. I loved the feeling of making sounds and making people feel something that came from my soul.  

When I talk about the "soul mine," I'm referring to that place inside me where I store all my songs—like Prince's vault. It's where I pour in my ideas and songs, ready to pull them out whenever inspiration strikes. 

After my mom passed, we were on welfare, what's known here as public assistance. When you're on welfare, people look at you differently, almost like you're a ward of the state. Music became my escape, a place where I felt above all the poverty and pain. 

That's beautiful. That must have been a tough transition for you, but God always makes a way for us in our darkest moments. He's always working behind the scenes to guide us toward His will. Thank you for sharing such a tender memory of your early years and your start in music, Tedi. Now, what were your challenges when you first started playing the bass? That's a great question, Gina. In the beginning, I didn't even own a bass. I would imagine playing songs like Frankie Beverly and Maze's “Before I Let Go.”  

For my 14th birthday, I went to work with my great grandfather Robert James Lee who was a yardman cutting lawns for wealthy people, while my aunt worked as a maid. They would let me tag along, and I earned $40 for a day's work. With that money, I went to a pawn shop and bought myself a bass guitar.  

My uncle, William "Scoop" Waters, was a serious guitar player. He and his bass player had a band called Fire, and they were "hot!" They auditioned for Atlantic Records, Parliament, Sun, and even Cameo. He was incredibly talented but chose to stay home, do public service, and raise his family. 

My uncle and his bass player, John Steele, took me to the pawn shop to buy that $40 bass guitar. John, who's still a really funky bassist to this day, bought me the bass and became my teacher. He taught me how to tune it, string it, and play it. At the time, nylon strings were the new thing, but I didn't care much for them because I needed that funk! My uncle also taught me two songs: "Brick House" by The Commodores and "Slide" by Slave.  

From then on, I taught myself songs like "Dukey Stick" by George Duke and "What You Won't Do For Love" by Bobby Caldwell, one of my favorite tunes. Back then, funk was the new hot thing, especially Parliament Funkadelic. So there I was a guy trying to learn how to play without an amp. All I had was the bass from the pawn shop, but that was the start of my musical journey. 

Awesome! By the way, I love funky basslines! I was born in the 70s, so I call myself a funk baby. (Laughs) For music, it's got to be funky! I'm with you on that, Tedi. Now, you ended up serving in the military. In what ways do you feel that music helped you during your service and in the hardships of your youth? With the noise of reality and the loss of your mother, sometimes all you have is a song and a red Panasonic cassette player. That was my way to escape mentally through music. I would literally come home after football practice and try to learn a song. 

Back in the day, my aunt would let us come down to her place because that was the best house to be at. We stayed with my great-grandmother and great-grandfather in a two-bedroom, one-bathroom home heated with wood. I lived there until I went off to college. I slept in a pull-out bed with my baby brother while my other brother slept on the couch. We all slept in the living room, and my three sisters shared a bed in one room. My baby sister slept in the room with my grandmother. 

So, I would go out on the back porch with that plastic bass guitar I got from the pawn shop, sit there, and try to listen to whatever song I was trying to learn. This practice gave me an excellent ear for music. I can hear a song and immediately lock-in. But as I mentioned earlier, I didn't have an amp until I went off to college, so music basically healed and helped me. 

When I went to the military, especially between combat tours (I served two combat tours) and during my duty stations and training, music was my only way to heal from war's psychological effects on a soldier. I believe that war is the dream of a madman's mind; there's nothing extraordinary about it. I don't know if the world could ever survive without it. I think it can, but it rarely does. During those times when you're trying to understand why you're there and what you're doing, music fills all those gaps. 

