Tess Elena spent some time answering our questions about her music and your songwriting process. Let’s see what she has to say!
First off, What’s up with your name? Is there a story behind it?
My artist name is actually my first and middle name so there is nothing deceiving about my artist name. My last name is a mouthful and I thought it would be helpful to keep it short and something people could identify me with.
Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
Growing up my parents were both artists, my mom was an actress and singer and my dad is a musician and composer. I grew up going to rehearsals for plays and musicals all around NYC and it planted a seed in me to one day be my own artist. I knew how hard the artist road is, I saw it firsthand with my family. But a little voice in my head and heart kept dreaming up this idea of me performing and selling out arenas with my music, and I couldn’t ignore it. I took my first music class my senior year of high school where I learned 4 chords on guitar. I started to write melodies and lyrics with those chords and it soon became a therapeutic way for me to express myself. I fell in love with songwriting. Years later when I decided to pursue being a singer songwriter as a career, I took classes in the art of songwriting and had private voice and guitar lessons. It led me to go to open mics to share my music and eventually I found my band, Tess Elena & the Emotional Daddies, where we played shows around NYC.
How would you describe your sound?
I think my sound is constantly evolving. I think when I first started writing songs, it was definitely a more indie folk vibe and then as the years have gone on I’ve been more influences by soul, funk, jazz and R&B. It has morphed into the sound I have now on this EP which is a complination of singer songwriter, indie-soul, pop-jazz.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
A bunch of artists definitely influence my sound. To name a few;Sara Bareilles, Amy Winehouse, John Mayer, Marvin Gaye, Joni Mitchell. As of late, I’ve been influences by Lizzy McAlpine and Theo Katzman.
What’s the last song you listened to?
The song I am currently obsessed with lyrically and melodically is “Be The Wheel” by Theo Katzman. He just released an album called 10 Good Songs and it’s the first track of the album. I just am obsessed with the metaphor of the chorus. “Don’t be a Horse and buggy be the wheel” Genius!
What’s your source for hearing new music?
I am always on the hunt for new music, but sometimes I get lazy. I usually scroll tiktok or Instagram since their algorithms know to show me some talent. Sometimes if I put on a playlist on spotify or get a recommendation from a friend.
Who is your dream producer?
Oh wow! What a great question. I would absolutely love to work with Mark Ronson! Hes an amazing producer. I also really love Pharrell.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
I would love to collaborate with Kacey Musgraves, Sara Bareilles, Lizzy McAlpine, or John Mayer, or Silk Sonic – I love their vibes!
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
As cheesy as this might sound, I think music was always inside of me. Since my parents are both artists I believe I was conduit for the arts. I think that when the outside noise isn’t distracting me, I create music organically and beautifully. I think it is something a part of you is born to be, a vessel for music. What motivates me is the ability to have my music be played by people around the world and to one day perform & play my music to thousands of people on stage around the world.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
My songwriting process comes in a variety of forms. Sometimes they happen all in one sitting, sometimes they come over painstaking draft over draft. Some come in forms of just a single verse or a single chorus with no continuity between the two. Usually it starts with me picking up my guitar and free styling over some random chords. Sometimes I’ll find a song to cover and I’ll take some chords from those and find my own melodies over it. It all depends on my mood.
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
I usually connect with my audience on Instagram and my facebook music page. The easiest way for folks to connect with me at the moment is through Instagram since I have all my music linked there. My Instagram handle is @tesselenamusic
https://www.instagram.com/tesselenamusic/
https://www.facebook.com/TessElenaMusic/
https://www.tiktok.com/@tesselenamusic
https://www.youtube.com/@TessElenaMusic
https://twitter.com/tesselenamusic
What’s next for you?
I definitely want to start doing more solo shows and doing some full band shows too! I want to share my EP Fire Escape far and wide!
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
A lot of time, sweat, and tears when into making this project and its truly a culmination of a independent artist journey. I’m very proud of it and I hope you enjoy it.
Bio:
Tess Elena is a singer songwriter born and raised in New York City. Her indie-soul jazz sound is rooted in bold melodies and drenched in playful & raw lyricism. She draws on her feminist roots to create music that encourages individuality, vulnerability, and empowerment. She has just released her debut EP, “Fire Escape” which is available on all streaming platforms. Looking forward, Tess Elena is set to further cement her position as one of the East Coast’s most notable rising stars. For media inquiries, including interviews and all things press-related, please email tesselenamusic@gmail.com.
