I am always amazed at how I meet some PEV artists. For example, last month I was at a party thrown by The Billionaire Mafia clothing line at Prive Nightclub in Las Vegas when during the press junket beforehand, I look over a see a familiar face. I don’t say familiar in the sense that he looked like someone I knew because this face is one that definitely cannot be mistaken for anyone else. ‘But from where though?’ I thought.  Then, when I introduced myself, it hit me - NOW I know why I recognized today’s feature, Tionne Williams! With stints on The Young & The Restless, ER, Boston Public, (to name a few) and a new hit “Finish Line”, garnering over a millions views, who hasn’t seen his face before.

An actor and singer who first found his love for music in church choir with his family, Tionne new that entertaining people was what he always wanted to do very early on in life. “Ever since I was six years old I loved music... I loved going to choir rehearsals at church with my Grandmother and Mother. In school, choir was the only class I was never tardy for.”

But Tionne knew though that superstardom does not come easy. There are millions of fresh faces out there looking to do the exact same thing but to Tionne, it just meant he had to work even harder. Realizing that, Tionne never takes a performance for granted. When he goes onto stage (be it to sing or act) he tells us, “I say to myself in my mind ‘It’s serious business! You are on a mission to change someone's life for the better. Today is the day! Don't mess it up!’” It’s that drive and mindset that has allowed Tionne to remain a mainstay in today’s tough entertainment business. 

Recently nominated as the “Rising Star Of The Year” by the Los Angeles Black Music Awards, a new single “Unfreeze” debuting at #1 on Europe's DJ Charts (beating out Chris Brown's "I Can Transform Ya" & Janet Jackson's "Make Me" for the No.#1 slot for 4 weeks!) and “Finish Line” creeping it’s way into the mainstream more and more each day, it’s clear to see that Tionne Willimas is a feature I’ll be able to say, “I knew him when…”

To find out more, check out his XXQs.

XXQs: Tionne Williams

PEV: How would you describe your sound and what do you feel makes you stand out over the others in your genre?

Tionne Williams (TW): My music is universal. I have some much music inside of me that cannot be confined to one particular genre. As an artist, I am infatuated with love and I enjoy spreading that message. My life experiences of course, has a heavy influence on my artistry which also sets me aside from my fellow music mates Chris Brown, Neyo, Usher, etc.!

PEV: What kind of music where you into growing up? Was anyone your main influence?

TW: I grew up in church! As a child I tagged along with my mother and grandmother to choir rehearsal every Tuesday and Thursday nights.  I love gospel music. Gospel music to this day is one of the key elements that have really influenced my artistry a great deal. My grandmother, mother, aunt and uncle are my soul inspirations. I also study the styles of many music greats such as Donny Hathaway, Nat king Cole, Frankie Lymon, Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston just name a few. The list goes on and on.

PEV: Having played in the business for a good time now, what was it like for the band when you first started out?

TW: It was a struggle! I had to pay a lot of dues, and still am might I add. As an up and coming artist you have to sometimes put of with more things, situations, and people that you don't want to deal with. It makes it tough. But its all a part of humble beginnings to keep you grounded for the GREATNESS that lies ahead!

PEV: An actor (ER, Boston Public to name a few) and musician, do you remember the first time you thought to yourself during your career – “I am really onto something!”?

TW: I do remember that moment. Vividly actually. I remember sitting down on set during a scene change, looking around the room, and I said "God I thank you for THIS and for the many more to come!" I am a firm believer that all blessings come from God! And I am humbled by his favor and blanket of blessing.

PEV: What can fans expect from a live Tionne Williams show?

TW: Pure unadulterated RAWNESS! I would have to say, an experience!

PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage?

TW: I say to myself in my mind "It's serious business! You are on a mission to change someone's life for the better. Today is the day! Don't mess it up!

PEV: You were recently nominated as the “Rising Star Of The Year” by the Los Angeles Black Music Awards, your new single “Unfreeze” debuted at #1 on Europe's DJ Charts, beating out Chris Brown's "I Can Transform Ya" & Janet Jackson's "Make Me" for the No.#1 slot for 4 weeks, along with your song “Finish Line” gaining over a million views on YouTube & Myspace. What has this past year been like for you with all of these accomplishments? 

TW: Honestly, it is so humbling and such an overwhelming feeling that words can't even express. And yet the best is still yet to come. I am preparing for, and ready for the journey that lies ahead.

PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about Tionne Williams?

TW: Many people see me as the person I am - a fun, loving, personable guy. So I think people would be surprised, that I would love to play a role of a Vampire in a film or tv series! Crazy right?  For some reason... I think that is an alter ego of mine. So maybe folks would be surprised by that. That has always been a strong interest of mine.

PEV: Was there a certain point in your life when you knew that music was going to be a career for you? 

TW: Oh, ever since I was six years old I loved music... As I mentioned before, I loved going to choir rehearsals at church with my Grandmother and Mother. In school, choir was the only class I was never tardy for.

PEV: What one word best describes Tionne Williams?

TW: Hmmm... I would say... LOVE!

PEV: How is life on the road for you in the music world? Best and worst parts?

TW: Life on the road is good and rough! It’s rewarding to perform and meet new people. I love that. It’s also challenging at times because for me I give so much of myself, so I find myself drained after each gig which is typically an all day thing. And when you have those days back to back -- Wheeeew! But I ultimately enjoy living out of a suitcase, traveling, and staying in hotel after hotel.

PEV: Is there one area you wish you could travel around and play that you have not yet?

TW: Yes! I would love to play in Europe. I have yet to go. I heard Europe and the people there are amazing. So one day I will get a chance to see....

PEV: How have all your friends and family reacted to your career? What’s it like when you get to play at your hometown?

TW: My family and close friends are very supportive of my career. They constantly encourage me and give me the strength, outside of God, to keep on going. They are at my shows 90% of the time when I’m playing at home. I love my family and I cherish them tremendously. They are my backbone no doubt!

PEV: What can we find you doing in your spare time, aside from playing/writing music?

TW: I absolutely love to fine dine and go to the movies! I am a huge movie buff!

PEV:  Is there an up and coming band or artist you think we should all be looking out for now?

TW: Yup, ME! Tionne Williams!

PEV: If you weren’t playing music now what would you would doing for your career?

TW: I would be an elementary or middle school teacher! I absolutely love kids... I come from a big family with five siblings. Being the 2nd to the oldest, I helped raise my brothers and sisters and that in and of itself was an experience to the fullest. Children bring me joy and seeing them happy brightens my heart and spirit.

PEV: So, what is next for Tionne Williams?

TW: More Music, More Films, More TV Shows, More Tours, GREATNESS!