Meet Idenidee | Christian Hip Hop, R&B, and Alternative Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Idenidee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi IdeniDee, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in Lansing, MI and for as long as I can remember I’ve been surrounded by music. My parents sang. My sister sings and plays instruments. My grandma sings and has her own church choir. I have aunts and cousins who sing and play instruments. Everywhere I turned there was music all around me, so it didn’t take long for me to be bitten by the bug. I distinctly remember being 4 years old, sitting in church on Sunday, seeing a young girl sing a solo on stage and IMMEDIATELY knowing that I wanted to be a singer. Then, at 6, I began playing piano by ear, which led to Classical piano lessons from age 7-17. In middle and high school, I also played pitched and unpitched percussion in concert and marching bands, piano in jazz and church bands, and taught myself a little bit of any instrument that I wanted to try (alto sax, flute, baritone, and drums). I was even allowed to direct my middle school band from time to time. I dove headfirst into my passion at a young age, so it would take more time than a most people have attention to fully explain my background as a singer and musician. Just know that I’ve always known that this was the path for me. No questions and no plan B’s to fall back on. Just music and me.

My musical sound is a DIRECT reflection of my eclectic upbringing. Christian music was always played in my household, but I had ample exposure to other genres. My mother would keep Gospel greats like Mahalia Jackson, Vickie Winans, Shirley Caesar, Yolanda Adams, and The Jackson Southernaries in heavy rotation, but she’d also sprinkle in some Whitney Houston and a ton of Adult Contemporary Classics. My father loved the Christian groups Take 6 and Commissioned, but my fondest musical memories with him come from the R&B, Funk, Jazz, and Hip Hop music that he shared with me. My sister and I secretly enjoyed pop, punk and grunge rock together. And because of my Classical piano lessons, joining multiple Classical choirs and concert bands, Classical music has always had a warm place in my heart. Then, in my early adult years, I was introduced to Classic Rock and, my favorite, Alternative/Indie music. Music, no matter what genre, is woven into my very existence.

That background and upbringing heavily impacted who I am today! I’m a singer/rapper, songwriter, musician, composer, and music producer because of my extensive, unique encounters with music. I began writing instrumental music at 7 years old on an old Casio keyboard, but my artistry has grown and changed so much throughout my life experiences. All of the music that was initially around me now pervades me, so when I create music, I have so much inspiration and influence to pull from. I used to only pour that influence and inspiration into secular music, but now my Christian roots finally hold firm to their Foundation. I’m able to make Biblically-sound Christian songs that don’t sound like anything else that’s out there. I’m grateful for my past because it made me the eccentric artist that I am today.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
If I had to describe my music in one word it would be: different. It’s different than what’s out there. It’s actually different than itself, because each song has its own sound and identity. I was raised on a lot of Christian music, but for a long time, it wouldn’t keep my attention. I would try to listen to it, but after a while I would be longing for sounds that were as diverse as my musical tastes. I figured there had to be other people out there who felt the same as I did, so I decided to create what I wanted to hear. I became a Christian music artist for three main reasons: 1) To change the sonic landscape of Christian music, 2) To bring lyrical honesty and vulnerability, and 3) To make biblical teaching palatable and memorable for those who aren’t usually interested in it. My music is an amalgamation of everything that I enjoy. You never know exactly what genre or mix of genres you’re going to get, but it’ll always be good! If you don’t like one release, check out another one. My sound is continually transforming due to my many musical influences. I just released my latest single “Refine Me” on December 26th. Go ahead and check it out and then check out one of my other releases and you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about.

My path as an independent artist and business-owner has been anything (and everything) BUT linear. When I was young I wanted to be a Grammy-Award winning Pop/R&B superstar. I mean, who didn’t? But as I grew older I learned of the problems that most artists have with record labels and contracts. Wanting to preserve my creative freedom and not get ripped off, I went to college for Music Business. There were ton of roadblocks and detours during college but the largest one was becoming a single parent. In order to survive, I had to focus on maintaining gainful employment and raising my beautiful daughter, effectively placing my dreams, passions, and college on hold. I stopped singing, practicing, and writing music for years until I married my husband, Aaron. I became a stay at home mom and eventually, with Aaron’s support, I picked up music again, but with a new goal. Instead of becoming a superstar, I decided that I wanted to make Christian music my way, no matter if it became widely popular or not. After failed contract negotiations with an independent record label that had major distribution, I decided to go the 100% independent route and set up my own independent record label under IdeniDee Records, LLC.

