Tae K

Artist Spotlight: Tae K — Staying True to Himself and Putting North Carolina on the Map

Every artist has a story, and for Tae K, the journey is about finding his own identity, developing his sound, and representing North Carolina’s Hmong music scene. From drawing inspiration from music and film to preparing for the stage and connecting with fans, Tae K continues to build his craft with a clear mindset: stay authentic, keep growing, and never stop creating.

The Story Behind the Name Tae K

Before becoming known as Tae K, Kevin Yang originally went by Y W Kevin. With several other artists sharing the name Kevin Yang, he wanted a stage name that would help him stand out and establish his own identity.

The name Tae K carries a personal meaning. The “Tae” was inspired by South Korean artist Taeyang, whose music and success made an impression on him. The “K,” on the other hand, comes from his childhood, when his father affectionately called him “Little K.” By combining these influences, Kevin created a name that connects his musical inspirations with his personal roots.

His affiliation with YW also has a story of its own. YW stands for Young Asian World, a name that developed while he and a friend were brainstorming ideas for their group. What began as an idea for the “Young Boys Club” eventually evolved into YW, giving the group its own identity and meaning.

Finding Inspiration Through Sound and Emotion

For Tae K, music can begin with almost anything. Movies, music videos, skits, and live performances often feature background music that creates a particular mood or feeling. When something catches his attention, he draws inspiration from that emotion and uses it as a starting point for his own melodies, beats, and instrumentals.

Instrumentals play a particularly important role in his creative process. Rather than relying on lyrics alone, he pays attention to how a sound makes him feel and how that feeling can develop into a complete song.

His approach to rehearsal is equally focused. Tae K creates performance tracks by lowering the main vocals so he can practice delivering his songs himself. He typically rehearses for about 30 minutes a day, repeating his songs multiple times before taking a short break and returning to practice.

For him, preparation is an important part of becoming a better performer. The goal is to build familiarity with his music so he can deliver it with greater confidence when the moment arrives.

A First Performance He Will Never Forget

Every performer remembers the moment they first step onto a stage, and for Tae K, that moment came in 2021.

Performing with SonsOfNotown, he experienced his first live show in front of the Hmong community. The experience opened his eyes to what performing could mean to him. He described the feeling as being like a heartbeat, a moment that made him realize how powerful being on stage could be.

Before the performance, SonsOfNotown and TommieBoi encouraged him to go out there and give it his all. They reminded him that people would be recording him and encouraged him to imagine that he was simply appearing in a music video.

Once he stepped on stage, the experience became almost surreal. Everything around him seemed to go silent, leaving him focused on the moment and his performance.

That first show became more than just a performance. It was a turning point that helped him recognize the excitement and possibilities of pursuing music.

Overcoming Stage Anxiety and Finding Confidence

Despite his passion for performing, Tae K understands that nervousness can be part of the experience. His approach to managing stage anxiety involves preparing both mentally and physically before stepping in front of an audience.

He listens to his music through his earbuds to get into the right mindset. He also takes time to pray for strength and energy, hoping to bring that energy to the audience rather than simply relying on the crowd to provide it.

Sometimes, his preparation is as simple as going to the bathroom, rinsing his face, looking in the mirror, and reminding himself that he can do it.

His advice to anyone nervous about performing is straightforward: be yourself, believe in your abilities, and do not let the presence or opinions of others take away from your moment.

As he puts it, it is your time to shine. Confidence does not mean never feeling nervous; it means showing up and giving yourself the opportunity to grow.

Building a Connection With Fans

For Tae K, connecting with fans means giving them a voice in his creative journey.

He frequently shares snippets of his music online, allowing listeners to hear what he is working on before a song is released. When fans comment or engage with his posts, he makes an effort to respond and learn what they enjoy.

He also uses polls to ask his audience what kind of music they would like to hear. Rap is often a popular choice among his listeners, and their feedback helps him decide what to release next.

This interaction allows him to build a relationship with his audience while giving fans a chance to feel involved in his music. Rather than creating in isolation, he sees value in listening to the people who support his work.

“Treat You Right”: A New Chapter in His Music

One of Tae K’s latest releases is “Treat You Right,” featuring Douachi.

The track is a love song built around the idea of being able to treat someone right. Both artists contribute their own verses, creating a balance between their perspectives and giving the song a shared dynamic.

The collaboration also reflects Tae K’s willingness to work with other artists and continue developing his sound. By bringing different voices together, he can explore new creative possibilities while staying true to his own style.

Listeners can find “Treat You Right” on YouTube by searching for the song title and the artists’ names.

Staying Authentic in a Competitive Industry

When asked what advice he would give to aspiring artists, Tae K returned to one message: be yourself.

He encourages emerging musicians to be unique, embrace their individuality, and avoid copying others. In his view, growth comes from taking the first step, learning through experience, and continuing to improve regardless of what other people may say.

One piece of advice that has stayed with him came from a friend who lives by the words, “Do it for yourself and not for others.”

Tae K also follows his own personal philosophy: “Live, learn and grow.” For him, the phrase represents an ongoing cycle of experience, reflection, and improvement. No matter where an artist begins, there is always something new to learn and another opportunity to become better.

Putting North Carolina on the Map

One of Tae K’s biggest challenges is working toward greater recognition for North Carolina and its music scene. He wants to bring together the different elements of his artistry, including music, visuals, lyrics, and storytelling, while continuing to improve as an artist.

He also recognizes the importance of consistency. Releasing more music, creating more music videos, and sharing more stories through social media are all part of his plan to build momentum and reach a wider audience.

Looking ahead, Tae K hopes to become a well-rounded production artist, bringing music production, visual storytelling, and beat composition together into one creative vision. For now, he is concentrating on developing his production skills, collaborating with other artists, and building the foundation for his long-term goals.

Ultimately, he hopes to reach the top while finding meaningful ways to give back to the community that has helped shape his journey.

Beyond the Music

Outside of music, Tae K enjoys playing basketball. Although he has explored several hobbies, he is currently focusing much of his time on two passions: basketball and music.

When it comes to dream collaborations, two names stand out: Eminem and J. Cole. Beyond the opportunity to make music with artists he admires, Tae K would love to sit down with them and learn about their journeys, creative inspirations, and how they first started.

For him, those conversations would be an opportunity to learn directly from artists who have built their own identities and established themselves in the music industry.

The Journey Is Just Beginning

Tae K’s story is one of identity, persistence, and creative growth. From a stage name inspired by an artist he admires and a nickname from his father to the unforgettable experience of his first live performance, his journey reflects the personal experiences that continue to shape his music.

As he works toward becoming a producer, collaborating with more artists, and representing North Carolina on a bigger stage, his message remains consistent: stay authentic, keep learning, and do not be afraid to start.

His journey is still unfolding, but with every song, performance, and new collaboration, Tae K is taking another step toward the artist he hopes to become.

Follow Tae K’s journey, check out his latest release “Treat You Right” featuring Douachi on YouTube, and stay connected as he continues to build his sound and represent North Carolina’s music scene.