That's beautiful, Tedi. For many people going through tumultuous times in their lives, music is a powerful gift from God that helps us through those moments—whether you are a musician or simply a recipient of the beautiful artistry that God has placed in musicians. Music has been used for years to heal people and connect with those experiencing various hardships—heartache, pain, breakups, death, marriage, graduation, or even the first time you fell in love. Music has been a way for many to bring healing to their hearts, even in worship. It's a language that people worldwide can relate to. No matter where you live, everyone loves music. What a beautiful gift from God! I'm so glad you used it to help you through those times.  

On another note, although I live in the UK now, I am American. So, thank you for your military service. Thank you, Gina. 

My pleasure! So tell me, Tedi, for those of us who don't know: when you go into the military, are you allowed to bring your bass? Do they enable soldiers who are musicians time to play their instruments while on active duty? In the beginning, no. When you go into basic training, it's just you and that drill sergeant, along with the two to three hundred unflattering names they call you to break you down, discipline you, and build you up to be the warrior you need to be to prepare for war and fight for your country. 

When I came back from Desert Storm, I asked, "What do you do after the war?" I was told, "You train for the next one." You wake up in the morning, go to physical training (PT), report to your duty station, complete your mission for the day, and then around five o'clock (1700), you go home. Then, the following day, I would do it all over again. 

You may do this for the next five years. So, you only have personal time in between all that. During my personal time, I would learn songs, release records, and tape songs. 

Right! That also helped you keep your chops up as well. 

Oh, you've got to keep it together! 

I know that's right! So, let's talk about how gospel music has influenced your musical style and your approach to songwriting. You have to keep yourself grounded. God keeps you humble. You need to appreciate that your talents come from God. I always meet people who say, "Oh, I wish I could play like you." I think, "Well, I'm sure you can, but God blessed me with this particular gift." 

I make sure that I always give that back. Until recently, I used to have a gospel song on every album I released. I wanted to give back in some way. Believing in God keeps you grounded. Regardless of what the world does, you know your mission here and what God has given you that's meant for you. 

Even now, as a soldier, when you come back from war, you usually have some issues. But when you ask yourself, "Why am I still here?" you conclude that it's because God decided it wasn't your time to leave and that there are still things for you to do here on earth. For me, that means making good music and trying to get people dancing. 

Tedi, I'm so glad you honor God in your life and that you chose to honor Him in this exchange today. As you said, God has spared your life, as well as all of our lives, for a purpose—to bring honor and glory to His name, love others, and spread the message of Christ's love, forgiveness, and redemption through His sacrifice for our sins. He came to set the captives free. We are also responsible for using our amazing gifts and not sitting on them, allowing them to go dormant. At the same time, while God gives us gifts, we express them differently and uniquely. 

As a performing recording artist and songwriter, I frequently encounter the question, "Do you identify as a gospel artist or a secular one?" My response is that I don't fit neatly into either category; I'm simply an artist with a deep love for the Lord. Since Jesus is central to my life, there are moments when I feel inspired to express my devotion through music. Living in a world filled with challenges, I sometimes feel compelled to create songs that resonate with a song like Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On." Additionally, as a woman deeply in love with my wonderful, God-fearing husband, I find joy in writing about that love. All these elements shape my unique life experiences. 

Songs can be seen as a dialogue set to a musical backdrop. Imagine any conversation you have with someone, and then layer music beneath it—that's essentially a song. The essence lies in the passion and purpose behind the words, along with how you express and embody them. It's disheartening that, in the realm of music, there are many attempts to stifle or criticize artists, mainly if they are Christians who don't exclusively limit themselves to gospel genres. A genuine relationship with Christ is a part of your daily identity and will shine through in your creative work. You can recognize those who belong to Christ by the impact of their actions. 

I know I said a lot, but when you mentioned the gospel song thing, I needed to express that. I agree. 

Now, Tedi, can you share how you fuse different genres to create your own unique "Mellowfunkism?" Well, you know the reason why I call it "Mellowfunkism" 

is because my mom loved Wes Montgomery, George Benson, and Coltrane, but she also loved Aretha Franklin.  

