Tennin

French Singer-songwriter TENNIN has just released her brand new R&B/Pop single “Take A Ride” as celebration of a new era of songwriting. With her previous music the young artist already gained attention from tastemakers such as InRocksLab, Radio Nova, Earmilk and Afropunk. She is well-known for an alternative, indie style with pop influences and made her way into the international pop scene in 2015. We sat down with the amazing Tennin to find out if she could collaborate with any artist in the UK who would it be and why?

NEO: Where did your artist name come from?

TENNIN:TENNIN is my second first name. This is a « Peulh » name », a Senegalese ethnic. my father gave it to me in honor of his culture.

I chose TENNIN as my artistic name when I discovered that it also exists in the Japanese culture. TENNINS are fairies, spiritual beings, and celestial musicians.

NEO: How long have you been making music?

TENNIN: I started to write my first lyrics when I was around 14 years old. But I have always had a natural connexion with music, I just did not want to admit or assume it. So I followed the « normal/ classic" path: studying, then move to Paris for work. In 2014 I used to work with a music magazine as a freelance journalist. One day, I remember that I was interviewing Young Fathers and I realized I wasn't at the right place. I knew at that moment that I also wanted to be interviewed, to be on stage, to be known for my art. This is how I started to create and I published my first songs in 2014 if I remember well ;

NEO: If you could pick any three artists to collaborate with in the UK who would it be and why?

TENNIN: I love the UK scene cause there is a unique creativity, a special touch. I would choose some of the artists who make me feel something whenever I listen to their music, no matter the genre.

Slowthai – Cause he has a unique and rare personality and brings something special to the hip-hop/punk scene

Lisa Stansfield – I often sing « All around the world » under the shower, but more seriously I admire the way she interprets and lives her songs

James Blake – For his incomparable voice and universe and creates magic with it. When you listen to him, you are caught from the first notes.

NEO: What is your biggest motivation?

TENNIN: The challenge to bring a new musical vision motivates, My passion to create, to show how we can challenge the trends and codes.

NEO: Do you have any up and coming projects you are working on?

TENNIN: I am working with an international team for my next releases. I will drop more singles and visuals throughout the year and the next one will be announced very soon. Before that I am also about to share an acoustic version of my latest single « Take A Ride ».

NEO: What is the biggest misconception people have about you?

TENNIN: Interesting, wish I knew. But I think, sometimes, people don’t really know how to perceive me; they can misinterpret my behaviour or they think I am intricate. Maybe it is just a matter of energy. Sometimes the energies just don't match, then the communication is not fluid.

NEO: If you had a super power what would it be and why?

TENNIN: I often dream about flying, and about teleportation. I guess it would be useful especially in these time;

NEO: If you were not an artist what other career would you have gone into?

TENNIN: I might have gone into law school. I always tend to try to understand people and defend them. I also speak a lot when I am passionate about a cause or when I believe in something (my friends can tell), which might have helped.

A second choice would have been a doctor, I was passionate about the medical dictionary as a child. Weird right? I remember reading about the weirdest diseases, don’t ask me why.

NEO:If you could make a difference in the world, what would you be known for?

TENNIN: For not following the trends, being authentic, creating a movement with a unique vision, and standing against any pressure that would not let me be free to create and make art.

NEO: Let us know where to find you on socials

TENNIN: @tenninmusic