Summer Dennis
Interview conducted on July 6, 2023
by Dan Locke
Summer Dennis, an up-and-coming R&B artist, is reviving the 90’s vibe in her music.
Between the last time I talked with you and now you had charted on the Billboard Top 30 with your song Everything. How was it to see your music on the Top 30?
So, it was validating and sorrel I’ve been doing this a long time, so when my single “Everything” hit Billboard I was a little disappointed that we couldn’t go out to promote it. However, it felt good that something positive came out of the work, especially during the pandemic. The quarantine was a challenging time for everyone, but especially for artists because you couldn’t go out and perform.
Tell me about your song “Ain’t Nothing New”?
We wrote that song in Atlanta. Tiara Thomas helped me create some great music for my upcoming album. “Ain’t Nothing New” is one of my favorites we’ve collaborated on. We wanted to write a song about a girl who’s in a toxic love situation without making a sad song, it’s a little way of comedically discussing this topic. It was fun to write, and it’s the first single I dropped off my upcoming Album “Mr. Wonderful is Dead”
How was it working with Khairl Christopher as a director?
Working with Khairi Christopher was fun. He was creative and open to my ideas. I like the attention to detail. Khairi made sure the shots were beautiful and the storyline made sense.
Did you pick him for his directing or his cinematography work?
It was a combination of both. I feel Khairi could bring the song to life and tell the story through visuals.
Tell me about your debut Album “Mr. Wonderful is Dead”? Why that title?
So, the title is meant to create a discussion around today’s relations concepts in society and the different experiences and struggles modern women are having in today’s dating space in comparison to what we were taught to believe dating would be like. Women from my generation have more traditional dating values and expectations. I feel like dating values are changing, so the title doesn’t really mean good guys don’t exist, however, new dating ideals created different scenarios and sometimes women have to be the old “mr wonderful” is dead.
Paul McCarty just announced that he has been working with AI. In a new interview with Radio 4 in the U.K.,Paul McCarty says, “We just finished it up and it’ll be released this year,” adding that he and the production team utilized new technology to “extricate” John Lennon‘s vocal tracks from an old, discarded demo recording and used it to complete a song that had otherwise been discarded for decades.
How do you think AI will effect the music business in the years to come.
I’m excited about the resurgence of vinyl records and their unique sound quality that cannot be replicated. I think that AI is also a great advancement in technology. However, I do have concerns about the potential misuse of AI in terms of artists’ ideas and likenesses. I feel developers must create software that can accurately determine the authenticity and source of creative works. Implementing measures to protect artists’ intellectual property and revenue.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
I’m glad there are more ways for people to have access to your music, however, I also feel like streaming has watered down artist’s ability to for certain achievements like obtaining gold records because there are so many to illegally download and stream music. While I appreciate the increased accessibility of music through various channels, the challenge happens when it comes to the payout. Streaming services have provided convenient access to music, but it has diluted the value of certain achievements for artists, such as earning gold records, due to illegal downloads and streaming.
Last year (2022) vinyl is outselling digital media. Metallica is selling so much vinyl that they bought their own pressing plant- They pressed 900,000 plus pieces of vinyl I 2022 alone. The plant they purchase is the Furnace Record Pressing in Alexandria, VA. So, is it Digital vs. vinyl?
Vinyl sounds better and it’s nostalgic. Vinyl records create a nostalgic and ritualistic listening experience. My parents have a record player I’ve been trying to get a hold of lol. Digital streaming and vinyl records each offer different experiences for music lovers. Digital streaming provides convenience and access to an extensive library of music, allowing listeners to explore diverse genres and discover new artists effortlessly. On the other hand, I feel vinyl records appeal to people seeking a more connection with the artists and their music.
How was it to perform over the weekend in Baltimore?
Performing at Pride was an incredible experience, as the audience was the most open and accepting crowd, I have ever had the privilege to perform in front of. The warmth and kindness shown to me, particularly by the individuals I had the opportunity to meet after my performance, made me feel truly appreciated. It was an absolute honor to share the stage with esteemed headliners like Remy Ma and K Michele, further adding to the significance and joy of the event.
Tell me about the Go Go Movement and how is it part of your music?
Many of my singing opportunities when I first started performing was with Go-Go bands. So many go-go bands hired me to sing with them. Plus, Go-Go music is fun if you are from Maryland or DC there’s no way it’s not a part of your life in some way. I really love the music.
What is your happy place?
My happy place is being on stage with a rehearsed band in my favorite costume.
A few band like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stevie Nicks, Bob Dylan, Taylor Swift, Journey, Def Leppard, K.T. Tunstall, John Legend, ZZ Top and Shakira have sold their catalog rights within the last two years. Do you think you would be willing to sell your back catalog if someone like Universal is will to buy everything, such as all the rights to all your songs? Remember anything that you create forward will be 100% yours.
Honestly if the price was right, I would consider it. People have made tons of money from doing this, so it really comes down to the offer. It’s just like selling any other product.
Over half a billion active users around the world share their favorite music on TikTok either with something like a dance challenge and lip-sync videos or creating a funny skit or candid camera moment. TikTok has become a great platform for music promotion, sharing songs, and finding new listeners. In which it has become a place for music artists to earn revenue when people use their music. In many cases the daily promotion on TikTok has led to huge boosts on other platforms like Spotify, Facebook and YouTube. TikTok does this with the algorithm that generates a feed of content for each user, which you see as the displaying of #. The more a user engages with content, the smarter TikTok gets at guessing what kind of videos the viewer wants to watch. Because a song can go viral because of this. Sony Music and Warner Music Group- , The ByteDance-owned video app revealed that it has struck an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
I have started to use Tiktok more. I disagree that Tiktok is the only and best way to discover artists and music. Because there is an influx of so many people, it’s hard to always determine if these people are true artists. It’s a difference between making a 15-sec clip vs the preparation and work that goes into developing your craft. However, I do still feel it’s a good tool to use to promote.
Breaking news: TikTok is launching TikTok Radio, a full-time SiriusXM music channel went live last summer. The station a streaming channel on the SiriusXM App, desktop, and all connected devices. Some of the on TikTok include Cassyette, YukoEXE, Ashinikko, Palaye Royale, Josh Dun (Twenty One Pilots), Yungblud, Morrissey, Ozzy Osbourne, Joan Jett, Gene Simmons, and Mick Jagger. The station will be part of a new TikTok collaboration with SiriusXM and its subsidiary,Pandora, to jointly promote emerging talent. Do you think this platform could become a force in the future of streaming music?
I think a Tik Tok radio station could be successful if they keep in mind the importance of developing talent. Because putting on a stage show you need professional and dance abilities. I think it will open up a way to find lots of new music and discover artist you might not have come across before.
Anything you would like to say in closing?
Make sure you guys stay on the lookout for my new music video for my song “Dancing Alone” dropping June 29th. Also, be on the lookout for my EP “Mr. Wonderful Is Dead” and don’t stop streaming “Ain’t Nothing New” out on all platforms.
