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A Soulful Singer to Know About Now

New artist Tess Henley is hitting all the right notes

New artist on the block Tess Henley is already proving her potential to make it in the big leagues. Her upcoming EP, Wonderlandwas released today and has fans abuzz.

Here, check out four things you should know about the up-and-coming singer-songwriter.

She recently made her national television debut by performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
It was a really special day; you try not to think about these things, your first national TV debut and there are millions of people watching and you get one take. I just tried to enjoy the moment.

Wonderland was recorded live and produced by multiple Grammy-winning producer Don Was.
He’s super down-to-earth and genuine. He comes in with his flip-flops and a bowl of blueberries and he’s just so cool. He has so much knowledge and experience to share. I’m grateful for the relationship that was formed throughout the experience with him because outside of music and having such a rich history in music, I admire him as a person. I just think he has become a good friend.

A love of soul music runs in her family.
I grew up listening to what my parents were listening to and they liked soul and Motown, and they were listening to a lot of different kinds of music, including rock and funk. I don’t limit soul music to just R&B, [it’s] anything with emotion and feeling.

If she could choose to collaborate with any artist on an upcoming track, it would be Stevie Wonder.
I grew up listening to him and I think he’s a musical genius, especially as a piano player. I really get a lot of inspiration from him. To make music that lasts and withstands the test of time is a hard thing to do, but it’s something that I strive to do. 


Main photograph by Eric Williams

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