Tessanne Chin

“In Between Words” is only available digitally and comprise of 14 tracks. The album features songs such as Hideaway, Messenger, and also her collaboration with Kees Dieffenthaller called Loving You.

This much awaited release features a mixture of rock steady to up tempo melodies that can suit any given setting. There’s a little of everything for everyone; songs for love, breakups, also conscious and inspirational lyrics too.

Tessanne expressed that the decision to release the album exclusively digital, is to capitalize on her music reaching fans all around the world.

Tessanne also describes her debut album as an infusion of rock, reggae and soul.

The Album Tracklist

1. Black Books
2. Hideaway
3. Loving You (feat. Kees Dieffenthaller)
4. Flying High
5. Messenger
6. The Fall
7. Are Yah Gonna (Control)
8. Blue Lights (S.O.S)
9. Who
10. Guilty By Design
11. Family
12. The Right One
13. You And Me
14. Taken

Read more: Tessanne Chin Album "In Between Words" Release Digitally | Urban Islandz
- Urban Islandz

Saturday, July 3 2010

THE SCENE was one straight out of a movie — adoring, screaming fans, determined to capitalise on any vantage point, even if it meant tight standing room only, to see two of their favourite artistes — Kes The Band led by Kees Dieffenthaller and young Jamaican singing star, Tessanne Chin. The event was the preview to the 2010 Digicel Outta Control Tour at Woodford Café, MovieTowne last Tuesday.

The crowds that packed into the venue were certainly not disappointed. Kes The Band, ushered on stage by the Digicel Brand Ambassadors, performed their hits and had the approval of the audience who responded with loud cheers and singing and dancing along to the music. Just when patrons thought the event couldn’t get any better, Tessanne joined the band on stage for a smashing, soulful and sultry performance of the hit single with Kees, “Loving You”. Meanwhile, the Digicel Brand Ambassadors created their own stir when they moved through the mass of people distributing tokens and taking the time to join in the exuberance of the moment.

The 2010 Digicel Outta Control Tour will officially kick-off in mid-July. It will feature eight shows at various venues throughout the island and culminate in one huge summer concert. The idea for the tour is the brainchild of the Question Mark entertainment management company, who birthed the concept given the obstacles faced by young artistes to break into the music industry. It is hoped that the concert series would give exposure to local music, firstly at the national level and eventually lead to avenues that would allow for international popularity.
- Newsday - Trinidad & Tobago

HOT ON the heels of their successful musical collaboration, “Loving You”, local singing sensation Kees and Jamaican vocalist Tessanne Chin are staging a series of performances across the country throughout this weekend.

Tessanne is the fresh soulful voice of a new generation of Jamaican musical talent. Her sultry fusion of dancehall and reggae with edgy rock riffs mixed with the honest, heartfelt and conscious lyrics she pens herself create a musical style that is uniquely her own. Her exceptional vocal talent and her exotic looks — mix of Chinese, White, Cherokee Indian and African heritage - give her unmistakable stage appeal. At the age of 22, Tessanne has already opened on stage for such musical greats as Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Peabo Bryson, Roberta Flack, Atlantic Star and Boys 2 Men. She also toured the world as a backup singer with reggae legend Jimmy Cliff for three years. It was during that time that her love for the road, music and the stage was sealed.

“I always knew that I was gonna end up singing or have something to do with music, but touring gave me a chance to really test the waters, to know my limits . . . more than anything, it just fired me up even more to get out there and want to do my own tour.”

Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Tessanne was introduced to music at a very early age by her parents. Her mother was the trumpeter/ singer in a band called the Carnations and her father was the drummer. Tessanne started her stage career when she was six years old with Cathy Levy’s Little People and Teen Players Club, one of Jamaica’s top performing arts schools. Most of her vocal coaching came from her mother, as well as from noted vocal coach Lecie Wright.

