Born in Kingston, Jamaica but raised in Brooklyn, New York, up-and-coming artiste TP Elliston says he got a divine call to do music and has not had any regrets since.

The artiste, given name Paul Woolcock, said he was exposed to music at a young age and being around Gwen Guthrie — American singer of ‘Ain’t Nothing’ Goin’ on but the Rent’ — he knew he was meant to follow this path.

In 1993, TP Elliston released his first song, which was a fusion of reggae, alternative and rhythm and blues. Now he is hoping to break into the Jamaican market, to continue spreading his conscious message.

Here are six questions with up-and-coming artiste, TP Elliston:

1. When did you start doing music?

I started doing music when I was a kid in Jamaica. Music is the one that picks you, you don’t pick music because I remember when I was a kid in Jamaica I remember that my godfather gave me a conga drum and I started music from a young age. I got the calling from God when I was like 15 or 16 and from that day on I never stop doing music, even if I want to.

2. How did you know music was the career path for you?

I knew when music saved my soul because growing up in New York City it was the crack era; drugs and all kinds of things were running the streets but music saved my soul, it saved me from those streets. That’s why I always do conscious music and that’s why I say it is a gift from God. I don’t even take credit for it; it is a gift from the almighty and I know that.

3. What has your experience been like since you started doing music?

It has been a long road to travel but the most important thing, I never gave up, I never retreat nor surrender so I know it is bigger than me but it was the almighty God leading me, not me leading myself because if it was me alone, trust me, me pop down long time.

4. What impact do you want to have in the music industry?

It is not even what I want, it is what the higher power wants. I am going to leave a legacy to inspire people, to make people know that all dreams are possible and to let them know that it’s not all of us who are going to reach the finish line at the same time. A lot of people are going to pass you but when you do catch up to them, they have nothing to show for it but when God leads you he always leads you with the right time. This is what I see, and experience for myself.

5. What has the response to your music been like?

I must say it has been wonderful. One of the main feedback I get is that everyday people say they appreciate the words because conscious music never dies especially when you have your own style. I know that I am a star, it’s just to get popular because I make quality music.

6. What is next for TP Elliston?

I have an EP coming out in July called ‘Sick and tired of being sick tired’. I also recently released a song and its video called ‘Who’s gonna be’. I wrote it because there is too much killing going on in Jamaica and we are all wondering who is going to be next, who is going to cry next, we don’t know whose number is going to call next. My music can be found on all music streaming platforms and on YouTube.