In the Green Room with Rhian Ayanna
NSN: Describe your earliest musical experience.
Rhian: Some of my earliest memories are of singing with my best friend when we were around five or six years old. We would sing everything, be it commercial, theme song to a TV show. I’ve always loved harmonizing. I think that was my favorite part. I recall hearing my parents play Earth Wind & Fire, Lou Rawls, Luther Vandross, Bob Marley, Lord Kitchener and several other calypsonians and jazz artists. I grew up singing in the church and school choirs, and started playing the piano when I was four, so music has always been a part of my expression.
NSN: Where did you grow up?
Rhian: I was born in Brooklyn, New York, and spent many of my adolescent years in Trinidad, West Indies.
NSN: Name 3 of your biggest influences in life.
Rhian: My family.
The first time I heard Nina Siimone’s “Four Women”/ The first time I saw her perform live. The moment I realized I could choose how I viewed the world.
NSN: When you listen to a song, what do you tend to pay most attention to . . . the instrumentation, the lyrics or the vocals?
Rhian: I first listen for the instrumentation then I listen for the meter and then the harmonies
NSN: What commercial artist or group do you think best defines your style of music?
Rhian: There are so many. Anita Baker, Sade, Stevie Wonder, Brand New Heavies, Betty Carter, Nancy Wilson,
NSN: What was it like to perform at the Blue Note?
Rhian: The first time I performed there I opened for an artist by the name of Jeremiah. It was wonderful. I felt like I was supposed to be there, like it was my home. When I went back as the featured artist, I was going back to a familiar place. I ‘m honored to have had the opportunities to perform at such a prestigious venue. However, the experience of performing does not change necessarily because of the venue. To me it has more to do with what is happening in your life at the time.
NSN: How do you feel about your current album and what would you like listeners to take from it?
Rhian: I’m complete with the final product we were able to produce. Of course, being the perfectionist I am, I always want to go back and rework something, but in the end you have to make the decision that what you’ve created is perfect in the state that it is and for where you are at the time. I would like the listener to find themselves in the songs, and possibly look at areas of their lives differently after letting the music soak in.
NSN: (Here’s that deserted island question) If you were sent to live alone on a deserted island, what 3 albums would you need to survive?
Rhian: Just three?!!!!!!!! Alright, David Rudder - The Gilded Collection Volumes 1&2, The Brand New Heavies – Brother Sister, The Carmen McRae Betty Carter Duets
NSN: What would you be doing if you weren’t a musician?
Rhian: I’d be a natural healer and a visual artist of some sort, either sculptor or designer.
NSN: If you made a list of places you’ve visited, which would be your favorite? Why?
Rhian: Estes Park, in the Rocky Mountains. It’s one of the most peaceful places I’ve been Up there, I feel connected to the earth, and like nothing matters - just appreciating the beauty of nature.
NSN: Name 5 essential items that would appear on your tour rider.
Rhian: Organic foods only and a juicer. Lots of Trinity Water. No smoking anywhere near me. A yoga mat. Classical music.
NSN: Which 3 people do you need to meet before you leave this earth?
Rhian: Oprah Winfrey, The Dalai Lama, Quincy Jones.
NSN: What is your favorite color and how does it make you feel?
Rhian: The combination of orange with a hint of red. It sparks creativity.
NSN: Who do you most admire in today’s music scene?
Rhian: Artists like Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Citizen Cope, Nora Jones, Raul Midon.
NSN: What sets you apart from most other artists?
Rhian: All of my experiences, whether pleasant or painful, have brought me to express my work in the combinations of styles that I’ve chosen to use. Those experiences alone set me apart from anyone else. My music is my alchemy. It allows me to create these experiences anew.
NSN: Is there a particular theme that seems to dominate your material?
Rhian: This album has a few themes running. It documents self realization, pain embraced, and acceptance of love.
NSN: What does your life look like 5 years from now?
Rhian: I see myself living between The States and Europe. I plan to get back into theatre and explore television as well.
NSN: How do you feel about the internet music world?
Rhian: I feel the internet has opened up a huge opportunity for unsigned artists. It’s allowing them to get their music to people who would never have known about them since they don’t have the funding to get worldwide publicity. It also gives them an opportunity to have more control over their work.
NSN: What has been your designated mantra throughout your life?
Rhian: The universe has got my back, so what ever I decide shall be, shall be.
NSN: Name an independent artist that you would like to collaborate with.
Rhian: Omar.
NSN: What inspires you to create a song?
Rhian: Living.
Checkout Rhian's Bio Page for more info and music samples!