A Chat with Kailey Tenn (25.08.23)
Born and raised in Long Island, New York, singer-songwriter Kailey Tenn is set to captivate, heal and connect with listeners using her moving music. Eclectic and diverse, her sound is a mishmash of genres so you don’t really know what to expect but you know it will be fantastic. We speak with Tenn about her debut EP Forever Is Finite, superstitions, good advice and much more.
OSR: A bit cliché but what made you decide to pursue music as a career?
Tenn: I suppose the cliché answer is that music has always been my passion, but that’s the truth. My whole life, it’s been about music. I was always known as the musician, I was always talking about it, always humming, always tapping along to a melody in my head. I knew that no matter what I did in life, music would have to be a part of it, mainly because it’s the biggest part of me. I think about it nearly every second of every day. I suppose I just thought I’d be behind the curtain. For the good songs, they could just exist on my hard drive. For the great songs, I could give them to someone else to sing.
As I got older, I realized I had some great songs that no one else would be able to sing besides me. They were too personal and I couldn’t imagine anyone else telling my story. I knew the best way for me to share these songs and to connect with people is to be the artist myself. I’m sure fame and fortune has its perks, but that’s not what’s most important to me. Honestly, if that’s ever what becomes most important, then I shouldn’t be a musician anymore. I’m just happy to be doing what I love and having a positive impact along the way.
OSR: What does music mean to you?
Tenn: For me, music has always been about connection and healing. It’s amazing that everyone can enjoy the same artists, genres, and songs regardless of their background (race, language, gender, sexual orientation, social class, etc.). I’ve seen so many stories of people making friends and finding a way to relate to each other through music despite differences. In a world that tends to be dangerously divided, we need music. When it comes to healing, music helps people feel seen, the opportunity to realize they’re not alone. Whether it’s the urge to get up and dance or the urge to cry, the emotions music can provoke are undeniable.
OSR: Your debut EP, Forever Is Finite was recently released. What can you tell us about it? Is there a particular theme?
Tenn: My music has always been my way to cope and work through things. Forever Is Finite was no different. It was my own cynical contradiction based on broken promises and stemming from an experience I was trying my best to navigate. I never thought anyone would hear these songs, but one day, I was inspired to share what I was working on at an open mic. It surprised me how much my music resonated with a group of strangers. It made me realize that these songs, which had been so healing for me, could do the same for others. Maybe I didn’t have to keep them to myself and my close group of friends. Maybe someone could start the EP feeling their lowest, but by the end, feel at least a little better. Maybe forever being “finite” doesn’t have to be negative, but positive. It can mean new beginnings, new growth, new opportunities.
I think my favorite part about the project is that each song represents a different emotion you might experience during a falling out: sadness & longing, reflection & realization, anger & disbelief, pettiness, happiness & letting go. At the same time, the songs all have different genre influences and instrumentation. I believe there’s something on the EP for everyone, regardless of how you’re feeling or what your musical tastes might be.
OSR: Recording music always has pros and cons. What was the most exciting and most challenging aspect of recording Forever Is Finite?
Tenn: I think the most exciting part of recording was the spontaneity of production. Though I had ideas, there was never a set plan during recording. The trial, error, and experimentation felt really freeing. Now, when listening back to the finished songs, I recall the moments where I discovered the perfect synth sound or catchy guitar riff and feel the same rush of excitement.
I suppose the most challenging part of recording was working solo out of my home studio. It’s certainly not a perfect setup, a bit cramped with sub-par acoustics. However, being able to work late nights into early mornings was certainly a plus. 🙂
OSR: You mention that your musical influences are highly varied ranging from Lionel Richie to David Foster, Paramore, Jon Bellion and Chelsea Cutler. How do you think all of these artists or genres contribute to your music?
Tenn: As a kid, I developed an appreciation for soulful melodies and instrumentation thanks to my dad. He introduced me to the likes of Lionel Richie, The Bee Gees, and David Foster. They taught me so much about song arrangement and inspired me to incorporate orchestral elements into my songs like strings and horns. Sometimes when I write, I like to picture my music in film, and I strive for those goosebump-type moments I often experience when listening to songs from Lionel, etc.
My family’s roots in Jamaica introduced me to the feel-good and uplifting nature of reggae music and artists like Bob Marley. My dad was actually an engineer for Channel One, one of the greatest reggae studios to ever exist (and I’m not just saying that cause I’m biased!). Some of the best reggae artists/producers came out of Channel One, including Sly & Robbie who went on to produce for the likes of No Doubt. Around middle school, I began exploring the rock/alternative music scene and immersed myself in the sounds of bands with hard-hitting guitars and drums like Twenty One Pilots, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, and 5 Seconds Of Summer. Honestly, most of my work ends up having some rock influence along the way.
