By Kristen Bingle
Teenear is a breath of fresh air and fresh energy. The Miami-based singer-songwriter creates an eclectic mix of RnB and soul with a futuristic, experimental edge. Teeenar made her entrance onto the scene in 2015 releasing her track ‘Friday Night,’ with a feature from Sage the Gemini, through Slip-n-Slide Records — home to the likes of Jagged Edge, Plies and Trina. From there Teenear went on to release a string of singles both on her own and with some heavy features.
She’s not scared to switch things up with her sound and has a mix of up-tempo tracks and songs with a more chilled vibe. She draws on her own experiences to make her music and she definitely knows how to have fun with it. Having already worked with Fetty Wap on ‘Love Me or Leave Me,’ Lil Baby on ‘I Like It’ and label-mate Trina on ‘Street Lights,’ Teenear has big dreams for her career and is set to light up the music world with her infectious charm and energy.
Her new track ‘Free’ was released at the pinnacle of the worldwide protests for Black Lives Matter and took on new meaning for the vocalist. We caught up with Teenear to find out more about her sound, her influences and the profound impact of ‘Free.’
Tell us a little about the music you make?
I am definitely playing in the R&B field right now. But overall I feel like my vibe is very fun and relatable. I like to sing about either experiences I’m going through or experiences my friends may be going through mainly just to draw a relatable image for people when they hear my music.
Who inspires/influences you musically?
I am definitely heavily influenced by Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Beyonce. My influences when I was younger are still my influences now.
When did you start pursuing your music?
I was 15 when I signed to Slip-N-Slide Records, and have been working on my music ever since.
Let’s talk about your new track ‘Free.’ What does it mean to you?
‘Free’ is this song written about breaking out of a toxic situation. We didn’t really know when we were going to be able to release this track, because it’s unlike my current sound, and with everything happening revolving around the Black Lives Matter Movement, it felt like a good time to release something that would be powerful and uplifting to people. To me the song just means freedom and finding yourself along the way to gaining freedom.
Has it been a way for you to process all that’s happened over the past few weeks?
‘Free’ has helped me process a lot of what’s been going on. I am happy that this movement is finally getting the attention that it deserved, and I am also happy that ‘Free’ served as a powerful anthem for progress, change, and strength.
What is your creative process like?
Whenever I feel inspired, I usually get some of my writer friends to come over, and we are able to brainstorm creatively what direction we’d like a song to go in. From there, everything is very organic.
Where do you see yourself musically in 5 years?
Musically, I hope to continue to collaborate with some of the best artists in the industry, have a Grammy-nominated album, and also be headlining my 2nd or 3rd tour!
So you’re originally from Jamaica and grew up in Miami. What influence has Jamaica and Miami had on your sound?
I’m actually not from Jamaica, my mom is! I grew up in Miami, but Jamaican music has always been around me and in my home because of my mom. When I was younger my mom used to literally drop us off in Jamaica all summer and come pick us up the last week before school starts so I grew up around the culture a lot. I have started exploring that side of my music and I’m really excited to be able to share that part of me when the time comes.
What is your favourite track that you’ve created?
‘Need Your Love’ is my favorite song of mine! It represented a big time in my life, it was also the first track of mine to really get the recognition that it deserved.
One artist you can’t get enough of right now.
Kiana Lede! I listen to her album all of the time.
You’ve already worked with some big names in the industry. Who would you love to work with next?
Beyoncé and Drake are for sure on my bucket list!
There’s much more to come from Teenear and we’re excited for what she’s bringing next.