Today we’d like to introduce you to Prince T.C.H..
Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us how you got started?
My name is Tobias, also known as Prince T.C.H. I’m a native of Como, North Carolina. It has always been my dream to share my God-given talents of singing, dancing, and performing/entertaining with the world. Music has been in my DNA since birth. Everyone in my family either sings or plays an instrument. Coming from a musical family, I was destined to pursue a music career. My parents and grandparents taught me many of the basic principles of music as a child. I began singing and learning to play other instruments by ear, such as piano, drums, and guitar. My grandfather, James A. Long Sr, was the leader of a quartet group in my hometown called “Mighty Bells of Joy.” With my grandfather’s teaching, I could work on my craft. My grandfather gave me a chance to play drums and sing. I’m sure he would be proud of his grandson if he were here today.
I spent 10 years as a pianist and a professional singer. I have been blessed to have traveled to various states across the east coast. I attended North Carolina A&T State University, earning my Bachelor of Music degree. While at A&T, I was privileged to be taught by Maestro Travis Alexander, the director of the North Carolina A&T State University Choir. Being in the choir gave me endless opportunities. I had the chance to perform in Canada and sing in front of celebrities such as Terrence J and Avery Sunshine, to name a few. I also had the pleasure of serving on live television for the UNC-TV Christmas Special, which airs yearly.
During my tenure as in undergrad, I started my own R&B/Pop Group called 3rd Lane. As artistic director and lead vocalist, the group won many local competitions and received recognition from peers to the Mayor of Greensboro, NC. Before starting my dream as a professional Singer, Musician, and Artist, I spent 5 years as an office assistant, 10 years as a church musician, and 4 years as a middle school and high school Chorus Teacher. I completed my Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing & Advertising from Liberty University. After a successful music career, I plan on advising other singers, musicians, and artists, like myself, on achieving success in the music industry. On July 11th, 2019, Prince T.C.H. released his first EP entitled “Love and Hate,” which received 1,000 streams on the first day! He is working on his second EP entitled “Love and Hate Vol. 2” I’ve been through a lot in my life, but God has been the source of my strength. He has been the one leading and guiding me. God gets all the glory for every accolade.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
The road hasn’t been easy. I’ve been told no so many times. People have told me I wasn’t good enough to be a famous singer, musician, artist, etc. I’ve been rejected from TV shows and record labels. Back in 2015, I wanted to give up on music altogether. On July 3rd, 2015, I lost one of my icons, my grandfather. My grandfather passed away 8 days before my birthday. My grandfather faced many health challenges, and God called him home. I know we’re not supposed to question God, but I had to ask Him why. My grandfather was the man who taught me the basic principles of music, and for him to pass away was something I wasn’t ready for. So I made up my mind to quit music altogether. But the day after my grandfather’s funeral, I had a dream where my grandfather was talking to me. To keep a long story short, he told me to support the family legacy alive. He wanted me to continue to pursue music and pass that gift on to the next generation, just like he did with me. After that dream, I decided to take this music career seriously. Things have been falling into place for me since that day.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an all-around artist. I’m a singer, multi-faceted musician (piano, drums, guitar), dancer, songwriter, arranger, producer, and composer. I specialize in 90’s R&B Music, Gospel, Country, Classical, and Smooth Jazz Ballads. Some of his inspirations for singing are Stevie Wonder, Tank, John Mayer, John P See, Deitrick Haddon, PJ Morton, Joe, and Brian McKnight, to name a few. I’m known for my voice, musicianship skills, and dancing. When I was younger, everyone loved to hear me sing, play piano, and dance. I’m most proud of my accomplishments during these past 2 years. I’m grateful for the gifts that God has given me.
During the pandemic of 2020, I took advantage of the time allotted and began to grow my social media platforms, with Instagram being my main focus. I grew my following by 10,000 followers and performed for A-class celebrities such as LL Cool J, Affion Crockett, J. White, Eric Bellinger, Avery Wilson, Karlton Humes, and even Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men. I was involved in a competition on Instagram called #WanWednesday hosted by Wanya Morris. I competed against 66 other contestants and made it to the top 20. This opportunity opened countless avenues and prepared me for the big stage.
In 2021-2022, I was a contestant on the legendary, iconic television show “American Idol.” Out of 100,000 singers who audition, I had the opportunity to audition in Los Angeles in front of Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. During the audition, I received compliments such as, “You have the stardust,” “I admire the enthusiasm of your showmanship,” and “I’m surprised he’s not a star already.” After these comments from the judges, I received the Golden Ticket and headed to Hollywood. I made it through the Genre Round and Duet Round. Even though I didn’t make it to the Top 24, I still impacted my friends, family, students, and community by making the Top 59.
My work ethic, humility, and musical abilities set me apart from others. I live by the motto that my dad created, “Humble But Hungry.” I apply this motto to everything I do. My work ethic is 10 times more than the average artist’s because I’m determined to succeed. Even with that tenacity, I remain humble to those around and above me. With God’s gifts, I can be successful in any genre or job if you need me as a dancer, pianist, guitarist, singer, producer, arranger, etc. I can perform those tasks at a high level. That is what sets me apart from others.
We’re always looking for lessons that can be learned in any situation. Including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The Covid-19 Crisis has taught me that time is precious. We need to love our family, friends, associates, etc., as much as we can. I’ve learned through the pandemic that something positive can come from something negative. During the pandemic, so many talented and gifted people were displayed and put on platforms that changed their lives forever, me being one of them. The Covid-19 Crisis showed us that we all need a break from the world now and then. Through the pandemic, I’ve become more disciplined with my music. My creativity has evolved to a higher level simply because I had time to work on my craft. Covid-19 has taught us that we should live daily with purpose and try to fulfill our destiny.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.princetch.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/princetch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/princetchofficial
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/princetch_
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/PrInCeTcH1194
- SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/YB5HbwGN7By17e5e8
Image Credits
Michael Gillman Butterfly Visuals LLC SayDrewitt|Media Thomas Beck Simply Eryka Photography Soyot Mass Media Team
