Tenille Ja’Nae – Notifications

By starrymag | October 6, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) Simply put original and unique. Pop, R&B, Soul singer/songwriter.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) My musical influences are Whitney Houston, Celine Dione, Adele, India.Arie and Lauryn Hill.

I’m drawn to real singers that understand their instruments. Whitney Houston is my biggest influence of all. Her style and grace, and that voice is unmatched to date!

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Notifications.”

A) I met someone whom I deemed the one and after learning very quickly this person wasn’t the one, they still lived rent free in my mind, body and soul. Yeah, it was deep. And what really threw me off was the fact that we didn’t know each other that long. So, to have such a connection that was extremely intense left me a little uncomfortable. I have a line in the song that says, “Too much control for me”. And, for some reason, I was always getting unsolicited information about this person’s dealings and whereabouts, which is why I called the song “Notifications.” [laughs]

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I think the fans like the production and vibe of the song. The feedback has been more so the story and concept of this song. So, it feels good to know I’m not alone, which is what music does, right?

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) I wanted to keep the visuals of the video simple and to the point. I think when you’re sulking, you want to be alone. You’re distracted from important things in your life that you need to work on and complete. I like wine and I drink it often. It usually comes in handy for situationships like this. [laughs]

And my dog Benji was featured in it and he makes me feel better, so it was cool to highlight how my fur-baby brings light and joy in sad situations.

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) My songwriting process is inspired by melodies that I come up with when playing the piano. That’s my songwriting tool. I love melodies, and chord progressions and from there the words usually just flow.

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) Because I play keys, I’m very hands on with production. I co-produce everything or produce a track fully. I do all arrangements and write all lyrics solo. I do like the co-production aspect of things. It’s cool to learn what other producers hear when they hear certain chords that I write and add to it. “Notifications” was co-produced.

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) The full album is due out later this Fall.

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) I love performing Sofar shows. I love the intimate vibe and structure the platform provides. I love performing live though, so anywhere there’s a stage, and I’m on it can be called home.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I love the rap/singing duo relationship between hip-hop and R&B. I would love to work with J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar and this fairly new artist Blxst. As far as women, I would love to do a song with SZA, Kehlani, H.E.R, Ella Mai and Queen Naija.

I love those ladies’ music and it would be cool to work with them all.

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) I am currently listening to Ella Mai’s latest album. I love the musicality and ballads on this album. I’m listening to Blxst’s new latest album. His sound is original and refreshing and I like his content a lot.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) Social media is everything to artists. I gain a new follower almost every day. It’s cool that we have the tool. It’s a great way to share what you’re doing and bring people in your world a little bit. I’m a loner pretty much, so that’s how I connect with people most at times. Outside of promoting what I’m up to, social media can be a bit draining and cause a bit of anxiety. So, it’s work for the most part for me.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I would like to say to my fans and supporters. Thank you!!! It means the world to me that you resonate with my music and lyrics. That you resonate and support my stories, and my efforts as an artist! I look forward to providing more and I want as many as possible to be here for the ride!

I love you all!