She could groove with Billie Holiday, but she might have the Ohio Players blasting the next day. Then, on Sunday morning, she'd listen to Mahalia Jackson. You'd think, "Wasn't she just listening to James Brown yesterday?" It was cool, though. 

As a child growing up in the South, only AM radio was available. FM radio came soon after, but initially, you mostly heard Caucasian artists on the radio. This was because of the racial issues in the South. Because of that, I listened to everyone, from Elton John to Peter Frampton, who is one of my favorites. I'd listen to people like him, then turn around and listen to Molly Hatchet and REO Speedwagon. 

When I went to high school in the South, we attended a brand-new school on the other side of town, where people of my complexion didn't live. When they opened the school and started desegregation, they bused us to that school. We couldn't get back to our side of town before the football games, so after school, we'd stay in the gym until the game started at 8 PM. During that time, they would play Frampton Comes Alive the whole time. I'd think, "Dude, I know all these songs!" They also played Queen because "We Will Rock You" and "We Are The Champions" were hot tunes at the time. 

So, between Peter Frampton, Queen, and Molly Hatchet, that was my introduction to rock 'n' roll. By the time Parliament Funkadelic got big with songs like "Flashlight," "Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)," and "Aqua Boogie," I was already into Frampton. One day, I'd be listening to Parliament Funkadelic; the next, I'd listen to George Benson; somehow, it all came together in this mellow funk. Every time I touched my bass, it reflected a little bit of all that. 

I like to think that anybody can get a little piece of me during my creative process. In other words, you might get a bit of that Parliament-Funkadelic vibe and say, "Oh, he's funky!" 

For example, my latest tune, which I was promoting last month, is called "Fall For Me. 

When I wrote it, I kept thinking, "This is the type of song where you could picture people standing on the beach, with the sun rising or setting, or reconnecting with a long-lost love or finding new love and saying, 'I want you to fall for me.'" It's not funk. It's not really rock either. It's somewhere in between, with a mellow-funk vibe. For me, mellow-funkism is when the funk is "funking." The rhythm is the "-ism." 

There it is, everyone, from the man himself! If you didn't know, now you know (laughs). Now, Tedi, what inspired you to start your own independent label, Tenacity Records? Well, it's because of the meaning of "Tenacity." There are just some days, Gina, when you think, "You know what? If you don't do it for me, no problem—I'll do it myself." And I'm not mad at you for not doing it for me. I may be disappointed but let me show you how I get down. That's what we're going to do. 

Even in college, after I graduated high school, I thank God for my little high school girlfriend who broke my heart. I wasn't planning on attending college, but my counselor told me, "Look if you go to college, you'll meet many girls. Don't worry about it. Just go to school." So, I did. I went to Florida State and took my $40 bass with me. Then, after my mother passed away, my father came back into our lives, and he bought me an amp, which I also took with me. So, there I was, in the dorm, playing every day. I didn't know what I was playing, but I played every day. 

At the time, only about 1% of the school's population was African American, so there were very few brothers. One day, a guy passed by and said, "Bro, I've got a tune I bet you can't play." I was a cocky little guy at the time, so I said, "I can play anything." But that guy introduced me to rock music, and it was amazing—it opened up a whole new world for me. 

Absolutely! The more styles of music you learn to play, the more employable you become. Musicians who can play different types of music are the ones who stay employed and keep food on the table. If you only have the skill set to play one style, it limits your ability to make a broader income. Thank you for sharing that. Speaking of making a living through music, you've got new music out. Let's discuss your latest album, Tango Romeo II (Songwriter) Magnum Opus Fere. That's a very unique title. Can you tell me about it? The album is called Tango Romeo II (Songwriter) Magnum Opus Fere. "Tango Romeo" is another way to say my name, Tedi Robinson. This is the second album in the series, so it'll be like a trilogy. I've got another part to it that we'll release, and it'll probably come out next year. 

