Meet Taraielle | Ladi Indika Music | Multi-Instrumentalist, Performing Artist & Creator of The T Sound

We had the good fortune of connecting with Taraielle | Ladi Indika Music and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taraielle | Ladi Indika Music, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Between “see a need and fill it and “your gifts will make room for you”, I knew I was missing something–you can only amass so many certifications and skills before you realize that you’re peddling without going anywhere. Coupled with not always feeling like a “fit” both artistically and in corporate environments is why I formed my company “The T Sound” helping multi-hyphen’ creatives like myself that need a bridge between the two worlds. I did a lot of tumbling, shifting, and questioning of self–thinking I wasn’t enough when quite the opposite is true–this type of skillset makes you resilient and multi-faceted, sometimes it just needs a repackaging and someone to say “hey, I see you too”!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The path hasn’t been straight. I started piano as an elementary kid and, like many, got my foundation as a junior high clarinet player. I was a regular UIL and TMEA contender, taking private lessons during the summers, and eventually added sax and flute as a high school sophomore. I went to college as a music education major—though I knew I ultimately wanted to move toward performance. At the time, the environment didn’t quite support that path, but I stayed the course.

I was lucky to perform internationally in Canada and Italy while in college, and when I moved to Dallas, I found the creative expansion I had been searching for. The city introduced me to new mindsets and a wider caliber of musicianship. I believe it’s important to surround yourself with people who’ve already surpassed where you want to go.

I’ve tested my hand in nearly every corner of this field—including auditioning on bass clarinet for the DSO post-college and spending a few years playing with the Frisco Community Band. Eventually, the live band karaoke scene nudged me into writing and recording my own original music—some of which was done at The Kitchen (and yep, it’s still floating around on my SoundCloud 😉). [While my full length album is never off the table] Those creative networks opened the door for me to join a national party band as a saxophonist, playing events across the country from New York to California.

There were seasons when I was a full-time musician, especially around the time I launched my woodwind studio, Strongwinds Music, in 2014. I taught clarinet, flute, sax, piano, hosted student recitals, and also worked in nearly every other field you can name—from retail and high-volume printing to being a notary. (Yes, I’m currently TABC certified.)

The truth is, every day has been a challenge—especially this past year with the instability of the job market. But I’ve learned the safest bet is always on yourself. Character, skill, and integrity are what keep you grounded when everything else shifts. Besides my prayers, meditation, and the occasional tarot pull, my guiding question is always: “How can I keep making music through it all?”

That question led me to create my latest endeavor, The T Sound—my gift to creatives who need support bridging the gap between artistic skill and everyday logistics. Because if there’s one thing I’ve mastered, it’s how to make it beautiful even when it feels like a tornado. While I’m still working to reach my own goals Supporting another creative, the way so many have supported me, is the least I can do to fill my own soul.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Too many to choose! I love grabbing some boudin balls from The Free Man—between the food and the live music, it’s always a full-circle experience. Legacy Hall is another favorite for walking, eating, and catching a show. I was fortunate to perform there this past January with Dallas’ own Beware!Criminals, and the sound, the view—and the food options are the way to my heart.

I also won’t turn down anything from Rodeo Goat. If I’m in the mood to throw on heels and a LBD (little black dress) or just enjoy a nice view, spots like Catbird and Midnight Rambler make for a perfect night vibe.

And I’m definitely a museum girlie—places like the African American Museum and the Samurai Collection are always on my list. There are also some really great parks in the area when I want a breath of fresh air, and if I’m in the mood for a chill hang, Cidercade is perfect for a brew and a few games.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
While I grew up in East Texas and honed my competitive spirit there, it was here in Dallas where I really got to cut my teeth among some amazing talent in the city. A fair part of the shoutout goes to Deep Ellum itself—getting to share and experiment with my music artistry weekly in places like The Prophet Bar. During set breaks, I’d walk over to the always-hype Drugstore Cowboy to soak up all that energy and originality.

I also want to shout out Medrick (Medz) for sharing his wisdom early on, Sereene Solutions (Street Committe Radio) Spaceship Ohayses and DJ Lady JaRoq who stopped me outside The Absinthe Lounge, and Casey Nicole (of Even It Up) who got me out there in the first place—even after I butchered The Cranberries on acoustic guitar.

A huge shoutout to my longtime friend Jessica Martinez (@thefortworthphotographer) for sharing her talent and agreeing—more than once—to take any photographic journey with me to help bring my creative dreams to life.

I’ve met—and continue to meet—some truly solid people and connections here, but most importantly, a space that says: just be you, and it will land where it lands.

Website: https://playladiindika.wixsite.com/thetsoundcreative

Instagram: @ladiindikamusic

Twitter: @ladiindikamusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTSoundForCreatives/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ladiindikamusic

Other: https://linktr.ee/ladiindika
https://open.spotify.com/show/57ukiOnflUkfzcE5C6l077?si=4bdb455bde434add

Image Credits
Thomas E. Moore, Jessica Martinez, Jessica Waffles, Regina Marsha (Eye Moon), David Alpuche, Jen Stegall