Q). How things with you?

I am doing really good actually. I’ve had the summer off teaching which has allowed me to work on music as much as possible.

 

Q). Where did the whole Tana Chantal journey all begin?

I began singing at the age of 16. I joined a music youth group that I attended in the summer holidays and we were encouraged to write and record music as well as perform around Birmingham. My first experience in the studio was an absolute disaster! I didn’t realise it was so hard . I was singing this line over and over and I couldn’t hit the note and I started to cry! From then on I knew I had to work hard to be comfortable with my ability in front of others. Following that I began to study music and I am FE music lecturer so I can be around likeminded people on a daily basis.

 

Q). Your single ‘Fall 4 U’ is available now. How has the response for that been?

It’s been good. I’ve performed it twice since the build up to the release date and the crowds seem to like it. It’s got a UK Garage vibe so it’s fun to perform.

 

Q). Whats it like being in the studio with Tana Chantal?

Long days. When I get the opportunity to go i make sure I get as much done as possible. 8 hour sessions work best for me. That allows me the freedom to vocal and try new things if necessary. Also I’m there for the mixing stage so I can have an input which is really important to my final product. I may not be an engineer but I can kinda verbalise when I want something to “sound like this”.

 

Q). How would you describe your sound?

I am a heavily influenced R&B vocalist which can be mixed with a variety of genres. Hence, when you listen to the 3 songs I have available (Girl Like Me, Tears I Cry and now Fall 4 U) they all sound quite different sonically but the vocals are the foundation to my sound. Like the main ingredient to my concoction.

 

Q). Is there anybody who you would love to do a track with?

UK - Ella Mai and Stormzy
US - Chris Brown no questions.

 

Q). Who is your biggest influence?

Brandy and Aaliyah have been my biggest influences but Beyoncé has also with her creativity and performance quality. The most important quality is to be able to tell a story through your music and I feel all 3 of them can do that with their eyes closed.

 

Q). Why did you choose to get into the music industry?

Music is so important to me. I need to be doing it in order to survive. I know that sounds dramatic but it really affects my ability to function if i remove it from my life. There was a time that I decided to quit and work a 9-5 admin job and I’m telling you now, that was the lowest time of my life. As soon as I got back into it, my mood was lifted almost automatically, just by picking up a pen and writing again.

 

Q). What would you say is your biggest achievement in music so far?

At the moment receiving support from BBC Introducing has been great. They continue to play my music which I really appreciate. Also, I performed for amplify sounds on the Victoria Square stage for the commonwealth games festivities which was so much fun too.
But personally, I’m really happy that I am actually putting music out. I have so many songs which I’ve held back thinking they were not good enough but I needed to learn to let go and just embrace the journey.

 

Q). What can we expect from you for the rest of the year?

I’m in the studio over the next couple of weeks working on some new music which is really exciting. I love being able to create, that’s where I feel at home and the most confident in my ability.
Also, I am scheduling in a couple music videos, as I currently have 3 songs out with no visuals!! So they will be created and available before 2023.

 

Q). Do you have any social media for new fans to follow you?

Yeah, I have Instagram and TikTok. Both under the same, itstanachantal