A Dirty Dozen with FENYX ROSE – October 2024
According to a recent press release: “The road to growth is often spiked with pitfallls and dead ends. It’s no different for musicians, especially those signed to label deals early in life, only to be thwarted at every turn. For ARKIVAL artist FENYX ROSE, her road leads to wide open and exciting spaces. Staying true to her name, Fenyx Rose has risen from the ashes of a previous deal gone bad to create music that exposes her authentic self and not some major label idea of who she should be. Her new single, the appropriately named “FEEL MY FIRE” which is released today, September 10th, is a reflection of the detour she’s taken re-find her muse.” We get Fenyx to discuss new music, influences, and more…
1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?
My EP Feel My Fire is a declaration of my new found confidence and personal growth in this season of my life. I don’t think there’s anything too cryptic in this project, but it is a very uplifting and empowering message.
2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?
I’ve been singing since I was a little girl. I grew up in a musical family, and my sisters and I grew up singing in a group together. My mom taught us how to sing in harmony when I was 6 years old, and a couple years later we started arranging our own acapella arrangements of our favorite music. By the time I was 12 we were signed to RedZone entertainment through Kuk Harrell and Tricky Stewart. The rest is history! I’ve been working in this business for about 18 years now.
3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?
I’ve always had a very eclectic taste in music. I grew up on classics like Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, etc. Then I really started to study hip hop and neo soul and got into artists like OutKast, Erykah Badu, and Jill Scott. Now I listen to a wide variety of things but my favorites right now are probably Victoria Monet, Jazmine Sullivan and Lucky Daye.
4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?
I think right now I’d choose Lucky Daye. I’ve been very obsessed with his new album Algorithm, and it’s my new goal to open for him on his next tour.
5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?
I’m also in fitness, so I love working out. I also love to cook, dance, go to the beach, spend time with my friends and family.
6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?
I’d say my music is Pop RnB. I’d probably compare myself to HER or SZA, but I tend to tap into different genres. I think the only time someone has made a bad comparison was my uncle swearing I was a Rock artist, cause I’m definitely not haha.
7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?
I don’t really have a designated band, but I’m definitely the one who cooks for all occasions haha. My brother in law Alexis is definitely the first to crack out the guitar and start the jam session.
8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?
I got to meet Verdine White from Earth Wind and Fire. I’m a super fan of him and was super embarrassing. Before that was probably when I met Thundercat at the NAAM show.
9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?
I love creating music out of thin air. It’s so fun to start a writing session with absolutely nothing, and seeing what you can pull out of the ether and turn into something beautiful. I already have another career in fitness, so I would probably continue in that, or quit everything and become a chef.
10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?
This is honestly tough to answer. I would probably say the question I wish I was asked is “what are your top 5 favorite albums” my answer would be:
- The Love Below – OutKast
- Blonde- Frank Ocean
- CTRL- SZA
- Algorithm- Lucky Daye
- Heaux Tales- Jazmine Sullivan
11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?
Haha things definitely feel like missteps in the moment, but when I really look back they all led me to where I am, so I probably wouldn’t change anything.
12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?
Maybe Thriller because it’s so iconic. I’m sure there’s many artists I’d love to be in the room with though.
FENYX ROSE LINKS:
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Category: Interviews