Originally published by Galore on 7/8/17.
TEENEAR WENT FROM YOUTUBE COVERS TO COLLABORATING WITH THE GREATS
Singer and songwriter Teenear has accomplished much more than the average teenager.
As a member of Slip-N-Slide Records, she has partnered up with names including Trina and Sage The Gemini at only 19 years old. This year alone Teenear has released two singles, done a high school tour, and been featured on the Rolling Loud Festival roster. You can confidently admit that she is not here to play any games!
Teenear recently sat down to discuss what it’s like being in the music industry at such a young age, using YouTube as a platform to reach her fans on a more personal level, and of course we had get the spill on her summer product go-to’s.
Check out our interview and listen to her new single “Something Else” below.
At only 19 years old, how do you juggle the commotion of being a music artist between and your teenage life?
At this point, I feel like it’s time for me to focus on what I want right now. I do have times when I want to take a break and hang with my friends but, I also love what I’m doing. So I understand that I have to make sacrifices. I have a goal and I’m reaching for it.
Did growing up in Miami have any influence on you and your music?
Yes! I feel like Miami is a really artistic place. Every corner you turn its either someone drawing on a wall, playing an instrument, or singing. People inspire me just by working and doing what they love and showing other people what they love to do.
How long have you been singing for?
I’ve been singing my entire life, since I was a little girl. I didn’t start putting everything into it until I was 15 though. That’s when I released my first cover and I just kept going from there.
Who has been your favorite artist you have worked with?
I definitely would say Sage the Gemini. He was super nice. I’m all about being positive and spirit was overly positive. I was happy he was a part of my first project that represented me.
Who are some of your musical influences?
I would definitely say Michael Jackson and Beyoncé. I love their music so much. They also started at such a young age and grew through music. They built a brand for themselves that’s going to last forever and that’s my ultimate goal at the end of the day.
Just as they started young, you did as well with your covers of popular songs. Would you have expected that you would’ve been where you are now back then?
Umm, not really. I would say it hasn’t gone super-fast, but it’s definitely gone at a speed I didn’t expect so I’m really grateful for that. But, at the same time I feel like over the past year or two I’ve been trying to see things, take distance, and now things are finally speeding up for me. So I’m really happy with the process.
What message did you want to get across with your singles “Last Night” and “Something Else”?
Well, “Last Night” is more of a women’s empowerment song. It was a way for me to explain to girls who went through a bad breakup/relationship to let go of whatever happened, realize who you are, and move forward. “Something Else” was based around me being young and focusing on my career. So the song is about someone coming in and throwing you off your game and no matter what you do you can’t find it in you to tell them, no! When you just can’t explain your feelings but can only describe them as ‘something else’.
How did you enjoy the BET awards?
It was really good. While I was in LA I was able to meet a lot of different people and ultimately experience a lot more in the industry. It was awards time and it was sooo much going on so it was a really big experience for me.
Since the demographics of LA and Miami are pretty similar, which do you prefer?
I actually like the weather in LA a lot better. Miami’s so hot like all the time. 24/7! At least over here you’ll get a nice breeze in the morning when you wake up. The people in LA are so nice as well! You can walk past and they’ll greet you and it’s definitely not a lot of that in Miami.
You’ve been active on your YouTube for a minute now, and I noticed some of your baking videos? Is that a hobby of yours?
Yes, I enjoy baking a lot! My favorite thing to bake is any cake from scratch. I’ve been doing it for a while, but I’m no Betty Crocker. I like never follow the directions haha. It’s just a fun way for me to relax. I really wanted to show my supporters a side of me they didn’t know.
What are some of your go-to beauty products this summer?
My go-to’s would definitely be Clinique’s foundation stick, and Sacha Buttercup Setting Powder. It’s has yellow undertones so it’s perfect for people my skin color. Maybe a little highlighter but that’s about it. It’s too hot this summer to be running around with a face full of make-up. When I go out though, I do like to use the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance eye shadow pallet, their powder contour kit, and the glow kit. You have to get them! I don’t go anywhere without it.
How would you describe your style/aesthetic and who influences that?
Maybe my mother. She’s the biggest helper in the universe. We go shopping together but she definitely sees things that I don’t see. I don’t really have a specific style that I stick to right now though. If I like a look on me, I’ll just go with it and that’s pretty much the process.
So, what mark do you hope to leave with your artistry?
I want people to feel happy when they listen to my music. A lot of my songs discuss topics that many can relate to, so even if it a subject that can make you upset I’d like to turn it into something positive. Even when it comes to performing and speaking with my supporters, I want them to receive a good energy from me.
Finally, what do you have planned for the rest of 2017?!
I have sooo much more planned for the rest of the year and it’s no stopping at all! I will be focusing on building my fan base but there will be a lot of new music coming out very soon that I’m extremely excited about. The beginning was just the start but the rest of the year is going to be amazing, so keep looking out!
And a message for my young girls: Just stay positive, believe in who you are, and don’t change yourself for anyone… no matter what. It’s so easy to shift away from who you are whenever people decide to give their input, but always stay true to yourself.
