Unique Vision, Timeless Sound: Coach Tev Reflects on 'As the Rain Clears' and Teases a High-Energy Summer Project

In a recent appearance on AllOva Radio, hosted live from Dallas, Texas, Coach Tev sat down with Caution Mr. 700 to discuss his latest project, "As the Rain Clears," and the creative evolution that brought him to this moment. Released on March 13—his birthday—Tev described the project as a "gift" to his listeners, revealing a more introspective side of himself than previous works. "I made it a point on this one to give a little bit more of myself," he said, highlighting the album's personal nature.

The project marks a shift in Tev's approach, moving beyond "cool raps" into deeper self-reflection. He cited the album's intro track, "When It Rains It Pours," as one of his favorite pieces to date, calling it a true snapshot of where he is mentally and spiritually. "Music is like a time capsule," he explained. "Ten years later you can listen back and know exactly what you were feeling."

Artistic Influences and Approach

Raised in Irving, Texas, Tev credits his sound and style to influences from the blog era, nodding to artists like Curren$y, Dom Kennedy and early Kanye West. "Artistic integrity was everything," he said, noting that his background in film also heavily shaped his creative process.

Tev, who studied film at the University of North Texas in Denton, explained how his visual work and musical output are deeply intertwined. Though he started by shooting and editing his own videos out of necessity, he developed a signature style that fans quickly recognized. "I started having a style, and people would know me for it," he said. However, he admitted to scaling back work for others to preserve his creative energy and protect the unique aesthetic he built.

Building a Brand and a Team

Despite the challenges of wearing multiple hats—artist, director, editor—Tev embraces the DIY spirit, while also acknowledging the need for collaboration. "I'm trying to get better at delegating," he admitted. Though he has a close network of friends willing to support his vision, he strives for better communication to align his expectations with reality. "People aren't telepathic," he joked, stressing the importance of clarity and shared goals within a team.

When discussing the nature of teamwork in creative spaces, Tev emphasized the importance of people playing to their strengths. "Make sure the people that's on the team are playing the roles that are specifically there for them," he said, reflecting on lessons learned from past experiences.

Defining His Sound and Space

Coach Tev describes his music as a balance between "coolness and wit," blending laid-back vibes with intelligent, thought-provoking bars. "You might have to go back and listen again," he said, speaking to the layers he builds into his lyrics.

Asked how his music fits into the Dallas scene, Tev sees himself as part of the larger "underground machine" pushing the culture forward. "It has a lot to do with relationships and supporting each other," he said. While acknowledging that not every aspect of the scene is perfect, he chooses to focus on the overwhelming support he has received.

Artistically, Tev sees his work as similar to the films of Wes Anderson, aiming to find beauty and detail in everyday moments. "You can talk about anything if you say it the right way," he said, capturing his mission to blend aesthetics with authenticity.

Performance Philosophy and Creative Integrity

Though he enjoys performing, Tev ultimately values the creative process above all. "Creating is therapeutic. You can do that by yourself," he said. Still, when it comes to live shows, he treats them as an extension of his artistry, building narratives and visual themes around his music.

From walking a date onstage for his "Talk to 'Em Nicely" release party to staging a full heist-themed performance with Devey Stonez, Tev goes beyond simple mic work to create full experiences for his audience. "I don't want to just walk around stage," he explained. "I want to add elements that make it memorable."

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Tev hopes his legacy will be one of inspiration and persistence. "I want people to see what I did and be inspired to go get it themselves," he said. Now a father, Tev also hopes his children will one day look back at his work with pride.

With a new, high-energy project expected this summer and ongoing promotion for "As the Rain Clears," Tev is focused on keeping his momentum strong. He acknowledges the need to balance quality and content volume in today's fast-paced music economy but insists that artistic integrity will remain his guiding light.

Staying Grounded in a Shifting Landscape

Throughout the conversation, Tev demonstrated a deep self-awareness about the industry's pressures and the need for adaptability. While recognizing that quick, phone-shot videos often dominate platforms like TikTok, he maintains a commitment to high-quality visuals and thoughtful presentation.

"I come from an era where you put something out and lived with it," he said. "Now you gotta find ways to flood the market, but still make it good."

As he continues to sharpen his craft, Coach Tev is carving out a space that prioritizes authenticity, storytelling, and meaningful connection—qualities that set him apart in an era increasingly defined by speed and surface.

"You can find beauty anywhere," Tev said. And through his words, music, and vision, he’s proving exactly that.