Songwriter, Terrence Battle, discusses his rise to fame with "On the Come Up."
What was your inspiration for "So Yesterday?"
Terrence Battle: The inspiration for "So Yesterday" with Toni Braxton and Trey Songz was that I had an ex-girlfriend who used to always want to get the last word in. We were on our 4th or 5th break-up and finally, she was just like, "You know what? YOU SO YESTERDAY." I laughed my ass off! It was real "90210," I thought, yet it would make for a great song. So, my "Coalition" partners and I just filled in the blanks. I probably owe her a check for that.
What are you working on, currently?
Terrence: Currently, my partners [Mike White and Jerome Armstong] and I are working with Pleasure P, Wynter Gordon, FrankE, and some more Atlantic artists with our APG partners. We're doing some big records over at Compound with Corporal and Arex for some Justin Bieber joints. Also, we're working on alot of pop/rock/alternative records. It's gon' be super crazy.
Where are you from, originally?
Terrence: I'm from DC, originally, but have been in Atlanta since 2000.
Who is your musical mentor and why?
Terrence: My musical mentor is Mr. Mike Caren. He has the mindset of an artist, but an A&R spirit. From a business perspective, however, I choose Ted Winn. He breaks the business down to a science. Also, I choose Troy Taylor, who makes the complex simple. As far as songwriters go, in my mind, nobody is really as creative as R. Kelly. Still, of course, there's Babyface, Ryan Tedder, Darkchild, Diane Warren, S. Garrett, Stevie, Marvin - you know, the usuals.
What was your first introduction into the music industry?
Terrence: I threw parties and that's how I established relationships. When I worked at DARP, I was around geniuses like Leslie Braithwaite, Jasper, and Mr. Dallas Austin. I got a first-hand look into the creative process. Also, I would write rap hooks for some of your favorite local artists. And, one day, this pop singer was working and needed some assistance. I got a "pop" check and haven't looked back since.
