Vocalo Radio Saneit’s Sound Renews The Spirit
Written by Vocalo Radio on January 23, 2023
Chicago singer-songwriter Saneit virtually sat down with Vocalo to delve into how her love for music led to founding a PR agency, how hair braiding has opened doors for her and about new music on the way from her.
Hailing from the west side of Chicago, Saneit has blazed a path for herself as a music artist, a PR executive and so much more over the span of her career. Since her childhood, Saneit has been taking notes from music icons like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Lauryn Hill. Now, the R&B singer-songwriter is passionate about making her music flawless, and her single “Nothing Like Them,” featured in Vocalo’s January “In Rotation” playlist, is a prime example of her vocal control and powerful messages.
“This song came from a loving moment,” Saneit shared. “Experiencing reciprocated love is unmatched. But it had to be known I’m not anything to play with.”
After graduating from Howard University, she became dedicated to blending her love for music and business and she founded her own PR agency, Thirteen Eleven. The company allows her to foster a creative community and provide other artists the resources needed to succeed.
“My businesses and my music go hand in hand,” Saneit expressed. “I am starting something fresh and ready to renew our spirits.”
Saneit also discussed dealing with perfectionism, the meaning behind her artist name, a new EP releasing this year and her hair braiding work, which was recently showcased as a part of Missy Elliot’s look at the American Music Awards.
What side of the city are you from? How do you think that influences your music, if at all?
I’m from the West Side. I don’t think just my side of town influenced my music because I spent time in various parts of the city. I went to school on the North Side most of my life and my adolescent years on the East Side. It definitely made me dream big and want more for myself than what I was seeing in my community.
Who are some musical icons that inspired you to make music? What about them inspired you?
Musical icons that inspired me are Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, Monica, Brandy, Missy Elliot, and the list goes on. I love how their personalities shine through their music and they own their voices. I always listen to them for inspiration.
When you are creating your music, when can you tell that it’s good?
When I’m creating music I can tell it’s good when I get really excited. I start seeing ideas in my head on how to market it and what the video would look like.
Where did your artist name come from?
My artist name is my birth name. It means blessings of peace.
Are you more proud of finishing a song and releasing it, or by being added to a listener’s personal playlist? Why?
I am so proud about that. I love being recognized by others without force. It feels great to know that other people add me to their playlists.
Tell us about your song “Nothing Like Them,” featured in Vocalo’s January “In Rotation” playlist. How did it come to be?
This song came from a loving moment. Experiencing reciprocated love is unmatched. But it had to be known I’m not anything to play with.
What was the most difficult part of making the song? Why?
The most difficult part is just singing over and over again until I get it right. I’m kind of a perfectionist when it comes to recording.
You also have your own company, Thirteen Eleven PR. What drove you to create your own PR company?
My PR company has always been a goal of mine. I received my bachelor’s degree in public relations and graphic design from Howard University. While in school I was inspired to start a company, but I didn’t know when. Thirteen Eleven is the date of my late brother Brandon’s birthday.
What opportunities are you most excited about with the new company? How do you hope to use it to impact the Chicago music scene as a whole?
I am super excited to use my resources to connect with more artists in the Chicago music scene. I am starting something fresh and ready to renew our spirits. You all can expect events starting in the third quarter.
You are also a hair braider, and you were [on the team that] braided Missy Elliott’s hair for the American Music Awards. How did you get that opportunity? Did she share with you any wisdom about making music, and if so, can you share with us an example?
While being in LA I also assisted a celebrity braider, Kia Harper. She led me to the opportunity. I can’t go into detail about this experience, but I will say that Missy Elliot is beautiful inside and out. Being in her presence was enough for me.
As a business owner and music artist, what keeps you motivated to keep pursuing both your careers?
My businesses and my music go hand in hand. Yes, I am an artist and that is my priority, but doing hair and makeup has opened so many doors for me. I always meet the right people at the right time. My gifts are making room for me and keeping my bills paid.
If you could give a piece of advice to a younger you, what would it be and why?
Advice I would give younger me would be to not share too much. People don’t need to know everything. This keeps people from getting in your head about your dreams.
What are you working on creatively now? Any new projects?
Right now I am working on an EP. I want it to be flawless so I don’t have a release date yet. It’s coming this year though, for sure!
Follow Saneit on Twitter and Instagram, and stream her music on Spotify below.
Interview and written introduction by Joshua X. Miller
Edited for length and clarity by Morgan Ciocca
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