Image courtesy of artist
How many times have you had someone tell you to audition for The Voice, American Idol, or America's/Britain's Got Talent? Several of our favorite pop artists find their way to our hearts and iTunes through these big-talent shows. All you have to do is audition, right? Sure, there's a notoriously daunting line, but it could put you in front of millions of viewers worldwide.
Sonicbids artist Tessanne Chin decided to step up her career, knowing she had nothing to lose, and auditioned for The Voice. A Jamaican soul singer, she poured her heart out all season long and won first place in season five! We had a chance to catch up with Tessanne to learn what it was actually like to be on The Voice, how she was motivated to audition, and how much her life and career in music has changed since winning.
Most people know you as the season five winner of NBC's The Voice. How established were you as an artist before the show? How much of a role do you think that played in getting selected?
Before The Voice, I was making a living and having a level of success in Jamaica and the Caribbean as an artist, but I felt a bit stuck. I knew I wanted to branch out and have an international career, and I felt The Voice could help me to do so. As far as that playing a role in being selected, I think because this is my passion and my life, I have invested a lot of time and hard work into what I do, and I think they saw the potential in me to grow and become better. I'm so blessed to have had that opportunity.
Just about every singer has been encouraged to audition for shows like The Voice and American Idol, though most people shrug it off. What gave you the confidence and inspiration to put yourself out there and audition?
Shaggy originally came to me with idea, and I wasn't sure at first, but then I realized I had nothing to lose. I could've stayed in the same situation I was in and struggle and complain, or I could take a chance and make use of the opportunity in front of me.
What was The Voice like behind the scenes? Anything that the casual viewer would be surprised to learn?
It was a lot of hard work, but also a lot of fun! I have to say they have some of the nicest, most genuine people I've ever met, and our season felt very much like a family. I still keep I touch with my V5 family.
You released two albums before The Voice, and you're currently working on your third. How does the writing and recording process for this one compare to your previous projects?
I think I've grown a lot as a writer and a singer this time around. It's some of the most honest work I've done. I felt I was able to completely let go on certain tracks lyrically and vocally and not be so technical about it, but feel my way through it. It's amazing when you find the courage to embrace who you are and where you are in life, and to realize that it's okay to not have it all figured out. I'm definitely in a state of evolution and transformation in every possible way, and it's scary and exciting and fun all at the same time. I am proud of what we've done so far, and I can't wait to share it with the world.
With over 10 million views on your YouTube videos and nearly a million Facebook fans, what advice can you offer to up-and-coming artists on building their social media strategies? What's worked best for you personally?
I am the first to admit I don't have this social media tip figured out, but I've gotten better! I think it's important to be who you are and to actually have conversations with the people that have supported you and given you the opportunity to do this for a living. I love that I have the kind of relationship with my Famz (Family Fanz core group) where I could be at a concert, and I see them and I know who they are before a word is even spoken because we talk on Twitter! To me, I never take it for granted that these amazing people support me and give up their time and energy to do so. But with that being said, it's all about content, interaction, and finding what connects with your peeps, and that is just through doing it and doing it and doing it some more.
[3 Habits of Artists With a Strong Social Media Following]
Having achieved a level of international success that most artists can only dream of, what's the biggest lesson you've learned about the music industry?
That it never stops changing, and you have to stay on top of it as best you can. It's hard work, but if you love what you do and you're passionate about it, then you'll enjoy the journey. It is a hell of a journey, that's for sure.
What's next for you?
I'm a singer/songwriter, so I have written and co-written some new songs of my own. I’m currently in the studio working on new music. I worked with producers, such as the Grammy award-winning J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League (with Mary J. Blige) who are responsible for my song “Fire,” and we were excited that "Fire" went to #1 in Belize and #2 in Barbados. We recently released a video for “Fire” as well.
I am also in the studio with B&B (Bread & Butter, formerly of the The Phat Boiz) who did John Legend's hit song “Tonight.” I'm hoping to release another single by the end of the year.
In addition to music, I opened a blow dry bar/full service salon in Jamaica, and I am entertaining some cosmetic and hair product opportunities.
