At an early age, Tenroc found music. He knew how to play piano, drums, and guitar by the time he was seven years old, and then he broke into music production in his teen years. The singer-musician-producer is now known for the smash hits he has created with pop artists like Rihanna, Jonas Brothers, and Reneé Rapp, which have led to a powerhouse career. In 2023, Tenroc earned two Grammy nominations for his work on Jon Batiste’s World Music Radio, cementing his status as a go-to collaborator. It’s crazy to think that Tenroc also has over 3.6B streams, but when the songs and the energy is that good, it’s not so crazy after all.
The time felt right for Tenroc to release a debut album this year, called God Is A Person. Fans have heard previews of this album through singles like “mourning 2 dancing” and “walk on the water.” With soulful vocals, danceable rhythms, and fresh pop beats, these singles flaunted Tenroc’s invigorating style and passion for music. They also fulfilled his purpose to create, as Tenroc believes that the songs for this album were a part of God’s plan. Before the album’s release, Tenroc took a moment to chat with Melodic Magazine about the project and how it serves as the start of a new chapter for him creatively and personally.
Hi, Tenroc. Thank you for taking the time to answer these. We’re getting close to the release of your new album God Is A Person. How are you feeling?
I’m feeling great. My album is about to come out, I’m about to be a father as well, and so it’s just a really exciting time for me.
How long was this album in the works?
It took me about a year and a half to make the album. I didn’t have any deadlines when I was making the record. I just created it, and whenever I felt like it was done, I decided it was done.
I know that there are some artists who create music around the lyrics and some who create lyrics around the music and some who do both. Where do you land when it comes to the songs for this album?
The majority of the songs on this album started with music. I think probably all of them started with music, and then the melody came. Lyrics typically came last. It’s rare that I have a lyric before I have music or melody.
I read in a press release that you felt called to do so by God to put out music under your own name. Do you still feel this way?
Yeah, I still feel this way. The whole reason I decided to make the album was because I felt I was being obedient to God by doing so. It wasn’t something that I had any plans to do in recent times, but because He told me, I felt like I had to obey Him.
Which songs are you most excited for fans to hear?
I’m really excited for fans to hear the intro to the album, which is called “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and a song called “NBF,” which stands for “New Best Friend.”
What was it like working with Tori Kelly and Jon Keith on “mourning 2 dancing”?
It was awesome. I’ve been friends with them long before we decided to collaborate, and so it just felt really cool to get to work with friends on one of my debut records.
And just to follow up on that question, did you learn anything new or surprising from the collab?
Yes, I did. I learned that it’s really difficult to get three artists in the same place at the same time. It was something that you don’t really think about when you watch a music video. You don’t think that everybody had to be free on that day and everything has to kind of work out perfectly in order for you to get something like that done.
I also read that you self-produced this album in your home studio in Queens. Did this present any challenges, or was it easier to create the album in this way?
In my opinion, it was way easier. It’s funny, every time I set foot in a big studio—you know, with the big board and the gigantic speakers—it’s always the most difficult thing for us to just get sound out of the speakers. It happens all the time with me. Whereas when I work in my home studio, I just plug in one wire and everything works perfectly. So, it was definitely easier at home.
What kind of impact do you want God Is A Person to have on listeners?
I want to give people hope and point them to Jesus and let them know that if they ever feel like something is missing from their lives, Jesus is somebody that can provide. He can fill that gap, that space.
What do you plan to do on the album’s release day? How will you celebrate?
You know, if my son is here, which is a big possibility, I’ll probably just listen to the album with him, my wife, and my mother-in-law. I’m really trying to take it slow these days.
Have you thought about your next project, or are you solely focusing on God Is A Person for now?
I’m already working on my next record. I’d say I’m about a fourth of the way through, and I’m really, really excited for that, too. I’m going to be in a different chapter in life when that’s ready to come out, so I’m just taking it slow again.
Do you have any final thoughts or comments?
My debut album, God Is A Person, comes out on July 17th, and I’m really, really excited for everybody to hear it. I hope you love it.
You can listen to God Is A Person here.
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