Rising artist Tielo Lanez is carving his path in the music business with his breakout single “People Change,” produced by DJ Mac and featuring Nhance. The track recently broke into the top 10 on the Jamaican charts, marking the young artist’s biggest milestone to date.
Lanez didn’t plan on entering the music industry in the traditional way. “It just sort of happened because I was at work on a little summer job, and I was around people who freestyle and influence,” he explained. That environment sparked his creativity and drew him deeper into music.
The Livewire Experience
Recently spotted performing at Livewire, Lanez impressed with a strong live set. While he doesn’t claim formal training, he credits experience for sharpening his performance skills. “I’ve learned from what I’ve done in the past,” he said.
The Story Behind People Change
The song “People Change” has an interesting journey of its own. The 20 year old singer originally recorded it when he was just 17 years old, using nothing more than a Samsung phone and headphones. “The quality was very bad, that’s why I did it over,” he admitted.
Now, three years later, with proper production and support, the song has found new life with over 600,000 views on YouTube. “At the time I was basically independent and didn’t have the right people to push my music. So it just came back around, and I said, I’m going to do it over. Then we decided to get a collaboration on it.”
Linking Up With DJ Mac
The lyrically laced collaboration came about after Lanez freestyled on a beat that caught Mac’s attention. “Mac reached out, we took a talk, and a couple of months later I was in Jamaica—and it just happened from there.”
First Time in the Top 10
Breaking into the top 10 marks a first for Lanez, who had previously peaked around No. 17. “Yes, the top 10 would be my first time. The last time I counted was 25 or actually 17. So top 20, yes, but this is my first time in the top 10.”
What the Song Means to Him
For Leans, “People Change” is deeply personal. “I believe I wrote that song about a previous money situation. I parted ways with someone in a way I didn’t want to, and it was sudden. I think they were saying that I switched up, like that’s how they were thinking of me. But I just woke up one day with this on my mind and I was like—people change, things are going to happen, and you have to do what’s best for you to reach where you want to reach in life.”
Originally born in Jamaica but having spent six years in Trinidad and Tobago, Leans is now back in Jamaica and focused on building his career. His goals are clear: “Hopefully I can reach a number one, get a lot of awards, and make a name for myself. Most importantly, I want to make a living off this so I can take care of my family, my future family, you know?”