Tessanne learned firsthand about cultural diversity when she moved to England at age 12. She devoted a lot of time to a song writing to express her feelings about her new life in what was to her, a completely different world. Upon her return to Jamaica, Tessanne joined the Jamaican rock band Mile High and performed for crowds at numerous venues including Jazzfest, Rockfest and RETV Unplugged.

“It was during this time that I came out of my shell vocally and performance wise, I learned how to really and truly sing in a different way . . . my way. It was an amazing experience because I also realised my lifelong dream . . . to sing my own songs. I have something to say and it was a great release for me to share that part of myself with others.”

Tessanne decided to continue on the path of singing her own songs. She left Mile high to pursue a solo career and to work on the tracks for her debut CD with producer Rudy Valentino and friend, Paul Kastick. Song writing for her is a very real, organic process . . . just some note paper and her acoustic guitar. A purist at heart she believes there is life and magic in live music that can’t be duplicated using computer-generated tracks.

“It is very important to me that my songs can sound amazing with a big band or orchestra, but just as powerful and touching with just me and my guitar.”

So far she is making waves in the industry and she is determined to make a difference with her music and to leave her mark on everyone who has the opportunity to hear her music or witness her live shows, such as The Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival 2006, the Deck Cafe, The Port Royal Music Festival, ABC Slim Traxx and her very own show, Arabian Night.

Tessanne credits God with being her greatest influence in her life and for blessing her with the strength and determination to pursue her dream career in music.

Creatively, she draws on the strengths of a diverse group of musicians including Skunk Anasie, Pat Benatar, Diana King, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Mahalia Jackson, Bob Marley, Barbara Streisand and many more. With such powerful influences to inspire her, Tessanne is creating her own music with her own bold signature style. Her debut single, “Hideaway” has been playing in heavy rotation on Jamaican radio as well as select stations in New York and both the single and its music video have had a ground breaking impact on the Jamaican music industry.

“There’s no limit I’m willing to put on myself where doing what I love is concerned. I was born to do what I am doing now, and just the fact that I’m able to be having a career in music and doing what I love everyday, is for me in a sense, success and yes . . . a dream come true.”

Tessanne does not currently have a record deal but has released several singles, including “Hideaway”, which became very successful both in Jamaica and internationally.

Her other singles include “Guilty by Design”, “One Night Stand” and “Messenger”.
spacer - Newsday - Trinidad & Tobago

http://www.jamaicans.com/music/interviews/TessAnneChininterview2007.shtml

My passion…is music, all types of music.
The kind of music that leaves a message…
And gets yah thinking, the kind a music that
Lives on even when many many years have passed-Tessanne Chin

So says emerging star Tess-Anne Chin, the younger sibling of uptown dancehall sensation Tami Chynn. Her current single “Hideaway” featured VP Records Reggae Gold 2007 is burning up the airwaves. Blessed with a big voice clearly suited to her multi-genre sound, Tess-Anne is known to Jamaicans as the lead singer from the reggae/rock band, Mile High. She gained valuable experience as a back up singer for international reggae legend Jimmy Cliff for several years before pursuing her solo career. Her unique blend of music is a mixture of Reggae, Dancehall, Rock and Soul. Tess-Anne Rock/Reggae sound, while not new is an excitingly refreshing addition to Jamaican female music. Alternative rock in Jamaican music has its genesis in a movement of the late 90’s, with lead guitarist “Gibby” Morrison of 809 Band and soft-rock sound of Charmaine Da’Costa of Worl-A-Girls, the Brooklyn based group. (see Stan Smith’ Alternative Music; “Jamaica Trend’ in Everybodys Magazine, Reggae Edition 97).

SS: How long have you been singing professionally?
TC: Well I've been singing since I was a baby but I started professionally at 17.

SS: Who were your major influences, internationally and locally?
TC: There are so many. They range from Aretha Franklin, my mum, Tina Turner, Celine Dion, Bob Marley, Diana King, Skunk Anansie, Anouk, Sarah Brightman and the list goes on and on...

