Total R&B Podcast

In this episode of the Total R&B Podcast, Loreena interviews singer-songwriter Darius Martin, who shares his journey from sports to music, his diverse musical influences, and the importance of authenticity in his work. Darius discusses his collaborations with renowned producers Cool and Dre, the challenges of the music industry, and his aspirations for creating meaningful music that resonates...

In this episode of the Total R&B Podcast, host Loreena interviews rising Latin R&B artist Abrina, who shares her journey from a shy child singing at family gatherings to a professional musician. Abrina discusses her love for R&B, her inspirations, and the significance of her latest EP, 'Sunset Cliff.' She reflects on her experiences working with industry legends like Eric Hudson and th...

In this episode of the Total R&B Podcast, host Loreena interviews Toronto-based singer Rachelle Show, who blends Afro pop and R&B. Rachelle shares her journey into music, the impact of her father's legacy, and her experiences with Honey Jam. She discusses the importance of performance, building her brand, and the supportive sisterhood among women in the music industry. Rachelle also reflec...

In this episode of Total R&B, Loreena talks with pop-fusion artist Fridaee about her early start in music at just 8 years old, her journey with Honey Jam, and what fans can expect from her performance at Honey Jam’s 30th anniversary at Massey Hall in Toronto on July 30. Fridaee also shares how she expanded her creativity beyond music, founding Wanderlust and Tripsicle, two platforms designed t...

In this episode, I sit down with Montreal singer-songwriter and guitarist Nino Flamenco, frontman of the band Nino & Electric Soul, to talk about his journey through music and the release of their latest EP, P.A.S.T (Putting All Sentiments Together).   Nino no doubt has a passion for music and is wise beyond his years, from performing with his mom, joining a rock band Blisstonia and owing a lo...

In this episode, I chat with Ottawa-based singer and songwriter Mely Walide, a powerful new voice in Canadian R&B. We talk about the artists who inspire her, her experience in the FRMULA artist development program led by City Fidelia, and the creation of her 2024 single Would’ve Done It. Mely also opens up about going viral, the realities of navigating the music scene as an emerging artist, an...

In this episode, I sit down with the one and only Cupid, best known for the global hit Cupid Shuffle. We talk about his early beginnings with his group 5th Element, the energy of his live shows, and how his Louisiana roots continue to shape his sound and stage presence. Cupid breaks down the science behind creating a line dance song, the responsibility of keeping Casper’s legacy alive, fighting fo...

In this episode, I’m joined by Mahoney, a rising R&B artist who is repping The Bay. We get into the story behind her new single Bay Luv, her connection with KD The Poet, and what makes The Bay Area such a special place for music. She also shares who’s on her dream collaboration list and what’s next for her. Tap in to hear one of the West Coast’s freshest voices. Make sure to follow Mahoney on...

In this episode of the Total R&B Podcast, Loreena sits down with Detroit native and R&B singer-songwriter J. Brown. From his connection to Motown to his smooth R&B sound, J. Brown shares the journey that shaped him as an artist. We talk about his musical influences and what he wants his fans to take away from his latest project Just A Matter of Time. He also talks about the heartfelt s...

On this episode of Total R&B, I had the chance to chat with Atlanta-based artist Shamba. Born in New Jersey and raised in a musical household—with her mom being signed to So So Def and her dad a DJ—Shamba shares what it was like growing up surrounded by music and how that shaped who she is today. We get into her creative process, her latest project Always Be My Maybe, and what inspired her upc...

Total R&B is back this week with Mississippi native, R&B singer, songwriter, engineer, and producer, Girlfriend. In this episode, Girlfriend discusses her musical influences, her latest single "Obsessive", her collaborations with Maiya The Don and Bay Swag, and her journey of musical growth.   Make sure to follow Girlfriend on social media IG: @girlfriend.____ TikTok: @girlfriend.____   Li...

In this episode, Loreena chats with R&B artist Zenesoul about her 2024 project, Is it fun for you? Her JUNO nomination, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and the creative process behind her collaborations with artists like THEHONESTGUY and Omega Mighty. Zenesoul also talks about the upcoming Zeneroom series, her growing interest in acting and modeling, and what’s in store for 2026.   Make s...

