Interview With Teresa Jenee
BandCamp/Facebook/Twitter/Myspace
Recently I had time to correspond with the wonderfully unique, passionate and enlightening Teresa Jenee. I have always heard her name, but it wasn’t until 2008 did I really pay attention and submerge into her world of genre breaking talent. She is the epitome of the independent artist. Her recent release of “Paint The Roses” and the “The Eklectic” album, she continues with that trend. Enough of the chit-chat, here is the eye opening interview.
Soulified
As someone who became a fan in 2008 when I heard the TeresaJenee.EP and was amazed that I hadn’t heard this voice before. At what place in your discography would you want a new listener to start, so they can get a fuller understanding of your music?
TeresaJenee
First of all, thank you! As far as my discog goes, I would want my listeners to check out the “Remember EP”. Many here in the states don’t know that I got my break overseas as a dance music artist with Osunlade. He made ME happen with his soul house remixes of “Remember”. Shout out to James Glasco who was the writer behind that incredible song. That EP was my beginning, my first successful recording out and I feel like it gives you another side of me.
Soulified
With the TeresaJenee.EP containing some songs that made it to The Ecklectic, do you feel that they are similar in expression of your creative voice?
TeresaJenee
Yes. Both projects are one in the same. The EP was my introduction. It was my way of sharing the music with the outside in hopes that my sound would be embraced. So when the time came to make an album, I decided to extend the EP. I wanted listeners to have a connection from the EP days and enjoy some new stuff from “The Ecklectic” as well.
Soulified
Being a sucker for soft yet powerful voice, when I heard “In Your Eyes” I was taken by it instantly. Did that song have a special meaning to you, since it seemed to stand out on the EP?
TeresaJenee
Well I didn’t write it about anyone at the time…and I was far, very far from being in love! Ha! All I can say is when I first played out the melody on keys and the words started coming, I thought it was just another pretty cool love song that I was writing. But after I recorded it, it quickly became my baby. I mean, all of my songs are like my babies, but when I listened to that song in playback, I felt like…wow.
Soulified
With an EP and album under your belt, what is next on your horizon for you and your artistry? Also is “Paint The Roses” an indicator of what we can expect in a future project?
TeresaJenee
There is another release coming soon. I have the worst luck with release dates so I try not to put a date on anything anymore! But please be on look out in the months ahead.
As far as the sound of the album goes, “Paint the Roses” was just the beginning. It might be the most grounded song you will hear from me in the future.
Soulified
After following your music for while, I noticed you possess a pure desire/hunger to make music, share and perform it. What is your ultimate goal with your music, that you would consider it a success?
TeresaJenee
I want a Grammy, even if its a nom and to get back into acting. Outside of that, I’m at peace being an indie artist….traveling on the road, meeting new ppl. Hell, I live for this!
Soulified
After hearing your recent release of “Paint The Roses”, which was produced by Tech Supreme, whom would you like to collaborate with in the future?
TeresaJenee
Wow, that’s a long list! I can’t think of everybody but, I would like to work with Roots, Passion Pit, Steve Aoki, Bilal, Brittany Bosco, Robert Glasper, Jazzanova, Mark Ronson, Andre 3000, I would really LOVE to work with Pharrell and N.E.R.D….their sound is KILLER.
Soulified
What is the main driving force for you to have such wonderful diversity in your music? Is it a desire to test the boundaries of music, and what we expect from it?
TeresaJenee
Definitely. I’m a rebel child…always been. I’ve always disagreed with this whole “you have to stick to a sound so people can get you” notion. No, I don’t. I also get bored very easily even with myself so I’m constantly looking at my music thinking “How can I keep things interesting?”
Soulified
With the latest advances in Social Media and technology, do you think that independent artists actually are actually more in touch with their fans, and are able to get a purer high from their music than artists signed with major labels?
TeresaJenee
Hell yeah! Its the only way to be these days! This whole social media phenomenon is powerful. No longer is the control of this industry in the hands of a few suits in the corporate office upstairs. Now, every artist has just as much of a chance to connect to the masses as the major have through the years.
Not just that but to hear straight from the mouths of your fanbase is the most beautiful part of this game to me. No more guessing what the fans will love. Now you can talk directly to them…touch them…and they touch you back.
Soulified
One last question. What was the most important lesson that you gathered from making your debut album “The Ecklectic”?
TeresaJenee
It takes a village! I had the darndest time pushing the album because I thought I could do it all by myself. That was a huge mistake on my end. Now I have help and the next album release will be an easier process because of it.
Thank you for taking time to give our readers and us a deeper insight into you, your talent and your music.
Your welcome :)
