Teena Marie's statement reflects her dedication and commitment to her career as a musician. She emphasizes that she remains active and engaged in touring activities even during periods when she does not have new music releases or albums out for promotion. This underscores her passion for performing live and connecting with her audience, regardless of the commercial aspects of her work.
On a deeper level, this quote reveals Teena Marie's understanding of the importance of continuous engagement with fans and the broader public. By touring regularly, she maintains visibility and relevance in an industry that can be highly competitive and fast-paced. This approach also helps to build and sustain long-term relationships with her audience, ensuring that they remain connected and interested in her work even when new releases are not forthcoming. Additionally, it suggests a recognition of the value of live performances as an art form in their own right, separate from recorded music.
Teena Marie, born Tina Holmes on December 10, 1956, in Los Angeles, California, was an American singer and songwriter known for her distinctive voice that blended soulful elements with pop sensibilities. She often performed under the stage name "Lady Tee" or simply as "Tee," crafting a unique persona that resonated strongly with both black and white audiences during the 1980s. Her dedication to live performances, as expressed in this quote, was a cornerstone of her career strategy and helped establish her as one of the pioneering figures in contemporary R&B music.