Meet rising contemporary R&B artist Genia from Victorville, California, an intimate, up-close-and-personal songwriter with a compelling voice suited to throwback R&B and soul, layered over pop-forward production that comes together in a catchy, cohesive way.
Genia dives in with us about her collaborations, artistic direction, thoughts on AI in music, and what her music reveals about where she is creatively and artistically right now.
Every artist has a moment, a song, a feeling, or a memory where music stops being something they simply enjoy and becomes something they need to pursue.
Genia reflects, “When I was living with my mom in Victorville, and I realized how content everyone around me was with our everyday lives, I knew I wanted to turn my passion for music into my employment. I feel like God gave me this talent to touch many lives across the world, but also change my family's life.”
With her previous releases forming the impressive backdrop of her discography, including “Toastyyy” with Timbaland and Bryson Tiller, Genia reflects, “Timbaland, Bryson, and I brought our own individuality to the record. What really made me go ‘Wow! This is something,’ was the fact that it meshed so well.”
“Give,” featuring Monaleo, is another addition to Genia’s growing body of work, a track that feels like two very distinct energies colliding in the best way.
On the collaboration, Genia says, “She did exactly what I wanted her to do without me even having to tell her! She understood the assignment 1000%. Working with her deepened the love I already have for rap. Her flow on the record was just absolute perfection! I love to approach my records from a strong, empowering standpoint… we both did just that. I love Monaleo! SHE IS THE ONE.”
Genia says that if her music were a snapshot of who she is and the journey that brought her here, she would describe it in two words: “Chaotic and free!”
“It shows two sides of me, one side being the reserved person who cries in silence and feels deeply, and my other side is more of a wild side (you’re not sure what to expect from her). This is the purpose behind creating my upcoming project.”
On a topic that has divided the music industry regarding the ease and rapid use of AI in music, Genia firmly states, “I don’t need AI to write the records my team and I are creating. There is something about human experience that just can’t be replicated, in my opinion. I need my lyrics to be raw and real… not fabricated.”
On how to keep that independent spirit alive while still leveraging the infrastructure and reach that major label resources can provide, Genia says, “A lot of people have this idea in their heads that the moment you sign with a major label, there is a button they push to automatically make you famous (although if there is the possibility of there being a button—I haven’t found it, haha). I worked hard independently, and I work hard even now that I'm signed. The name of the game is that until you make something happen, 9/10 times as a signed artist, you will not get that push. You still have to create your own moments! I came into this not expecting a handout. Of course, there are perks, for example, being able to have a budget to put towards my videos, etc., but in general, the work doesn’t stop.”
Stripping away Genia’s collaborations and features, she states that when it comes to her art, “There are no rules in my head. Music is art at the end of the day. I know there is a game to be played… but I am playing it MY WAY. The business/politics, but at the end of the day, I came in here to have fun and do what I am passionate about. ITS ART. I can do whatever I want!”
On what’s on the horizon for Genia, she says, “Right now, I am focusing on showcasing both my R&B and pop sides. I know it’s not very traditional to do both, but once again… no rules, haha. I am excited to break the ice and give a new perspective to the industry on what exactly a popstar is.”
Genia's new single "Hot" is out now; go give it a listen.
Photo Credit: Dee Gomes / Broken Frame
