Teenear Talks New Single ‘Free’

Artist Teenear dropped her new single “Free” on June 9. Teenear is an artist from Florida by way of Jamaica. She generated buzz last year with her melodic slow jam “Dolla Signs.” Known for genre-bending, her newest single is a soulful anthem about hope, strength and loving the skin you’re in even when it’s hard to. Whilst the lyrics don’t explicitly refer to Black Lives Matter, the protests are front and center in the video.

We spoke to Teenear about the single, the process of creating it, and the moment it finds itself in.

Bombshell: What inspired the song, “Free?”

Teenear: “It came from me personally wanting to free myself from a toxic situation that I felt was holding me back from being all that I’m meant to be.”

BS: What do you hope people take away from the song?

T: “I think people need to feel empowered. To be inspired. The song represents having freedom within yourself and the world. It motivates me and reminds me to let go of anything that holds me back. I hope that the same message resonates with whoever hears it.“

B: How has lockdown impacted you and your creative process?

T: “I feel like quarantine is a moment that God gave for reflection and realignment, not just for me but for everyone. I am grateful for this time. During quarantine, I released the single “Come See Me” and was more engaged than ever with my fans on social, creating fun challenges and daily content to stay entertained. So as an artist, I am allowing myself to take advantage of the opportunity.”

BS: How do you know when you’re happy with a song, what tells you it’s ready?

T: “Honestly I’m such a picky person I’m constantly thinking I need to fix things but it’s not ‘done’ or ‘ready’ until I can blast the song in my car and feel no type of way about changing.”

BS: This song comes out during a very important time for the Black Lives Matter Movement, what are your thoughts and feelings about the current wave of protests and activism?

T: “I honestly appreciate the attention the movement is getting right now! It’s some thing we’ve needed and I’m happy it’s actually getting the attention it should have been getting for years now.”

BS: What do you think of the role of art and music is in revolutionary times such as this?

T: “I think it’s super important because for me as an artist, that’s my way of expressing my opinions and voice, by using my voice literally. It’s way to spread a positive and empowering message. Through my music, Black life matters, Black music matters, Black creativity matters, and more.“

BS: What do role do you think celebrities and people with large platforms should play?

T: “I try to look at it as it doesn’t necessarily matter the size of the role, even if it’s just saying one thing, it’s appreciated and respected more than saying nothing at all.”

BS: What gives you hope for the future?

T: “My faith. Really just believing that there are going to be better days and at the end of the day all I have control over is myself and what I allow to be an influence or impact my life.”

Check out the video below, stream ‘Free‘ and keep an eye out for her upcoming EP.