Exclusive interview with Teena, a female musician, and producer.

Teena is an American singer, songwriter, and producer from Long Island, New York. She started playing with Garageband loops and gets really creative with some funky bass lines. In 2019, she released her first album called “Cranberry”.

If you aren’t familiar with Teena read on. We had a chance to interview Teena about her background and achievement so far in the music industry.

Hi Teena, Tell us about your background getting to where you are today?

Teena: I started out as an independent musician back in 2018. That’s when I released my first album, “Cranberry”! I started playing shows and meeting tons of new musicians. I was able to get connected and start collaborating with some lovely individuals. Things flourished over the years, and now I’m gearing up for the release of my first major project!

 

2: Where are you from?

Teena: I’m from Long Island, New York! 🙂

 

3: How did you get into music?

Teena: When I was in my freshman year of college at SUNY Fredonia, I got my first Macbook Pro. I started fiddling on Garageband and teaching myself the software. I started getting really creative and experimented with some funky bass lines. Before you know it, I was creating my own little projects. I was inspired to write my first album “Cranberry” over a breakup. It was really difficult to process, so songwriting was really cathartic. It helped me manage my emotions and become a better version of myself.

 

4: What is the most challenging thing you have overcome in your life?

Teena: The most challenging obstacle was learning how to love me for who I am. I knew I was gay from a really young age, and I had a few “friends” out me as I was growing up. This made me hide for so long and feel like it was wrong to be who I was. Once I started to own myself and love myself, it didn’t matter what people thought. I was able to come into a new version of myself! It was awesome to reach that stage of acceptance.

 

5: Are you currently signed or independent?

Teena: I am currently signed to Elton Audio Records. I connected with Louis Elton (an artist manager) who also runs the company, and since then I feel like my sound has only grown.

 

6: Who inspires you the most musically?

Teena: Caroline Polachek is my biggest inspiration. She’s been in the industry for quite some time. She used to be in this band called Chairlift that I really love. She’s got the most avant-garde, synthy, futuristic sound. It’s just so sonically pleasing. I’ve been creating so many of my own productions that are inspired by her sound. She’s so cool because she’s written and produced for artists like Beyonce, Travis Scott, Blood Orange, and more – but you never heard her name for years. Not until she started releasing her own stuff, and then it blew up. She’s got such a unique style and a killer voice. She’s a badass woman, and she’s a testament to the fact that you can be over the age of 30 and still be making it in the industry.

 

7: What do you want people to take away after listening to your music?

Teena: I aim to create a vision in people’s heads. I want them to feel the raw emotion of my music. I want to put them in the exact time, place, and situation of what I’m going through so that it creates this image. Most importantly, I want them to be able to relate and be moved by my messages. Empowering people is my biggest goal.

 

8: What is your greatest achievement as a musician?

Teena: My biggest achievement to date is working with Eren Cannata of Warner Chappell Records. He produced my song, “Strangers In My Bed”. Eren is an incredible musician, producer, and guy in general. He also produces for some major artists, so this opportunity was incredible to ha

 

9: Do you produce your own music? If not who do you work with?

Teena: I do produce, but my skill is not yet where I want it to be. This is why I work with producers! My process involves writing and then taking it to the studio. I just kind of free-write lyrics, and then I improvise a melody based on the words. I turn to producers because I want to create only the best, most polished version of my music. Some of the main producers I have worked with are Eren Cannata, Nikademis, and some others under my current label.

 

10: Who is one artist you wish you could work with?

Teena: Isaac Dunbar. Hands down! I am astonished by him. He’s not only an insane vocalist, but he’s an amazing producer. He’s able to experiment and flirt with so many different styles – especially in his new album “Evil Twin.” I find him to be such an inspiration. I also feel like our voices would sound incredible together.

 

11: Tell us about any new music you have coming out? When is coming out? What is it about?

Teena: I’m so excited about my new music! The release date is still being decided. My new album plays with the idea of astrology, retrogrades, space, and has an overall futuristic vibe. Star Wars fans will love it! It’s a breakup album, with an interesting twist in its concept

 

12: What does a day inside your shoes look like?

Teena: If you’re in Teenatown (ba dum tiss), you’re having fun! Haha. I really try to get out and just enjoy the sun. I love to write, produce, and find new musical influences. If I’m not doing that, I’m probably just doing some homework, to be honest.

 

13: Anything else you want the audience to know about you?

Teena: Go listen to “Teena” on Spotify, Apple Music, and all the streaming services! Also, check out www.teenatown.com for new updates! Thanks so much! 🙂

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