The Evolution of Rhea The Second
Photography by Morgan Durrah
You might recognize Rhea the Second from her recent cameo in Jeymes Samuel's music video ‘“Hallelujah Heaven” from the soundtrack to the film The Book of Clarence, her performance alongside Noname at Coachella in 2023, or her latest nominations for Chicago’s Reader “Best Of 2023” in the Pop/R&B artist categories. Perhaps you’ve heard her latest collaboration with Chicago's own Mvte, on “Mama’s House.” If not that, it has to be from the multitude of live performances she’s been delivering all over the city, including Dorian’s, Schuba’s, and House of Blues. You get the picture. The Detroit native’s presence reverberates profoundly within Chicago's vibrant music scene, swiftly shaping into the career she once dreamt about.
Rhea credits the evolution of her artistic expression through the shared wealth of support from the relationships she has built within her community. From wedding singer to now solo artist, she released her debut EP, alt pop rnb, back in September and has been gaining recognition since.
Mellifluous vocals? Check. Enticing beats? Of course. Venturing beyond her familiar soundscapes and challenging herself to unlock a new depth of creativity? Absolutely.
Rhea and I arranged to meet at West Town Bakery last year, where the lively ambiance of families savoring their Saturday morning breakfast surrounded us. Amidst the cheerful energy, with a dash of the occasional shriek from the children demanding more pancakes, we found a corner to engage in a fruitful conversation. We discussed Rhea’s creative endeavors thus far and eagerly what the future holds.
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us today! You’ve been in Chicago for almost a decade. Do you see yourself going back to Detroit anytime soon?
Besides for the holidays, nope. When I first moved out here, I used to visit more since I didn’t have a strong support system, but I finally feel established in my life here. I knew the next chapter of my life would be in Chicago.
For sure, building a support system from what's comfortable to what's unknown is intimidating. Your social media presence, however, from an outsider's perspective, looks like you’re surrounded by numerous creatives. What did building your community look like for you?
I gotta credit it all to my experiences at Columbia College. It helped me build my relationships with artists, musicians, and creatives in the scene. I loved the school, but my relationships made my experience better than I imagined. I studied vocal performance there but quickly realized I wanted to prioritize being an artist, which shifted my journey. But, if I hadn't met specific individuals at school, I likely would not be in the career I am in today because the exposure to multiple people/outlets within the music community altered my perspective drastically and opened doors that wouldn’t have opened otherwise.
Conversations like this are where I wished I went to Columbia. Tell me more about this shift in your journey as you realized you wanted to focus on being a performing artist.
I became more curious about management, production, and songwriting. Allowing me to realize what it's like to be a working artist in the world. I'm grateful for that turn in my path because it allowed me to understand more about what I did and did not want for myself.
Not only was I interested in singing but also in fashion, visual arts, beauty, and entrepreneurship. I discovered my many talents and realized I'm pretty good at so many other things! That’s when I told myself that no matter what. I will be creative where I land in my career.
It's refreshing to hear this perspective because allowing yourself not to be tied directly to only one creative outlet is easier said than done and quick to lead to burnout. Gotta say kudos to you on all these live performances you’ve had within this past year.
You sang with Noname in April at Coachella, and ever since the release of your new EP "ALT POP R&B" in September, you've been booked and busy. How are you feeling?
Not many people know this, but I have been singing with a corporate band ever since 2014. I'm used to performing every week, and sometimes, that's more than once on certain occasions. However, now that I can focus more on performing and releasing my own music, it finally feels like my dream is finally becoming a reality. Especially performing with Noname, it was surreal. Again, I am so fortunate for my friends and the community I have around me. I must give the biggest shout-out to Akenya, who put me onto that opportunity.
Akenya is always looking out for me. It feels good to be seen and to have someone understand and support your passion.
You need those people in your corner, especially in this industry. As we talk about live performances- do you have any pre-show rituals? If so, what does that consist of?
Lately, before every show, I have been trying to be grounded in my power. Taking time to be confident and relaxed is when I know I will perform my best. Overall, I meditate, use breathing techniques, and stretch to center myself before getting on stage. Along with vocal warm-ups and, the most important of them all, pray.
What would you recall as your best experience while on stage?
Coachella by far. I was there for two weeks. I was reconnecting with people and meeting new ones. It shifted something in me. I experienced something that I didn’t think was possible this early in my career. I got to perform on a stage that very few artists get to perform on. They took a chance on me and for that, I’m extremely grateful.
I can only imagine the excitement of having a stage at a festival that large performing your music. What is one of your favorite songs to perform?
Hmmm. I always love to sing my new music, but from the EP, I would say "Bossy" or "Drowned Village." Two extremes, Bossy, it's me being confident talking my shit, you know, ha. Shout out to Booman, who helped co-write that song, and Legit, who helped craft the song "Drowned Village" beautifully.
The “Drowned Village” intro is captivating. That middle section gives me very much Erykah Badu vibes. Love it. Walk me through the vision for the EP. It's a dynamic sound. It's different from your previous releases. What do you think of the response so far? What made you want to explore the alternative pop space?
People have been reacting so well to it. I still have people hitting me up about it, which is sick. As for the concept - these were songs I had been working on back during the pandemic's peak. As it did for many, the pandemic helped me to hone in on finishing this project and try to change my sound. I love pop music because of my experience with top 40s at weddings. Pop always got people up and moving. Now, combining that with genres I enjoy performing myself, which is in the alternative R&B sphere, that's where I realized I discovered my sound.
Was there any song on the EP that you were shocked the audience reacted strongly to? If someone were to discover you for the first time through this project, what song would you want them to listen to?
I would have to say "Bossy," which would always be the one I'd want them to check out. It's a gritty, funky, jazzy bassline that engages listeners. I was pushing music theory. It was so fun to record; lowkey, it's in two different keys... a unique approach instrumentally. “Bossy,” I embodied my Megan Thee Stallion energy, talking my shit, embracing my confidence. In addition to Manasseh's vocals, we’ve manifested reclaiming our power as artists.
I’d love to hear who inspires you and what made you want to become an artist. Where do you go for inspiration to create? What musicians do you look up to/how have they influenced your sound/career?
Has to be Janelle Monáe. The album The ArchAndroid changed my musical career. The storyline was cinematic. I went down a YouTube rabbit hole to understand the fundamentals of the project. Especially to see a Black woman change her sound throughout one project. It inspired me.
I also rely heavily on interviews with different artists. The latest one I saw was with Chaka Khan. There’s a moment during the interview where she is asked, “Where do you get the inspiration from?” She states, “It just comes from God.” Things just work out. As an artist, you can instantly feel things speak to you as you create. Producing for me was just that. I understood it naturally. I pick a sound and play around with it. That triggers something in me, and the inspiration naturally follows from there.
As a creative, I feel that. One of the hardest things to remind yourself of is that your time WILL come. You just have to hold onto that faith. With that being said, I want to end our conversation on a vulnerable note. Knowing what you know now, what do you wish you were aware of before starting your music career?
Creating quality art can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Use your resources. Be transparent with your community when you need help. Have conversations about your life and career goals. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and ask for what you need when pursuing the things you love. People will support you!
As for what is to come for Rhea The Second. The singer is finishing up an EP with producer Mike Jones named Mama’s House, which has a release date in August. Lastly, check out her latest release with Chicago-based artist Melvin Knight, called “Lead Me On.”