Naming artists like Amy Winehouse, Lianne La Havas and Doja Cat as her main influences, SÉNA thrives off being able to experiment with the emotions and feelings she’s able to convey with her music. Produced by Solow The Astronaut and Lilo Blues, ‘Love It Or Leave It’ incorporates slick beats with SÉNA’s lusciously sultry vocal delivery, offering a message of empowerment, self-love and spreading positive female energy.
To help celebrate the breakout release, SÉNA was kind enough to sit down with us and answer a few questions about the single, what inspires her, and what we can expect next.
It's so lovely to speak with you today SÉNA, thank you for taking the time. When did you first start making music?
"I have been making music since forever to be honest, I think I was 3 years old when I started my first music classes. I have always had a natural attraction to music, especially instruments and melodies. Whenever I heard a song I connected with, I felt compelled to learn it on the piano. My parents exposed me to a lot of music, though - my mom introduced me to classical music like BACH. My dad played his favourite songs on the record player in the living room, more stuff like Keith Jarrett, Elton John, Pink Floyd etc."
During that time, what influences have styled your sound the most?
"Amy Winehouse, Doja Cat, Lianne La Havas, Amy Macdonald, and Post Malone."
We've been really enjoying your single of late, but how would you describe the sound behind it?
"Neo-soul-pop-jazzy-ish, dark, emotional, dramatic, sexy but subtle."
Let's focus on 'Love It Or Leave It', can you tell us a bit more about the track?
"I was seeing this guy who wanted me to treat him like a boyfriend but didn't treat me like a girlfriend, an all too familiar tale for many women out there. He always treated me like a side chick, which messed with my head. I let my insecurities get the best of me, but then I had this moment where I looked in the mirror and saw a strong, independent woman staring back at me. It was like a switch flipped, and I realised I deserved better than that."
"Every woman deserves to be loved and respected for who she is, no matter what. So, I wrote this song to empower women and spread some amazing female energy. I want every woman to know she's beautiful and worthy of love and doesn't have to settle for anything less than she deserves."
"When people listen to my track, I hope they feel love and acceptance for themselves and as a young woman in my early twenties, I understand that even though I may seem confident, I still have moments of insecurity that I keep hidden from others. It's easy to get lost in self-judgment and focus on our flaws when we're alone. However, this song is a reminder to love ourselves, including our amazing curves and unique qualitiesIt's important to remember that we can make ourselves feel terrible. Still, we also have the power to fill ourselves with love and happiness."
What is your songwriting process, and what is the most important thing when you're bringing a song to life?
"I just sit down on my piano or guitar and let it happen. I play chords that inspire me, start jamming with myself, and everything else happens naturally! It has to happen naturally. I was never able to force a song out of me. I need to feel it. It has to be intense."
What’s next for you as an artist?
"My plan for this year is to release a lot more music, make an EP, start proper gigging, collaborate with various artists, grow my audience and write more music."
A few final questions before you go, What advice would you give to band’s who are looking to make it?
:I am not where I want to be yet, but I believe that artists should always stay true to themselves and be transparent. It's important not to overthink things and let your creativity flow naturally, while trusting your instincts. Don't let anyone discourage you or make you give up on your dreams, even if they're close to you. Keep believing in yourself and work hard towards your goals."
What has been your best moment as a musician/band so far?
"It's difficult to choose my best moment as a musician as there have been countless unforgettable experiences that have moved me to tears. However, one moment stands out when I was in the studio with Solow TA, who produced 'Love It Or Leave It'. We were working on another tune of mine in the studio, and he was messing around with the song while I was journaling and writing lyrics."
"A few minutes later, he played me what he had come up with - adding beautiful harmonies that touched my heart. It's amazing to collaborate with talented artists and create something special together. Sharing your passion with others is truly wonderful."
SÉNA comes from Turkish heritage and was adopted at the age of six months by a family in western Germany who always encouraged her to pursue her passion for music. She has been interested in music and arts since a young age and has learned to play multiple instruments, including the cello, guitar and piano.
Although classical music heavily influenced her upbringing, she later found inspiration in Jazz, Pop, and Neo soul. Her music reflects her Turkish roots, with the scales of Turkish folk music subtly influencing her sound and melodies.
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