When the Coronavirus [COVID-19] first struck, native Victorville, CA, singer-songwriter-dancer Genia was busy holding down a 9-5 at Walmart, while studying for a nursing degree. However, due to the stressful nature of said pandemic, the 23 year-old Pop chanteuse turned to music as a more positive way to cope, hitting viral pay dirt on TikTok with her impressive rendition of Deborah Cox’s “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here.” Our Genia interview looks at her story, her new music and much more.
Parlé Mag: When did you first become interested in music? And, how did it all begin for Genia?
Genia: When I was 8 years old, I watched ‘Purple Rain,’ Prince’s movie. That’s the first time I really remember knowing I was meant to do this. I would watch it 50 times a day, every day.
Parlé Mag: Coming out of California, who were some of the folks that inspired your musical journey?
Genia: I’m from Victorville, California – and there wasn’t much to do out there, but dream. So I’d listen to and be influenced by Prince, Beyoncé, Doja Cat, and honestly Drake.
Parlé Mag: Tell me about this new single, “10 Out Of 10.”
Genia: I recorded “10 Out Of 10” about six months ago and if I’m being honest, it wasn’t initially anything I was going to release. But after sitting with it, and re-recording some verses, I realized it was actually a dope anthem—perfect as a follow up to “Damage” and “Give.”
Parlé Mag: How then does “10 Out Of 10” either differ or compare to previous Genia entries?
Genia: My last two EPs were super raw, kind of like diary entries of past experiences. Completely different than the new Pop music I’ve been putting out. I’m just in my fun era! Those chapters have closed and we’re on a different, lighter path now.
Parlé Mag: From a songwriting standpoint, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw inspiration from?
Genia: Inspiration honestly sits somewhere between my experiences and imagination. It’s a combination.
Parlé Mag: In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and style?
Genia: My sound right now is Pop, down the line who knows, but right now it’s definitely Pop music. I’ve been pulling inspiration from the early 2000s, Y2K era. My style reflects that.
Parlé Mag: What particular string of events actually led to your current signing with Def Jam Recordings?
Genia: I was a kid in Victorville with a TikTok account. I got really lucky – one of my videos – for the Deborah Cox challenge – went viral. I ended up hearing from a bunch of industry people in my DMs, took a leap of faith and moved to L.A. to chase my dreams. One thing led to another, and I wound up playing some demos for Def Jam. The rest is history!
Parlé Mag: If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Genia: It would 100% be Prince. He is everything.
Parlé Mag: If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Genia: Madison Square Garden is the goal. When I sell out that arena I’ll know I’ve made it. Will be a huge pinch me moment. And, I will be crying.
Parlé Mag: What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Genia: I think if you are authentic to who you are, people gravitate to that. So I’d say my authenticity is probably the thing that will keep me in this game. Also my creativity; as soon as I’ve made a track, I know what I’ll be wearing, what the visuals should look like, what I want it to look like on stage, everything. The whole vision comes from within.
Parlé Mag: Do you have any other additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
Genia: Definitely—I’d love to act! I would do both music and acting in a heart-beat. My manager is always asking me to do my impressions. Honestly, I’ve gotten really good at it, (laughs).
Parlé Mag: To date, what has been your biggest career moment, at least thus far anyway?
Genia: This year I headlined my own show at Holloway House – had a full band, full set, and I had so much fun. I cannot wait to perform more next year.
Parlé Mag: What’s an average day like for you?
Genia: An average day looks like: get up and go to the gym, if I’m inspired or something jumps out at me while I’m out, I’ll head home to write and if I don’t have a session that day you’ll find me watching ‘Vampire Diaries’ for the 50th time. I’m also taking a psychology class online right now just to keep things interesting, [laughs).
Parlé Mag: Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
Genia: We talk every day. Social media has always been a huge part of my journey – I speak directly to every comment, every DM. It’s important to me to stay connected. These are the people that will grow with you, and I appreciate their support more than they know.
Parlé Mag: What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Genia: My favorite part is performing—I can’t wait to do it a lot more. I’m meant to be on the stage. My least favorite part? That’s tough, but I’ll say it’s the sh*t that has nothing to do with music.
Parlé Mag: What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Genia: PLEASE don’t look at the numbers, don’t look at the views. Stay the course and keep going. If you believe in yourself, you don’t really need anything else.
Parlé Mag: Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Genia: The goal is and will always be to reach that icon status!
Parlé Mag: As for the immediate, what’s next for Genia?
Genia: We’re sitting on a ton of new music that will come out starting top of 2025. And definitely tour – whether it’s opening for someone or doing my own shows, you’ll see me out on the road next year.
Parlé Mag: Lastly, any “parting” words for our readers?
Genia: I just want to say: Stay lit, stay happy and keep streaming my music, because I really do make it for me but also for you.
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Image Credit: Ava Rikki
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