ETNT Hot Seat with Tessanne Chin

We were excited! Songstress Tessanne Chin is bold enough to take on our hot seat. The Jamaican sweetheart who made  the world stop and listen with her debut single ‘Hideaway’ is back on T&T’s radar for looking too sexy standing too close to Kes. Check her out being amazing at www.tessanne.com But for now ETNT got the hookup!

 

ETNT: Tessanne girl, how you doing?

I’m great : ) and you?

 

ETNT: I dey. When you left Jamaica for England, what did you really see the future as?

I wasn’t thinking along those lines I was busy getting over the culture shock, but I tried to make the best of it and in the end I truly believe it was one of the best things tohave happened in my life cause it taught me a lot and exposed me to so many different things, some good some bad.

 

ETNT: Being multi-racial in Jamaica was that ever an issue growing up?

Never… We actually live up to our motto “Out of many One” and yes you get the occasional “Chiney girl “or “wha gwan miss Chin”, but I never felt it was ever in a negative light at all. To be honest, England was where I was made aware that I was different in some way, but, it’s life, yah live it, learn from it, take what yah need from the experience and leave what yah don’t need, or want.

 

ETNT: How do you describe your mix of music?

My music is just like me, multi-racial LOL. It can’t be described as one thing and it cant be put into one category, or a box,which I’m very proud of. It’s rock, it’s reggae, it’s soul and dancehall and blues and pop. My music is a reflection of me.

 

ETNT: You grew up surrounded with music, there was a recording studio in your house? Do you feel you had a  fortunate advantage?

Most definitely!!! Because of that, we were able to spend time and develop our music how we wanted it and not be forced to just voice on any tune because we’re doing something different. It’s great that people
can have great riddims and voice on them, but for me, I wanted my music to be as individual and exclusive as it could be. Every song that is on the album, stands on its own because we put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into each one, and to do that it helps to be in an environment that supports that.

 

ETNT: Do you write your own songs?

Yes I do.

 

ETNT: How much of your self is your music, do you hold back or let it all out?

Well writing for me is just as important as singing, so, it’s kind of my therapy, my release :) so, it can’t be anything but me. I’d like to think I keep pushing my boundaries and keep evolving lyrically as well as melodically and vocally, so to answer your question,
No, no holding back for me :) 

ETNT: Know you’ve opened for Patti Labelle and Gladys Knight, what was the feeling like in front those thousands?

A part of it was nerve wracking but on the other hand the stage is my home. I get extremely nervous before I go on stage but once I’m out there it’s my territory , but it was a great honor to share the stage with such amazing singers, and humbling cause it reminds you of how much further yah have to go and how much more there is to learn.

ETNT: Who are you favorite artistes, all genres, what’s in the ipod these days?

I’m kind of an old soul so not what you would think LOL, people like Amy Winehouse, Paramore, Beres, my sis Tami Chynn, the greats like, Celine Dion, Sade, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin etc etc etc….

 

ETNT: And in Jamaica, Gully, Gaza or neither?

I don’t support music that causes a division. I believe music is supposed to bring us together.

 

ETNT: Actually you seem a bit removed, mostly  perception, from it all. Is this a massive issue thereor just restricted to affected/partaking areas?

Like I said it’s not something I really get or support so I don’t really know. I guess you are right to assume  that :) at the end of the day people want something to believe in and follow so Kudos to them for whatever they chose, as for me I chose differently.

 

ETNT: As a Jamaican female singer, what was  your reaction to the Lisa Hype public misfortune?

Honestly, I know this must sound strange but I didn’t actually know about that till I saw this question and had to ask someone a moment ago. As a female artiste and just as a woman, it’s none of mine or anybody else’s business.

 

ETNT: Ok then, so as a woman, world peace or world domination?

World Peace, then there would be no need for anyone to ‘dominate’ it.

 

ETNT: Something you’d like to see change in the  industry towards women?

Women!! LOL, I know that sounds funny but it’s  changing as we speak, where we are all realizing we have to be for one another and cool it with the bitching and rivalry. We need to set a higher standard for our young women, at least that’s my opinion.We are stronger together than apart.

 

ETNT: Now the guys, what physical attribute do you notice first in a guy?

Eyes and smile.

 

ETNT: Generally, what traits you admire and which  turns you off?

I admire confidence and someone who is kind hearted. It’s an absolute turn off when a man is bitter, selfish and rude.

 

ETNT: Are you dating anyone serious right now?

Yes

 

ETNT: What’s the most amazing date you’ve ever  had?

That would be kissing and telling!!!

 

ETNT: How about Kes, hot right, right?

LOL yes, he’s a sweetie.

 

ETNT: How did that collaborationcome about?

Well, his people reached out to my people. Long story short, he came to Jamaica with Kasey Phillips and we got to vibe a lil bit and he showed me the hook he had in mind and the rest just flowed. It was effortless and quite a wonderful experience to write with Kes. He really, really is one of the most talented people I’ve ever met.

 

ETNT: What did you do when you were here? Lime, eat doubles, go Maracas?

Hahahaha I still don’t get my doubles or my shark and bake!!! But I working on it LOL but I had a great rotti !!! And a gyro! I love Trinidad though every time I’m there I feel a good vibe.

 

ETNT: Ever did Trinidad Carnival? If not… WHY NOT GIRL!

No I haven’t cause I’m afraid of di trini wine (whine)!!! Trini’s are DANGEROUS when it come to dat! LOL but who knows one day I may pluck up the courage LOL.

 

ETNT: Is the recession affecting life in Jamrock?

Hahahaha if yah know anything bout Jamaicans then you’ll know our people are extremely resilient and we may be going through some tough spots but that aint nothing new. What’s amazing is that there are many good, honest, hard working people out there that are very resourceful and extremely creative when it comes to finding a way to make a way LOL. A just so we grow.

 

ETNT: What’s in the near future for Tessanne?

Well, my debut album should be dropping this year hopefully around summer and I really wanna branch out and represent for my Jamaican and Caribbean people in a bigger way around the world. Soooo, that’s just some of my goals for the immediate future:) Thanx for talking to me :) and big up, nuff love to all my fans! MUAH!