Rina Chanel

Making Moves

When did you first get into music?

I went to a gifted school for the arts for K-12 in kindergarten (New York) and then attended the Governor’s School for the Arts. I also attended college on a voice scholarship in Opera. I have always been involved in chorus, musicals and performing groups all throughout school. I have been interested in music since age 5 or 6.

Who or What influenced you to pursue a career in music?

Singing and performing have always brought me joy. I had two awesome chorus teachers Ms. Sandra Venters and Mr. Nultimier who helped to push me outside of my comfort zone, helped me grow and push through fear. They both inspired me and unlocked the passion for performing. This motivated me to audition and attend music on a voice scholarship.

Describe your style of music.

Rina fuses smooth R&B vocals with various R&B era instrumental backings that highlight her unique sound and blends the best elements of Jazz and R&B. Her skillful songwriting and vocal delivery provides a refreshing classic take on the return of the future of R&B music.

How has your music evolved since you first started in the music industry?

My music initialing focused on singing collective empowerment themes and messages like my debut single “Worthy.” My current single “Sweetest of Melody” is a classic duet with a heart-felt love story. I am also working on an EP that will focus more on my individual thoughts as a person, a woman and more about me. The songs on the EP will more introspective and more reflective. I want to show growth as well as another layer of me as an artist.

Photography by Josiah Mendoza

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other, drives you to stay in this tough industry? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

I would have to say passion truly drives me. If I didn’t have passion for music, I wouldn’t be moved to do anything and wouldn’t be able to put my all in it. Passion is what keeps me up late at night and early in the morning. If I’m passionate about something, it’s not work and it’s a joy for me and hopefully for listeners and those who discover my music.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as performing artists in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas?

I would say my passion and joy and belief that I was born to fulfill this purpose . And my equal desire to encourage others to the same thing. I hope my music motivates people to find the thing that they were destined to do. I am also a huge supporter of my fellow independent artists. At the end of the day no one is you and that is your superpower. I think everyone has a unique set of skills, abilities and gifts worth contributing to the world. Do what truly comes natural and organically to you and you can never go wrong.

What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

Never second guess or doubt yourself when you’re performing. When you do you can’t fully commit to your performance or the music. True freedom as an artist comes when you don’t care what anyone else think. You commit solely to your interpretation of the music. That creates an authentic experience for you as a performer and your audience. I just try to go out and take fear out of the occasion and look like I’m at a function with all of my friends. I’m just here to have fun and make sure my people are smiling and having a good time.

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

When I think of suffering for your art, I take that to mean that you put in the time or paid your dues to get to where you are. That means working tireless on perfecting your craft: practicing your singing, technique, songwriter and performances…whatever your gift is. That means a lot of sleepless nights, a lot free performance, visibility opportunities, meeting people networking and connecting with people and opportunities for visibilities.

How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?

I think it has made some things more accessible like having your music heard but at the same time added more artists in an already overcrowded industry, making it even more crowded as an industry. Making it even that much harder to stand out as an artist. I still have always believed that talent met with preparation and the right timing will always lead to the right opportunities for you at the right time.

If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?

I would like to see more women in record management, heading up and overseeing labels. I think we need more women in all facets of music and in the music industry as a whole.

I’m sure you have shared the stage with many talented artists, maybe even celebrities. Please share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us.

I was one of the opening acts for the R&B group After 7 in Baltimore, MD and I sang background for international independent recording artists and soul singer Tracy Hamlin. Both situations were exciting and amazing experiences that I will never forget. Looking forward to sharing the stage on an upcoming gig with national recording jazz artist Madz on December 4.

What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why?

Love Deluxe by Sade: Kiss of Life, No Ordinary Love and Cherish the Day. Sade is one of my first vocal inspirations. I have always been a fan of her seductive voice and stage presence.

Rapture by Anita Baker: Sweet Love and Caught up in the Rapture were key singles for me. I have always been inspired by her style, grace, class and soulful voice.

Music Box by Mariah Carey: Hero, Dream Lover and Anytime You Need a friend were singles that I kept on repeat. Mary Carey’s vocal range is legendary and has always inspired me. Hero was a very important single to me. When I heard Ms. Carey sing it, It confirmed for me that I wanted to be a singer. Emotions was my second favorite.

Unforgettable… with Love by Natalie Cole: Lush Life, L.O.V.E, The Very Thought of You were my favorites. She is my favorite jazz songstress. Ms. Cole’s vocals and performances were always velvety smooth, captivating and exuded such class.

Whitney and Whitney Houston by Whitney Houston were key albums for me: I Wanna Dance With Somebody and “For the Love of You” were important singles to me. Whitney is the platinum standard for singers. I admired her God-given vocal abilities and the sheer joy, class and power she had in all of her vocal performances.

What is the best advice you have received?

Never, ever, ever give up. No matter the barriers, the reasons or who is telling you that you can’t. I strongly believe if you keep going and moving in the direction of your dreams, God will allow the right people and opportunities to find you. If you keep passionately and persistently working towards your music goals, even if making even small steps, it will eventually happen for you.

What’s next for you? New Music?

Yes, I have a current single “Sweetest of Melody” which was released on my birthday, November 6 and is out everywhere. I am also working on my upcoming EP due out Early 2022.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music and follow your career?

Rina Chanel music can be found on my website, iTunes, Amazon, Apple Music Spotify and YouTube.

Follow my music journey on Facebook and Instagram: @Rinachanelmusic and on Twitter: @TheRinaChanel

My music can be found on most digital platforms in addition to the following links: Rina Chanel Website: https://www.philliebopmusic.com/rina-chanel-2/

Distrokid: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/rinachanel/sweetest-of-melody-feat-senghor-robinson

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rina-chanel/1210526918?at=1000lxtM&uo=4&app=music&ls=1

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/artists/B06XC8V92V

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Vxlbac46VEnaZ360knkHu

Rina Chanel Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ymkP8CUxmDRWo02UZtGeA

Songwhip: https://songwhip.com/rina-chanel/worthy