Trinidadian-born and Montreal-based singer-songwriter and rapper Trinisha Browne sits at a unique intersection. She’s one of the few musicians who combines Afro-Caribbean sound, gospel, and themes of queer love to make music in genres that typically are worlds and concepts apart.
Her newly released album, “Rhythm & Love,” is filled with themes of romance, broken love, longing, mental health, and the struggles of an artist trying to make ends meet while honing her craft. The new 10-track album is sung in English, but also features lines in Nigerian Pidgin, and Yoruba.
Songs like “Bad Ting,” “Worth It,” and “Matchmade” explore themes of a relationship ending too soon. Other tracks, including “Rihanna Rich” and “Rich Life,” address unemployment and bipolar disorder. “Rhythm & Love” marks Browne’s first full-length album, and it was written in collaboration with Jovian, a Puerto Rican/Portuguese artist from Brooklyn.
Browne recently signed a recording and publishing deal with Frostbyte Media LTD, which produced “Rhythm & Love.” In celebration of the album release and in honor of PRIDE Month, Fashion Reverie spoke with Browne about her upcoming album.
Fashion Reverie: Why did you title the album ‘Rhythm & Love’?
Trinisha Browne: I titled the album ‘Rhythm & Love’ because there are many songs, melodies, and different vibrations going on in the instrumentation of the album. Most songs on the album are love songs, so the words rhythm and love together felt like the most fitting title based on the songs and subject.
FR: Who or what was your greatest inspiration for this album?
Trinisha Browne: When working on this album, I drew inspiration from artists, including Burna Boy, Tems, Fireboy DML, and Ayra Starr, who are all Nigerian artists who beautifully work with Afrobeats and in the Afro-pop genre.
FR: Why did you incorporate languages and dialects like Nigerian Pidgin and Yoruba on this album?
Trinisha Browne: My album features collaborations with artists who speak these languages and dialects. Temmie Ovwasa, who sings ‘Matchmade’ with me, speaks Yoruba. I wanted Yoruba in the lyrics for this song, so it would have a different touch. I wanted Nigerian Pidgin included on this album because I feel it strongly represents Afro-music and music from African culture.
FR: What barriers do you think queer Black musicians have to overcome to try and reach a broader audience?
Trinisha Browne: Developing a fanbase is still very challenging for queer Black artists, as is engaging with fans, and touring. Developing a fanbase isn’t the easiest thing to do, even in the world of social media today. There are so many different social media platforms, and the goal is to have as many followers on as many platforms as possible, which is virtually impossible. Without a strong developed fanbase, it’s hard to even be taken seriously in the music industry.
FR: How would you say ‘Rhythm & Love’ differentiates from your past work?
Trinisha Browne: My past work was more upbeat, and I put a strong emphasis on vocals. With ‘Rhythm & Love,’ my vocals are more laid back because wanted to create a calm, soothing sound. I wasn’t necessarily going for a whisper-tone approach with vocals, but, rather, trying to find a blend between Afrobeats and Afro-R&B music.
FR: How did the intersection of your queerness and Caribbean ancestry inform this album?
Trinisha Browne: I don’t treat myself being queer like a brand, it’s me being who I am. The music is just a form of expression of who I am. Going into working on this album, I wanted to make sure that the idea translated with my queer fans. I wasn’t shy about using pronouns like her and she when it came to the love songs. I was being honest with myself when it came to all these songs.
FR: The lead song of ‘Rhythm & Love’ is called ‘Bad Ting’. What does that song mean to you personally?
Trinisha Browne: ‘Bad Ting’ is a song that describes an attractive female, who some other people would describe as a ‘bad bitch,’ a ‘hottie,’ a ‘baddie’ or a ‘hot chick.’ In Trinidad, sometimes you refer to a girl who is attractive as a ‘bad ting.’ I came up with the song title to have something to incorporate my roots and heritage.
Images courtesy for 2RsEntandMedia PR
FR: What was the catalyst for you writing this album?
Trinisha Browne: I started writing this album last summer after having challenges with my mental health. Songwriting became part of my coping process as I tried to process my mental health struggles.
When I’m writing a song, I start with beats first, and I start just by humming. Whatever words come to my mind first, I don’t doubt them. I grab a notepad and begin writing. By the time I have a verse and a chorus, I know I’m good to finish the song.
FR: What’s next for you now that you’ve signed an official record deal?
Trinisha Browne: I want to get my music out there. I just did a music video shoot for my song ‘Itchy Palms’ from ‘Rhythm & Love.’ I’m trying to find more ways to engage with fans and bring new fans into the fold. I would love to do a tour eventually, but that’s a longer-term goal.
Kristopher Fraser
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