SS: How would you describe your music, which genre best describes your sound?
TC: Well that's what I love about my Music. It cannot be categorized or put in a box. I try to make good music. That’s my genre, None the less it is a fusion of Reggae, Rock, Dancehall and Soul with a hint of classical at times.
TessAnne Chin: Out of many One Voices, A big voice.-Body-2

SS: What are some of the obstacles you as female artist have encountered in your career?
TC: Well none actually. I try not to see my sex as a hindrance or let it get in the way of what I'm doing so even if there was I probably would account it to me being a new artiste and not necessarily a woman.

SS: Did you think your gender plays a part in helping or advancing your career?
TC: Well it depends on whether or not you build you career around your Gender. I know and understand that especially for women in the industry image is very important, not so much for the men, But for me personally my image is my voice and my main focus is the music. with that said, I love being a woman, I love that I can be Sexy sweet and street all at once:)

SS:Do you think that radio, TV and the concert stage offer the female artist the same opportunities to be seen and heard as your male peers in reggae?
TC: I really do believe that earlier on in the industry it was a male dominated industry with only a scattering of female artists such as Marcia Griffiths, Diana King and like Lady Saw, and I could see how that might have been a problem but now the tables are turning we have a lot more females coming up on the scene Like Tami Chynn, Alain, Etana. Personally I've never had a problem that doesn't mean there isn't one just that I have been blessed enough not to encounter it.

SS: What are some of the things you think the reggae industry could do to make it easier for female artist to break into the industry or succeed?
TC: hahahahah, well all I have to say to that is if yah waiting on the
industry to give you a break just because you are a woman or anybody for that matter then maybe you should seriously reconsider being in this business. I would ask the question, what could I do, what opportunities can I make for myself? If we wait on this industry to change just to suit us we might be here for a while.

SS: What can female singers/dj do to improve and increase their visibility on stage and on record?

TC: Hmm. I don't understand the question. If you mean what you can do to be seen more or get more radio play then I would say work really hard to perfect your craft. Take care and time with it and be genuine with your audience. People will always know whether or not you are sincere

SS: What can the males do to help female artists get more exposure?
TC: Hahahahahah well the same thing they would do to get male artists exposure... give them a Chance.

SS: What is, or has been the biggest obstacle you have faced as female artist?
TC: Hahahah I've been blessed enough not to have my gender be an obstacle for me. I have faced challenges yes but challenges every artist must go through not just women i.e. Not getting paid or, having people question your potential simply because yuh doing something that is different..
TessAnne Chin: Out of many One Voices, A big voice.-Body

SS: Why do you think that promoters shy away from booking female artists?
TC: Do they? Well their loss the only thing I can think of is because most of the popular acts (with the exception of a precious few) are in fact men. Beenie Man, Bounty Killa, Elephant man. It's not a matter of them being men it's just that they are what's hot right now I don't think a promoter would shy away from booking Lady Saw and if so their Loss.

Photo Courtesy of myspace.com/tessannechin

SS: List your most successful singles or album?
TC: Well my single ‘Hideaway’ has been doing very well on radio at the moment, but when I was 17 I released a cover version of the song "sorry doesn't always make it right” and it was very well received :) ha-ha they still play it now sometimes to, as far as the album goes, when it comes we'll see:)

SS: Do you have difficulty getting air play for your music, if so, in what radio formats?
TC: Well I have been blessed enough to be getting very god air play so I can't complain :)

SS: Do you think females are given equal or enough opportunities to
showcase their talents in Jamaican music?
TC: Well I as a female and as an Artiste cannot wait on people to give me "equal opportunities" but I can sure try to make good opportunities
for my self and also to accept and realize the opportunities ahead
me.

SS: What are your professional goals as singer?
TC: To take my music and have no limits with it and where it can go. To go out and touch the corners of the globe with my music. To use my God given Talents to serve with them and to make my very own little difference in the world
- Jamaicans.com