I House U Introduces: Phoenix Rein
Born in a small Jamaican town but raised across various corners of the island, Jamaican-Canadian artist Phoenix Rein’s roots are as diverse as the melodies she weaves. Growing up surrounded by sound, whether at home on the radio, at church in the choir, or listening to family members singing as they wandered round the home, Rein’s eclectic tastes are now fine tuned and focused into her first run of releases, starting with debut single ‘Spinning Around’. Mentored by legendary producers Dank & Cybin, Rein’s ambition and passion seem to go hand in hand, her sights set firmly on the global music market. I House U thought it about time we found out more…
Hi Phoenix, welcome to I House U. Where in the world are you today, and what are you up to?
So, currently I am in The 6, Toronto in the studio with the team recording. We are also preparing for my first music video shoot and excited we’re shooting Spinning Around in Brazil, as well as a few appearances for some events out there. Shout out to radio and my fans out there.
Congrats on your debut release Spinning Around – how do you feel now you have your first single out in the open?
Wow, good question. I feel relieved it’s out the gate. Now I got to work it…it’s kind of like birthing a baby, it’s out, and everyone is surprised and happy. After this, we gotta grow this baby. The baby needs nurturing, love, food, sleep but you never sleep. The growth is intense but well worth it. I just wanna see the beautiful work touch people.
Tell us about the creative process working with Dank and Cybin – what was that like and how did you find working with them in the studio?
The creative process is simple. We do a huddle and tee up and just jam, and before you know it, DJ Cybin will start humming or me or DJ Dank and a melody gets started. Our MD J Laws will start playing it out, then the session begins and it’s magic.
In studio, at the start, it was very challenging but they kept working with me, pushing me beyond my human limits and encouraging me.
It’s always a vibe, shout out to DJ Dank aka Riley for always pushing me as a singer.
What’s the single about for you?
It’s about love and freedom. Freedom to fall in love with the music, a special person in your life or that new record someone discovers that has them Spinning Around and spreading joy, happiness and love.
You grew up in Jamaica – how influential has your family been on your musical career and tastes?
Yes, I grew up in Jamaica where music is always playing in every “nuk and cranny”. Spinning Around really took me back to my roots of heavy bass and really hard hitting drums, it made me remember being in studio with Sly and Robbie.
And then the beat brought me further back, I remembered, when I was a little kid, my Mom and my Aunt were always singing in the house. Even my Grandmother; I would wake up to the sounds of her singing. They would have the radio playing all the time and music of all genres would be booming from the living room. When I was hyper and running around dancing and singing, my momma always use to say I’m spinning like a top.
Jamaica has never been partial to genre’s of music. That’s where I got exposed to different musical styles, melodies, tones and rhythm. Jamaica and my family taught me to love music.
What’s the most important part of making music for you?
The most important part is knowing how it will make my fans feel. When designing the record and delivering that touching opening line for the record, that is something I look forward to.
It’s increasingly hard for new artists to break through into the mainstream – what is it about Phoenix Rein that sets you apart from everyone else?
What sets me apart is my passion and love for the music, not the fame, or the recognition that comes with it.
I love when you hear a song for the first time and it reminds you of taking your first bite into a delicious sandwich. The combination of flavours and the textures just make you wanna drool and you feel it in your bones. And all you want is more and more of it. You will search the world to find it again.
The feeling it gives you makes you want to hug the world and it makes you feel that nothing is impossible.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Well, firstly, fans can expect to hear the sequel to Spinning Around called “Married by the Rhythm”
I will be releasing new music every month so fans and listeners can expect a new joint to drop often. My hope is that as I grow as an artist, my fans and listeners grow along with me. I also hope that they have good personal growth and prosperity within there lives.
I also see myself doing an album or 2, touring, creating foundations for the less fortunate. Giving back to the fans and the music and creating new flavours and melodies for the fans to enjoy.
Phoenix Rein ‘Spinning Around’ is out now worldwide.
