INTERVIEW: Hip Hop from Terrell Journey

Originally hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana, Terrell Journey is a hip hop artist whose musical background in classical music, opera and musical theatre has resulted in his unique creative identity. From playing Showtime at the Apollo to winning over listeners around the world, Terrell Journey is a name that continues to shine.

After living in New York City, he’s now based in Atlanta, Georgia, where his passion for music flourishes with a contagious energy. Terrell’s musical inspirations stem from Indiana-born legends like Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and Michael Jackson. These influences, combined with his classical discipline and theatrical roots, create an engrossing sound that blends soulful storytelling with modern aesthetic.

In 2020, Terrell made his debut with the EP Headaches & Heartaches Vol I, followed by the album The Adventures of Journey McFly the next year. After a hiatus from sharing his original sonic vision with the world, this year he’s returned with new material, dropping Journey Digital SuperCharged Act I and Journey Digital Supercharged Act II this month.

Bringing us the perfect taste of the latest chapter of his musical story, he shares the single titled “Superpower.” Recorded in his Atlanta studio, “Superpower” is an anthem of self-belief and motivation, serving as a rallying cry for listeners to tap into their inner strength. Drawing on the charisma and energy of his idols, the track lays down an impactful beat-driven hip hop sound that’s enjoyable and empowering in equal measure.

Kicked off by the bold thump of the beat, Terrell’s powerful vocal leads enter as the arrangement breaks down to soft instrumental flutters and bright vocal sample shots. Building up with the rattle of snapping, trap style beats, his razor sharp vocal delivery flows above the punching rhythm of the instrumentation, resulting in a vibrant and energising anthem.

Peppered with his classical influences and benefiting from his theatrical style, “Superpower” offers a cutting edge alternative hip hop outing that’s original and memorable from start to finish. Having made an emphatic return to releasing music this year, Terrell Journey confirms his status as a talented artist who’s sure to continue making an impact with his sound.

We caught up with Terrell Journey to find out more about his musical journey so far, his inspirations and his new single “Superpower.” Check out our interview with Terrell Journey below.

Hey Terrell, how’s things?

Hello Plastic Magazine. Let me start off by saying that I am happy to be in this moment interviewing with Plastic Magazine!! This platform has championed new artists by giving them a space to shine since 2014 that is amazing. Thank you on behalf of all the new artists you are doing a great job, keep it going.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I was introduced to music very early by my mother she sang all time while I was growing up. I started playing the piano by ear around age 5 and keyboard around age 10. This opened the doors to creating my own melodies which later would jumpstart my songwriting. I was a part of band, choir, music theatre and opera during high-school and college. This allowed me to develop musically on different levels.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

Kennedy “Babyface” Edmonds and Michael Jackson. Their songwriting is epic no one can tell a story lyrically like them. They both have written some major hits for themselves and others. As singers the vocal choices they make are so smooth and compliments music perfectly. They were born and raised in Indiana as I was and this inspired me to write, and record music.

What’s been your highlight of the year?

The biggest highlight of the year was being a nominee in Best Newcomer category of the World Entertainment Awards in January 2024.

What do you love about the Atlanta music scene?

That musical culture in Atlanta is a vibe. No matter the genre of music one will find someone in Atlanta contributing heavily to that movement. The songwriting scene, and recording spaces are top of the line. So many artists come to Atlanta to launch their careers because the music soil cultivates great musicians.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

I have music for different settings Headaches & Heartaches Vol I is the first EP I released. It touches on the challenges of relationships.

The Adventures of Journey McFly is a about reflecting and learning from your experiences.

Journey Digital Supercharged Act I & Act II are my recent releases Supercharged is a two-part saga of drama. Act I is upbeat and has elements of fun, promises, and optimism of new love. Act II shows how the tide can shift in relationships and that one may to reevaluate and make choices that provide the best outcome for themselves versus the relationship.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I am learning to live in the moment and experience things from different perspectives. This has enhanced my songwriting and ability to tell a story. Lastly, I feel like I come into my own sound and style. I will write about the ups and downs of love. I have been a student of love songs from the early age of 5. At 5 I may have been too young to lyrically understand but I was able to emotionally understand. I have always loved “love” songs.

Has your production process changed over the years too?

Yes.

My overall production process is the same live life and document the highlights through music.

I taught myself how to record at home. I am the recording engineer on all my songs. Each project I have developed my skills more. I have learned how to get what I what more from the recording aspects. The recording journey will continue to grow as I learn. I also partner with different producers each project. This challenges me to grow and bring different seasonings to my musical gumbo.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

A project with Babyface would be my dream collaboration. It could be an album of covers set to new production, New songs, or a combination of the two.

How did you find making your new single “Superpower”?

Superpower was fun to make, and it stretched me as an artist. This was the first song I rapped on that has be released .

What message did you want to get across with this release?

Superpower is a glow-up song. It was written to inspire people not to be afraid to flex the superpower that we all have within. The people in your circle may or may not believe in you. Don’t let that stop you from pursuing your dreams. Lock in, grind, and go through the process of becoming the best” supercharged” version of you.

How would you say the track fits in as part of the wider ‘Journey Digital Supercharged Act I and II’ project?

Superpower is first full song of the combined projects of Journey Digital Supercharged. One must first discover their superpower first, afterwards it can be flexed and become Supercharged. Anime characters going on a journey to discover their abilities. Later the characters are able to access those abilities by charging up or flexing them to overcome adversity.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Jodeci , The Group Fire, PJ Morton, Usher, Marvin Gaye, and The Wicked Soundtrack is pretty dope.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

Performing Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater when I lived in New York City.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

My dream festival would have Janelle Monae, Frank Ocean, Tyler the Creator it would be held in Atlanta.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Put your relationship with God at the top of every list. Believe in yourself and be your own biggest fan. These things will fuel you when things seem like they aren’t moving fast enough for you.

Listen to Superpower below