Awesome! Now, when did this album come out? It came out in June of this year. I always try to release my albums on the first day of summer. With this particular release, I wanted to showcase my songwriting abilities because, as a bass player, your other talents can sometimes get overshadowed by your bass playing. I think that's what happened to me. So, on this album, I wanted to highlight my ability to write great songs as well. As you know, with bass players, it's all about that bass. (laughs) 

Yes, I know that all too well! (laughs) Exactly! I reached a point where I wanted people to see the different sides of my songwriting ability on this album. I tried to write at least 16 songs that explore rock, punk, jazz, and gospel. One of the gospel songs on the album is called Claim Your Victory. There's also a punk song that captures that feeling we all have on some days—when you're just fed up and don't care about anything in the moment. 

That sounds like a diverse range of styles! Yes, definitely. I even wrote a song for my daughter, reminding her that it's okay not to have everything figured out sometimes. That's the vibe of this album—showcasing different aspects of who I am as an artist. For example, the lead song is Truth or Dare, a blues-rock-funk track. I wrote it thinking, "If I ever had a chance to hang out with Lenny Kravitz, this is the song I'd play." The next song, Let's Get Away, is a bit different. 

As a married woman, I'm sure you understand the desire to get away with your partner sometimes. It's about those moments when you want to escape the daily grind with the one you love—whether that's walking along a boardwalk, riding a Ferris wheel, or even dancing in front of your car headlights. It's simply about getting away. I also did a remix of that song. 

The next track I released is SunSpot, featuring The Massalina Funk Squad. It has that Cameo-funk vibe, and I love Cameo! We're even hoping it gets Grammy consideration. Overall, the album is doing well. 

That's incredible! Where can people purchase your music? We're on Spotify, about 17 other streaming platforms, and Bandcamp. So, if you want a taste of what we offer, you can get the "sampling platter." (laughs) 

I love it! (laughs) Is the album also available on vinyl? 

Yes, it is! You can order a vinyl version on Bandcamp. I did a limited pressing because there's something special about holding a vinyl record. It's like owning a rare find for the future, and I'm excited about that! 

That's awesome! Can you tell everyone how to connect with you or learn more about your music? Sure! You can find me on Bandcamp and Spotify. Just search for "Son Of Pearl." On Instagram, I'm @neo_soul_bassman and @sonofpearl59. We're also on iHeartRadio and Facebook under Son Of Pearl, and on TikTok, I go by songwriter7. There are lots of ways to connect and hear my music! 

That's wonderful, and I'm sure many people will want to connect with a talent like yours. Thank you, Tedi! Before we wrap up, please offer some encouragement or inspiration for independent artists just starting. Absolutely. My advice would be this: You won't find satisfaction without courage. You need the courage to say, "I can do this." There will be days when you feel like you're not as good as Aaron Mills, Stanley Clarke, or Marcus Miller, but imagine—what if you came first, and they were trying to emulate you? Have the courage to do things your way. 

The first person I heard that from was Prince. He said you must be strong enough to say, "I'm going to release this song my way." Even if someone else has done something similar, it's okay to tweak it and make it yours. There's nothing new under the sun, but you can always bring your unique touch. For example, with cover songs, you might not outdo Luther Vandross or Gregory Porter, but you can still make it enjoyable. That's what I'd say—make it your own. 

That's beautiful and so wise, Tedi. It has been an absolute pleasure speaking with you. I always like to end my interviews with a prayer. I pray that God blesses the work of your hands according to His will for your life. I pray that He surrounds you with reliable individuals who genuinely care for your well-being and safeguard you and your loved ones. I am so proud of all that you have achieved and the landmarks you've reached. I'm cheering you on! Thank you so much, Gina.  

My pleasure, Tedi. God bless you. 

Photo credits:   

Asha Media Solutions, LLC 

brandon@ashamediasolutions.com 

Brandon Campbell 

Baltimore, MD