Music has been the driving force behind Girlfriend for as long as she can remember. Influenced by R&B, reggae, and her father’s vinyl collection, she found a deep connection with music through the voices of Janet Jackson and Luther Vandross. Her journey has been all about exploring emotions and channeling personal experiences into her music. With her debut EP, It’s Complicated, she embraced vulnerability, turning love’s ups and downs into songs that resonate with those who feel deeply and love intensely. Her latest single, Obsessive, was born from a situation where she wanted more than she could ask for, transforming that raw emotion into a powerful musical confession.
We sat down with Girlfriend to talk about her beginnings, the evolution of her sound, the duality between Kenya Edwards (her real name) and Girlfriend, and the ambitious projects she has in store for the future.
You’re a young artist who’s been on this journey for a while now. How did you first get into music? Was there a defining moment when you realized this was what you wanted to do professionally?
I’ve always been a fan of music, namely R&B, reggae, and a bunch of other genres. I was exposed to it from my dad’s record collection, which he would play almost daily when I was a little girl.
From then on, I always wanted to be a singer, but I didn’t know how. That changed during a 7th-grade project when my English teacher gave my class the option of submitting a song for a final grade. When I played the song at school, everyone loved it, and that was a turning point for me. At that point, I realized that maybe music is something I should pursue.
You used to watch Janet Jackson’s concerts as a little girl. What did you take away from that experience, and how did it shape the artist you are today?
I think every person has that moment of inspiration that shapes their dreams and aspirations for years to come. When I watched her concerts, I always felt like she spoke to me as a musician and performer. Those moments felt magical, and from then on, I always knew I wanted to be able to connect with people the way she did.
Moving from Orlando to Los Angeles must have been a huge transition. What challenges did you face along the way, and how has the city influenced your artistic growth?
Since I have been out of the house since I was about 20 years old, moving from Orlando to LA was not the hardest transition. I spent a lot of time praying for the decision and had a lot of support when moving, so I was looking forward to tackling the move with a super positive outlook. I do, however, get homesick. Most days, I miss my family and the home-cooked meals (soul food) I could get anywhere in Mississippi.
Let’s talk about your debut EP, It’s Complicated. What was the creative process like, and what message did you want to convey with these songs?
For me, the creative process was very healing. Each song on the EP was a reflection of a real-life situation, and in that way, I was able to vent through my music. When writing these songs, I wanted them to play through like a story. I wanted this story to resonate with the overthinkers, the feelers, and the people who love too hard. Most importantly, I wanted people to know that vulnerability and emotions are okay.
Your latest single, Obsessive, carries a powerful message about feeling deeply and loving intensely. How did this song come to life, and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
This song came to life because I was in a situation where I wasn’t in a fully committed relationship, but I also wanted this guy all to myself. I knew that I technically couldn’t say anything out loud or to him about it, so I wrote the song as a way to vent.
Is Kenya Edwards Girlfriend, or is it a way to create separation between the two? Is there a duality there? This question comes to mind, especially after watching the Obsessive Visualizer.
Yes. They are the same person. However, I think Kenya Edwards is just a lot more reserved. When I write a song, I say things that I would never just naturally say in a conversation with people. So when I’m angry or hurt, I get to be angry or hurt in a song and never have to act on those emotions in real life.
Finally, what’s next for Girlfriend? What projects are you currently working on, and what can we expect from you in the near future?
I am currently working on a G-Mix tape that will be released on SoundCloud and YouTube. I also have another EP and a trilogy coming, so expect a lot of new music and new stories!
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