I’m a natural creative, but there’s a been a bit of a learning curve with the business side of things. Although I never finished college, the courses that I completed gave me an understanding of many aspects of the music business. I definitely bumped my head and stubbed my toe a few times while wandering the unlit path of business ownership, but the injuries were minor. I’ll say one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is navigating the unique obstacles of being a military spouse while owning a business. I’m constantly moving and in each state I have to learn the laws for LLC’s, register my business as a foreign LLC, and grow a new client/fan base. Also, in addition to singing/rapping, writing, recording, producing, and releasing my own music, I make my own cover art, manage my own social media, ads, and promotions, keep accurate business and accounting records, AND I’m a stay at home wife/mother. I homeschool my daughter, I take care of the home, and I’m active in church ministries. I honestly can’t say that I’ve got the whole work-life balance thing together, but I’m slowly getting into a rhythm.

What is my brand? My brand is authenticity. I wear sweatpants 95% of the time. I like anime and video games. I’m weird, loud, eccentric, creative, inquisitive, out-going, VERY silly, and kind. I’m a military spouse, mom, friend and musical maverick, but most of all I’m a child of God. I know my identity and I’m confident in it. That’s why my artist name is IdeniDee. I’m a lot of things and I wear a lot of hats, but my IdeniDee (identity) is in Christ first. Everything else is secondary. I’m not in the music industry for the money. I’m here to make good music and spread the Good News.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I HATE driving and traffic so my knowledge of the area is restricted to a few areas that are mostly in San Diego North County and Orange County. If my bestie (s/o to Ana Allen) were visiting I’d take her to these LOVELY places:

Best Pizza and Brew in Vista: My favorite pizza is the Pesto Goat Cheese pizza. AMAZING!

Tortilleria Los Reyes in Vista: Best tacos, breakfast burritos and daily fresh made tortillas with basic ingredients. They also have produce at great prices and kind staff!

In-n-Out: OBVIOUSLY!

Mitch’s Seafood in San Diego: Great food and beautiful ocean views.

The Forum Carlsbad: Mainly for Urban Plates (Sorry, I love food), but there’s great shopping too!

Pho House in Vista or Oceanside: Some of the best pho I’ve had. Very consistent and addictive!

Sprouts and Grocery Outlet for groceries: Sprouts for my healthy go to’s and Grocery Outlet for great values and surprise gems.

Manna Heaven BBQ in San Marcos: Great AYCE Korean BBQ/Yakiniku!

Shabu-Works San Marcos: Large variety of AYCE meats (Nice cuts too!), veggies, and sides. Definitely come with a big appetite!

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries, and Shakes: My personal favorite burger is the Cheddar Bacon BBQ burger, but my daughter LOVES The Best Quesonario burger.

MIKKO Sushi in Vista

Felix BBQ with Soul: The fried chicken, St. Louis ribs, and macaroni and cheese are OFF THE CHARTS!

Shorehouse Kitchen Carlsbad: Delicious brunch options!

Dolce Gelato in Tustin: Tasty gelato with cute, creative flavor names

Oceanside Pier and downtown area: There are so many things to do downtown. Food, shopping, and the pier is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL at sunset.

Cava in La Jolla: Mediterranean Chipotle. Need I say more?

North Coast Church in Vista: All campuses are wonderful but I love the main campus in Vista. Everyone is so kind and there’s great, honest, biblical teaching with no fluff.

Pacific Beat Recording Studio: Comfortable and professional. Alan is so kind and a WONDERFUL, very experienced engineer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my Shoutout to God (of course), but also all of my friend, family and teachers that exposed me to the creative arts, encouraged me, and helped me to grow in my talents. Special thanks to:

My parents, Carol and Doug
My grandmother, Marian
My supportive husband, Aaron
My best friend, Ana
My piano teachers: Nettie Wood, Verna D Holley, and Algie Watkins
My Band/Choir Teachers: Sallie Jones, Thomas A Jones, and Mary Alice Stollak
My forever church home away from home, New Hope O’ahu

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_idenidee/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdeniDee

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRXacNV-nYIZXtoz_unfzzg

Other: Email: idenidee.music@gmail.com

Image Credits
Jelowen Photography and Doulesha McCormick