The Culture Crypt Meets Schenay: The Smino-Co-Signed Chicago R&B Singer Blowing Us Away
We sat down for a talk with the Smino-affiliated R&B singer-songwriter Schenay as we discuss her background, plans for the future and her recording process.
Schenay (born Schenay Mosley) is a diamond in the rough, to say the least. Hailing from Chicago, Schenay was born in Milwaukee and has been musical since her youth. Since starting her singing career, she’s released a wealth of quality material. In particular, Schenay released her EP Silk Ca$hmere this August.
Schenay’s repertoire and experience speak for themselves. She is already a close friend and collaborator with St. Louis and Zero Fatigue rapper Smino. Since being acquainted with Smino, she frequently performs as his background vocalist.
After experiencing Schenay’s talents first-hand with songs like; “No Way”, “Millions” and “Fall”, we’ve caught up with her to better understand the person behind the voice.
The Culture Crypt: How did you get your start in music?
Schenay: “I took an interest in singing at age four when I heard myself sing, and I thought, hmm that sounded pretty good. So, I told my mom I want to join the choir at church. I used to direct the youth choir at five years old. At six, my mom put me in private piano lessons when the teacher at school told her I was catching on very quickly.
In high school, I was in a group called SK. We performed in churches and talent shows all over the city. We also performed for the Major at the Mayor’s Teen Talent Showcase in Dayton.
I decided to go to Columbia College Chicago for school because I always loved driving through the city on our way back and forth from Milwaukee to Dayton.
After I got to college, I joined an all-female band named SHE (we later changed our name to The Highness Collective) and this was my first official start in the industry. We performed at The Shrine and opened up for Rashaad Patterson, L’Renee and also had shows with Vic Mensa, Noname, and Jamila Woods. I also sang background for Adam Ness and played for several artists.
One of my bandmates said that Smino was looking for a background singer and I didn’t know who Smino was back then. I agreed to come to a rehearsal with him, the rest was history.”
What artists inspire you the most?
“Some of my biggest influences are; Sade, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Michael and Janet Jackson, James Blake, Erykah Badu and many more.”
Are you independent or signed to a major label?
“I am independent at the moment, but I do have some cool business plans lined up soon.”
What was the recording process like for your latest project Silk Ca$hmere?
“The recording process was fun because I recorded it in my home studio. It felt relaxed since I wasn’t on a time crunch. I do all of the initial mixing and sound design, then I take it to my engineer.”
What is your favourite track on Silk Ca$hmere?
“Probably “Y.D.L.M (You Don’t Love Me)” I got to talk my shit on that song and I meant every word—in my Ari Lennox voice, lol.”
Plans for the future?
“I’m working on visuals and another project for 2021. Stay tuned.”
Stream Silk Ca$hmere below.
