After releasing her brilliant 2019 studio album 'Voicemails And Conversations', Pittsburgh native INEZ has recently returned to share one of the record's standout offerings 'Clouds'.
Collaborating alongside Clara Kent, 'Clouds' is a wonderfully rich and soothing RnB delight. Jam-packed with fresh production, sweeping melodies, and some truly effortless vocals at the helm, this gem is just what we all need to unwind to right now.
So with the new video for the single out now, we sat down with her to find out more about her background and what has inspired her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Drums. My father is a drummer, so naturally it was the first instrument I gravitated towards. Give me a solid pocket and send me on my way.
What was the first song that inspired you to make your own music?
I don’t remember a song, but it was definitely the “VA sound” that led me to want to produce music. So, anything Missy, Timbaland, Pharrell, and later Danja and Polow.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
I split my time between perusing blogs for demos and unreleased R&B/Soul music and deep diving into artist catalogs. I had long binges of Aretha, Stevie Wonder, Amy Winehouse and Bill Withers. Aside from that, everything from Paramore to Rihanna.
What do you find is the best environment to find inspiration for your music?
FireShorty™ and big Leo fire sign energy, but water calms me. Ohiopyle, waterfalls, the beach, etc. I need to be around water at least once a month.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Lots of Lucky Daye, Alex Isley, Lianne La Havas, Clara Kent and Cam Chambers.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
My entire album is about personal experiences with people in my life. It’s why people are scared to talk to me, post-“Voicemails”. “I don’t want to end up in your song.”
What has been the most unusual moment in your career so far?
Performing my own 90-minute drive-in show in a pandemic. Hearing people slam their car horns and flash their headlights in-sync with my music was a wild and humbling experience. It was very cool.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Two-way tie. Beyonce, because I study her live shows and her crowds mirror the positive femme energy I aspire to have and H.E.R., from a musicianship standpoint. Both are goals af.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
100% percent, a chef. It was the only viable career path I saw for myself, I just didn’t want to be on my feet all day lol Still, the stage and kitchen are my happy places. It’d be a dream to follow Kelis’ music-to-chef blueprint.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Always be teachable. You can learn from a child even if you’ve been doing this your entire life. Never get to a point where you’re above being wrong or learning a better way to approach something.
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INEZ's new single 'Clouds' is available to stream and download now. Watch the new video for it below.