Tee Rainer
From the sacred pews of Memphis churches to the global airwaves of London and Italy, Tee Rainer shares how he infused “legendary musical DNA” into a modern R&B sound that resonates across borders.
In the heart of Memphis, where the ghosts of Stax and Hi Records still hum through the humidity, a new kind of architect is building on the city’s legendary foundation. William Rainer, known to the soul circuit as Tee Rainer, isn’t just an artist—he’s a survivalist whose music serves as a testament to the grit and grace of the modern South. After years of navigating the relentless challenges of independent artistry and the weight of single fatherhood, Rainer has emerged as a powerhouse producer and vocalist, marrying the sacred roots of the church with the secular, “trailride” rhythms of contemporary Southern Soul.
Fresh off the international success of “Stuck on You”—which proved that a Memphis heartbeat resonates just as loudly in London and Italy—Rainer is stepping into his most vulnerable era yet. In this exclusive sit-down with Indie Sound, the Motown showcase alum and Walmart “Search for a Star” winner opens up about his journey through the rain, his collaborative magic with the “King of Trailride Blues” Jeter Jones, and his mission to prove that resilience is the ultimate hit record.
Can you tell us about your musical beginnings? Memphis has a legendary musical DNA—Stax, Hi Records, the blues. How much of that “gritty” Memphis soul do you try to preserve in your modern R&B tracks?
That gritty soul is just in me. I was raised in church, so I have a very soulful style. Being in Memphis, music is a culture—from hip hop to blues, to southern soul and R&B.
“Trailride Love” feels like a perfect blend of modern R&B and Southern Soul. What inspired you to lean into the trailride culture for this specific track?
Trail ride is a branch of southern soul, so I was able to get Jeter Jones on the record. He is recognized as the King of Trailride Blues. I wanted to produce and write a song that is reminiscent of the trailride movement. Jeter Jones blessed me with that feature, and it has been a big boost in my career.
“Stuck on You” found a massive audience in places like London and Italy. Why do you think that specific song resonated so deeply with international audiences?
I think that everyone has been in love before, and we have all had that one person that we couldn’t shake or get over. That song was made to put that feeling into a story and a song.
Your single “DANCE” is about overcoming obstacles. As an independent artist, what has been the biggest obstacle you’ve personally danced through to get to this point?
“DANCE” is definitely about overcoming obstacles, whether it’s in life, career, or relationships. Sometimes we have to dance through the rain. I have had many hard times—from fighting DCS single-handedly to keep my oldest son from going into the system, to being a single father of three while battling borderline homelessness. I am here to witness and encourage others to keep going because things get better with God, time, and dedication.
You’ve written for many other artists in the region. How does your process change when you’re writing for yourself versus trying to capture someone else’s voice?
I usually like to hear the beat first. The mood of the beat will determine what the song will be about. The sonics of the music have their own vibe. Whatever mood the track gives, that is what the song will be about. Sometimes the songs that take only a few minutes to create end up being the songs people resonate with the most.
You performed for Motown in 2021. What was going through your mind the moment you stepped onto that stage, knowing the weight of the Motown legacy?
I was excited to perform at the Motown showcase. I saw it as an opportunity to showcase my skills and get my music in front of some people that could call some shots. Unfortunately, I didn’t win the entire competition, but the experience and connections I made will last me a lifetime. I did win an international Walmart competition that I entered. They flew down from NYC to shoot a commercial about my life and music, and then flew me to Dallas to perform for 20,000 people.
If we compared a recording of you from ten years ago to your current work, what would be the most surprising difference in your vocal style or production?
Vocal maturity—and I produce my own records now as opposed to years in the past. I used to have to outsource everything that I needed done to release music. I have grown into a veteran artist that writes and produces for other artists.
R&B is constantly shifting. Where do you see yourself fitting into the “New R&B” era while keeping the “Blues and Soul” tag alive?
By doing exactly what I’m doing now: marrying the two styles together. R&B and gospel vocals over southern soul and blues instrumentation.
What’s the “vibe” of the next project?
Classic soul music—timeless tunes that age well and can still be played years down the line. My uptempo records tend to get the appropriate attention, but I am going to slow it down a bit on a few songs so that my audience can feel my heart and know that I’m vulnerable as well.
When people mention “Tee Rainer” ten years from now, what is the one thing you want them to associate with your name?
I want to be known as a tenacious and resilient person who used music to show people that anything is possible at any age if you’re willing to put in the work. I want people to know that I never gave up; I have never been broken by anyone or by any circumstance. I want to be known as the greatest of all time—the best to do it.
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