Genia Believes You Need The Faith Of A Mustard Seed To Follow Your Dreams
From the outside looking in, you may think it happens over night to become the next big star in music. Little do you know, artists like Genia put years of blood, sweat and tears into pursuing their dreams. What’s beautiful about growing with your favorite musician is seeing the fruits of their labor come into fruition and following them along the bumpy ride. If you love slow jams, melodies about heartbreak, new loves or small crushes, we’ve found the perfect artist for you. If you want to learn all about Galore’s top pick for rising R & B stars of the future, it’s time to learn all about Genia!
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
How did you get your start in the music industry? Tell us your story.
Honestly, I’ve been at this for a while, but I would say my official start was in 2020. I was working at Walmart part-time and going to school to become a nurse. That was the point in my life where I felt stuck because for so long I had this like burning passion in me to do more and go after my dreams, but I didn’t know how to start.
When I was in high school, I’d sing in talent shows, sing the national anthem at football games, but then high school ended and so did those tiny opportunities. I also lived in a small town (Victorville, CA) so opportunities don’t exactly appear out there. I had to take it into my own hands and social media started to play a huge part.
I started posting videos on TikTok. I was doing it for some time on Instagram and YouTube, but my engagement was always low. Even views on TikTok at first were low for minute. So it was one of those things I had to really keep being consistent at. I just hoped once one of my videos popped off it would help me get to the next step of figuring out how to make it my career.
I spent most of my time in my mom’s garage making videos. I’m talking like 5 videos a day… until one of my videos actually popped off overnight hitting 1 million. That was the moment that got me my start in the industry. No, the video didn’t make me a celebrity overnight, but it got me in rooms I would’ve never been able to get into if it wasn’t for that video going viral. Till this day I’m grateful for how I got my start. God really came through on that one. This was all built brick by brick and I’m still building.
What is one of your favorite memories growing up in California?
My mom used to own this cute little Tacoma truck and I absolutely adored it because she would take my brother and I to go see a movie at the drive-in. We would sit in the back of the truck, set up the blankets, pillows, snacks and just spend quality time together.
In 2024 you released your first body of work “4 AM In The Ville” which features 6 songs. Take us back to when you were creating this project and talk to us about creating it.
I was honestly gong through a lot during the making of that second EP. The previous team I had on the first EP & I had a falling out, so around time the second EP came out, I was sort of in a weird spot. Still trying to figure myself out as an artist, but also trying to reconnect with myself as a person.
This second EP was honestly me documenting everything in real time vs. the first EP where I was documenting everything from my past. I was also going through a really tough breakup so you’ll notice there’s a shit ton of heart break songs on it.
Overall, “4AM In The Ville” was a way for me to start getting experimental for the first time! My first EP wasn’t very melodic so when it came to this project, I knew I wanted to showcase my voice a bit more. This EP was such huge stepping stone for me as an artist and I’m grateful I got to experience it because now I feel like I found my flow.
For anyone who’s never heard a Genia song, what’s the first one you’re playing them and why?
The first song I’m playing is my song “Crush” lol sorry not sorry, but I love this song and I feel like it embodies everything I am right now at the moment.
Let’s talk about your newest single “Crush”. What was the inspiration for this song?
Two years ago I visited London and the day before it was time to leave, I saw this FINE guy walk past me. It was just one of those things where I lowkey just had to admire from afar because I knew I was never gonna see him again. Got a good song out of it though. Thanks pookie.
Can we expect a music video for “Crush”?
Yes! I also dropped a visualizer along with the song. It’s all shot on VHS and there’s a special co-star in it (he is a mannequin and goes by the name Jake, lol).
What are two things you hope to accomplish this year?
Oooouu. My first billboard entry and to go on tour (also I really want to get on that Coachella stage).
You’re known for your honey blonde highlights regardless of the hairstyle, is there any other color you could see yourself rocking?
Honestly, I probably sound boring asf saying this, but no haha. I mean I’ll never say never, but I really do like this color. Maybe I’ll go lighter blonde? But eh I don’t know. I think im going to take this hair color with me to the grave!
From your social media you can see your love for animals and farm life. What are some of your favorite things to do out in the country?
My mom has this cute garden in the front yard and I love helping her tend to it. It’s our bonding ritual… and for those of you who don’t know, it is not easy to have a thriving garden in the desert so shout out to my mom because her garden is immaculate!
If you could work with any artist this year who would it be and what kind of song would you two create?
Tough question because there are so many, but I would have to say Doja Cat. I feel like we could make a pop smash, plus I LOVE HER. (I’d like to officially dedicate my song crush to her, haha).
How would you define your fashion style?
I would describe my style as super versatile! Some days you’ll see me rocking low waisted jeans, a baby tee and a leather jacket with a cute pair of heels (and I love a bejeweled hat) or some days you’ll see me rocking an oversized jersey with sneakers. You never know what you’re gonna get with me, I just be doing shit and if It looks good, I’m rocking it.
Walk us through your current skin care routine.
I start off with my cleaning oil & foam cleanser by Anua, then my peptide skin booster, toners, bean essence by Mixsoon, collagen cream, propolis light cream moisturizer and tretinoin ( liquid gold).
What’s an ideal self-care day for you?
Couch rotting and watching breaking bad for the millionth time (and yes the phone is getting turned off).
Outside of music, what is something you love to do that people may not know about?
I love to read. I’m currently reading “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight. I also LOVE to stay active… always in the gym, or hiking.
Leave Galore readers with one piece of life advice.
Belief in self is shaky at times…know that is normal. We are only human. On the days you don’t feel 100% confident or motivated, just know that showing up is enough. You only need faith as small as a mustard seed to make things happen for yourself. Don’t beat yourself up on the hard days, just keep showing up.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Dallas Thomley (@dallasxthomley)
Makeup Artist: Chris Martocci (@chrismartocci)
Hair Stylist: Sherika Vidal (@badgyalwigz)
