#IMMusicMonday: In Conversation With Teenear

Introducing Teenear, the Miami singer shaking up the R&B scene with her stunning visuals and rich warm vocals.

Her latest video “Free”, directed by Kevin iRossta Ross, spotlights emotive scenes from the recent Black Lives Matter Protests and shares a message of encouragement for those fighting for change o sees a lot of black lives matter protests and showcases a lot of heartfelt scenes during the protests.

In our recent discussion, we spoke about everything from record deals to the political landscape of the music industry and upcoming music.

You are signed to Slip-N-Slide, a label that is known to most people for rap music. As an R&B artist what made you decide to sign your deal?

My record deal really came about because we started an open and honest conversation. After I meeting and talking with everyone I knew that I would be in good hands at Slip-N-Slide. We’re all like a big family and they made me feel comfortable and confident that they could help me succeed in my music career.

You came out of the gate with a pretty big feature on your debut single, how did that come about?

Having Sage the Gemini on my first single honestly came about from the label making that decision! Originally I had no idea about it, it was presented to me and I couldn’t help but be excited about it! Who wouldn’t be? My very first single is extremely personal to me not just because of what that song is about but also with how it came about so having him on that record meant so much to me.

How would you describe your artistic vision and how do you stay true to this?

With the music I make, I always want it to be something that people find relatable. Most of my music is girly, fun, and about love and relationships. I think my music has grown up alongside me, and I’m starting to dive deeper into more complex topics, which is what ended up happening with “Free.”

With that being said, what are some of the sounds you like to incorporate into your music? 

I’ve always really loved the Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Beyonce, pop-princess music and sound. I think a lot of those sounds come through in my music. I sometimes experiment with different sounds and different vibes, but most of my music pulls from that early inspiration.

Staying on the topic of inspiration, let’s get into “Free”. From my understanding, it was initially recorded for future release but was pushed up due to the political climate we’re in. What originally inspired it and what does it mean to you now, in light of everything going on in the world?

This song was originally recorded about a year ago, and it was in regards to getting out of a toxic situation that no longer served me for the better. While going through some of my unreleased music my team and I came across this song and felt it would really serve as an uplifting anthem for what was happening in the world with police brutality and the horrific and unjust death of George Floyd. 

Do you view your presence as a Black woman in this industry to be a political statement in and of itself?

I wouldn’t say that, no. Black women have been in this industry for a long time, and they really defined R&B specifically. I hope to be able to use my voice and my platform to spread awareness around horrific situations in the world, while also being able to provide a light at the end of the tunnel through uplifting and powerful music.

During this lockdown period, a lot of artists have found it difficult to keep creating. What is it that keeps you inspired?

My team is definitely keeping me busy! They encourage me a lot to keep creating. I needed this time to really ground me and remind me of what’s important in life, and I think a lot of the music that will come from this time will reflect that. 

What advice would you give to young girls and women looking to work in music?

I would say to just keep pushing, and stay true to yourself, your music, and your sound. It’s hard being a woman in general, but it’s difficult in the music industry specifically. Just know yourself, know the direction that you want to go, and do whatever it takes to get yourself there!

What projects are you working on right now?

Right now I have a lot of music in the vault and I’m working to figure out the right time to release my first EP. Stay tuned!! 

Watch “Free” by Teenear