Currently, I find most of my inspiration from artists/producers like Jon Bellion, Chelsea Cutler, and Quinn XCII. Their impactful lyricism and innovative production encourage me to delve deeper into songwriting and experiment with new sounds. Jon’s Making Of videos on YouTube made me fall in love with the creative process. Chelsea’s authentic lyrics and organic sounds are what got me through the hardships that created Forever Is Finite. I really try listening to all types of music, I don’t like limiting myself. Honestly, I think it’s the interesting blend of all my influences that helps give me a unique sound to call my own
OSR: You have some experience as part of a band, so what do you think are the pros and cons of being a solo artist versus being in a band?
Tenn: Pros: Most of my school years I was the drummer in our student jazz band and a percussionist in our other ensembles. Those groups are where I learned about playing with others. There’s something about playing with others that’s really special. I always looked forward to the random jam sessions and the sharing of ideas. I learned how to be a performer and play off other people. In college, I had a project where I had to form a band for a semester. Together, three friends and I wrote original music, released, and promoted it. It was so interesting to see our different perspectives. We wrote music that I never would’ve written on my own, which was really special and opened my mind to new ideas. Overall, I think collaboration is necessary to grow. It’s also nice to split the responsibilities among a group rather than handling everything yourself.
Cons: When it came to the original music for my temporary band, there are certainly things I added in the demo that got cut from the final song. Listening back, I wish they had been left in; but as a group, you have to learn to compromise. This can be challenging, but a necessary part of growing. On the performance side of things, there would be times when peers wouldn’t come prepared which hindered our rehearsals and performances. It could get very frustrating, but it teaches you to never be that person!
Overall, as a solo artist, you just have to worry about you. Some days that’s nice, other days it’s lonely. I think I love the autonomy of being a solo artist but look forward to collaborating with other writers and producers who can help push me beyond my usual habits.
OSR: Some random questions: How superstitious are you?
Tenn: I’d say I’m somewhere in the middle when it comes to being superstitious. I remember before every softball game, my teammates and I made sure no one stepped on the white-chalk foul lines prior to the game. It was believed that if we did, it was bad luck and we’d lose the game. Was that true? Maybe not, we definitely lost games without stepping on the lines, but I suppose it never hurt trying not to. I do believe that everything happens for a reason. Some days it’s easy to forget, especially when things get hard. But after a while, I’m able to reflect and realize the lessons that stem from every experience.
OSR: I’m not sure if you enjoy TV shows but what series could you binge-watch?
Tenn: I’m usually very behind when it comes to TV shows but I recently finished New Girl and loved it. Usually, I’m watching SpongeBob or Bob’s Burgers 😆. Otherwise, it’s something crime/action related like The Equalizer starring Queen Latifah.
OSR: What is the best and worst piece of advice you have ever received?
Tenn: Best piece of advice:” Try and add value anywhere and any way that you can. It will take you far in life”. I’m unsure who first said this to me but it’s something I think about in almost all aspects of my life; professional and personal. I suppose another way of looking at it is making yourself indispensable. This doesn’t mean being a people pleaser but rather just trying your best. Leave a positive impact. The good you do and the hard work you put in eventually makes its way back to you.
Worst piece of advice: “You have to do these things to be successful”. I think with social media especially it’s easy to follow the crowd and do what will make you go viral, etc. Nowadays, your image is so important, especially in the entertainment industry. I’ve often struggled with not feeling beautiful like others or trendy like others. Sometimes my music doesn’t fit in, sometimes my social media videos don’t use the trending sound, I don’t work out 7 days a week. It’s easy to be convinced that these are the things you need to do and know about to be successful. I’m learning not to ignore others, but rather knowing when to participate. I try and remind myself that some of the most memorable musicians were total outliers. It’s okay to just be myself. It’s an ongoing challenge, some days are better than others. But at the end of the day, I have to remember that authentic music is what’s most important.
OSR: What future plans do you have as a musician?
Tenn: Honestly, I just wanna keep getting better. Keep learning, keep pushing the boundaries of my writing, production and musicianship. I’m excited to keep building a diverse and supportive community. I’m excited to help people and have a positive impact, hopefully in the way my favorite artists and songs have changed my life for the better.
OSR: Any final message for our readers?
Tenn: Keep going! You’ve got this, one second at a time. And thank you to everyone who has read, listened, and supported me in any capacity.
Many thanks to Kailey Tenn for speaking with us! Find out more about Kailey Tenn on her Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