On this episode of Total R&B, we're joined by singer-songwriter Akia, hailing from Arkansas! She talks about her latest single "DND", the inspirations behind her sound, and her upcoming EP 'Dumb'. Plus, we dive into what it means for her to be part of the final Dreamville Festival on April 6!   Make sure to follow Akia on social media IG: @whoisakia TikTok: @whoisakiax   X: @whoisakia   Listen...

Calgary R&B singer-songwriter Justine Tyrell joins the Total R&B Podcast to talk about her journey in music, from writing songs at just seven years old to becoming the CFL’s official Canadian national anthem singer for the Calgary Stampeders. She shares the story behind her Canadian Idol audition, and the inspiration for her latest single, Proud. Justine also opens up about navigating impo...

Vancouver Singer-songwriter Bukola is back on the Total R&B Podcast to talk about her latest project, The Confessions of an AntiSocial Butterfly. She shares her creative process, the inspiration behind the EP, and how it pays homage to the historic Black neighborhood Hogan's Alley. Bukola also opens up about her connection with CBC's Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe, Nardwuar, the Junos, and more.   Make...

In this episode of Total R&B, singer, songwriter, and label owner Artinka Teaira shares her journey in the music industry. She discusses the challenges and rewards, the lessons she has learned and her latest single, "Cloud 9."  

This week, Loreena spoke with DJ, author, entrepreneur, and music industry expert Amani Roberts to talk about his latest book, Quiet Storm: A Historical & Cultural Analysis of the Power, Passion, and Pain of R&B Groups. For decades, R&B groups like The Temptations, Boyz II Men, TLC, and Destiny’s Child ruled the charts—until the mid-2000s, when they suddenly disappeared. Amani breaks d...

In this episode of Total R&B, host Loreena sits down with Toronto’s multi-talented artist, Melo Griffith. Known for his versatility as a singer, rapper, actor, songwriter, and model, Melo takes us behind the scenes of his creative journey. He talks about his latest project, The Caves Have Wifi 2, connecting with collaborator Travis Thickle,and his upcoming single, Ready Yet. Beyond music, Melo...

On this episode of Total R&B, I sit down with Montreal singer-songwriter Choni G, who's gearing up to release her much-anticipated album Energy on September 7. Choni shares her journey of growing up in a musically gifted family, starting with her early days of singing in church and performing backup for her uncle's band. Choni gives us the inspiration behind Energy, her upcoming album release...

In episode 48 of the Total R&B podcast, we're joined by the talented BLUE WILL! 🎤✨ She dives into her musical influences, shares her experience with the legendary Honey Jam artist development program, and gives us a sneak peek of what to expect from her upcoming performance at the annual Honey Jam showcase. Plus, she reveals who would be in her ultimate dream group!   Make sure to follow BLU...

This week on Total R&B, Loreena chats with Toronto singer-songwriter Sofinari. Sofinari recounts her journey through the iconic Honey Jam artist development program, offering a glimpse into what to expect from this year's artist showcase on August 29. Sofinari also shares the inspiration behind her latest single, "Safe Space," which is now streaming everywhere and her favorite tracks from Cowb...

Total R&B is back this week with singer-songwriter from Kelowna, BC, Rebecca Sichon. I got to speak with Rebecca about how she made it into this year's Honey Jam cohort and what we can expect from the upcoming showcase happening on August 29 in Toronto as well as her latest single Right Here produced by renowned producer Earl Powell   Make sure to follow Rebecca Sichon on social media Facebook...

Another great episode of Total R&B is here! This week, I'm thrilled to have the incredibly talented Adrian Marcel as my guest. 🌟 Adrian Marcel, known for his smooth vocals and soulful sound, joins me to discuss his brand-new EP, RNBAY SZN (OUT NOW). In this episode, Adrian talks to me about the creative process behind his latest project and the inspirations that shaped its unique sound and th...

In this episode, we have the incredibly talented Phoenix Pagliacci! Fresh off the release of her latest album, Dichotomy, Phoenix joins us to share the creative process and collaborations from the album and discusses the challenges female emcees face in the Canadian music industry. She also shares her thoughts on what's missing in the Canadian music scene and so much more.   Make sure to follow Ph...

In the latest episode of Total R&B, Loreena chats with Toronto-based singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Puma June. Puma June shares her musical journey, from self-teaching herself piano to mastering Suzuki-trained violin skills, and discovering her identity as an artist to creating Puma June. We also delve into her creative process and the inspiration behind her latest sin...