R&B Singer Hennessy Speaks on Growing up in Providence, RI.
R&B Singer Hennessy Speaks on Growing up in Providence, RI, Musical Inspirations, Her Song 1-800-Slide, Her Favorite R&B Acts and More.
We all love a good R&B song, especially when it is relatable and heartfelt. Today’s R&B consists of a lot of great musical acts that have solidified their names within the industry. However, there are a few rising acts that are on the verge of breaking into stardom like Hennessy. The Providence, RI singer and songstress found herself being the topic of discussion for all the right reasons.
Using the influence she gained from some of the best R&B/Soul acts like Lauryn Hill, India Arie, and Monica, to name a few, Hennessy brought a modern-day approach to a record that has an early 90’s sound.
“My voice is what probably has the old school sound to my music…” Hennessy says about her latest effort “1-800-Slide,” “but my lyrics are what keeps it balanced and modern.”
I had the chance to speak with Hennessy about her popular song, inspirations behind her music creation, the “1-800-Slide” video, her favorite R&B acts right now, and if we can expect a full-length project any time soon.
1 - What/who were some of your musical inspirations, more specifically R&B?
Lauryn Hill, India Arie, Mya, Monica, and JoJo are who I grew up listening to. That stuck with me.
2 - I know you currently reside in Providence. I’ve been there before and I know it’s not that big of a city. Did you have any hometown heroes that played a role in you chasing your music dreams?
I was born and raised in Providence. It's the best city in the world, we’re the creative capital. Everyone who plays a part in the creative scene inspires me to put in the work while chasing my dreams.
3 - How did you know that music was something you wanted to do? For example, there are people who have a strong love and passion for music but have never created music themselves. When did you realize that this was something that you genuinely had a passion for?
I have multiple passions, music isn’t my only definitive one. But I knew music was something I wanted to do when I could talk about how I’m feeling and express it on a song, pick the beat that I want, and make the music I want to listen to. I grew up fixated on music so I always knew one day I’ll make music. It was just all about timing.
4 - When did you write your first song?
I grew up more hip-hop based in my household so I started rapping first before singing. I wrote my first song to the beat “Can’t Let You Go” by Fab at 13.
5 - When it comes to creating your music, where do you draw most of your inspiration from?
From my life and what I’m currently going through or reminiscing about. Usually, I’ll write to heal about a situation or vent about a situation.
6 - Let’s chat about your recent song 1-800-SLIDE. As I told you in our previous conversation, I love the song. The record is pretty self-explanatory but what was the process behind creating it?
John Scino is an amazing producer from Providence. He dm’d me saying “Let's work” and I was all for it. We got in the studio and he played me beats. 4 beats in and I said, “Yeah this was the one.” I was off wine and the melody just came to my head so I kept hopping in and out the booth. 95% of the song was freestyled. I just had to write it in my notes before singing it because my memory is trash.
7 - Your sound is very current and modern but it also has a 90’s sort of feel to it. The production of the song feels very old school. How did you manage to find that balance between the two?
My voice is what probably has the old school sound to my music but my lyrics are what keeps it balanced and modern.
8 - The video is also pretty dope. Simplicity at its best. What made you want to create that sort of visual rather than an actual video?
I love visuals and wanted to drop the song with something cool people can watch before I released it on streaming services. Me riding late night through the city is exactly how I envisioned the video because it’s exactly what the song is about.
9 - With this song being as good as it is, is it safe to say that a full project is coming soon?
Thank you! And a project will definitely come soon.
10 - Who are your top 5 R&B acts right now? If you could work with anyone of them who would it be?
That’s kinda hard *laughs*I listen to a lot ofR&B and like a lot of artists but I’ll go with.
Lucky Daye
Drake (when he on his R&B shit)
Mahalia
Brent Faiyaz
ELHAE
If I could make a song with Lucky Daye I’ll be content with life.
11 - What else can we expect from Hennessy in 2020?
I have a lot planned, just stay updated and follow me to see.
Follow Hennessy on both Instagram and Twitter to stay updated on new music, videos, and projects @PourSomeHenny.