Actress, model, singer and Chicago-area native Rhona Bennett began her career as a Mouseketeer in the early ’90s on Disney Channel’s “The New Mickey Mouse Club.” During her four years on the show, she shared the stage with future movie (Keri Russell, Ryan Gosling) and pop stars (Brittney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake), but would soon strike out on her own with a string of appearances on shows such as “Martin” and “Living Single” before landing the role of “Nicole” on “The Jamie Foxx Show.”
In 2001, she signed a record deal with Rodney “Dark Child” Jerkins’ Sony Music distributed label and released her debut album, Rhona, which spawned a #1 dance hit. The opportunity of a lifetime presented itself in 2003, when Bennett joined legendary R&B group En Vogue, of which she remains a member.
Rolling out recently caught up with Bennett to get the scoop on some of the projects she’s working on outside of the group, including her forthcoming new EP, R&B Gumbo.
Tell us about your new single, “Take Me There.”
When I finally received the inspiration to make music from me again, I didn’t want the process to get too overwhelming by thinking about what was hot in pop culture at the moment, or how the record would get on the radio. I just decided to make music that feels good, and “Take Me There” is just that. It’s an up-tempo love song that talks about going to a sacred and special place between two lovers. It implies a place of mental, spiritual and physical connection like none other, and I’ve gotten a lot of great feedback about it. I’m proud of my efforts to follow through, and I’m so glad that the song is making such an impact.
What can fans expect from your forthcoming EP, R&B Gumbo?
In a nutshell: R&B Gumbo is a mini-fusion of music genres. I’ve got flavors of R&B, Soul, EDM/Pop, Hip-Hop undertones, and even blues on the tracks. I gave myself creative freedom with this EP. It has allowed me to stretch into the next phase of my artistry.
In addition to the music, you also have an on-going mini-book series, with the latest, Beyond The Fear, being recently released. Tell us about it.
Yes, this is a part of what I like to call, my heart work. I’ve written books, blogs and hosted a radio show (Perspective’s Corner) that endeavor to help us all live more fulfilled lives. I dealt with my own cancer scare in 2014 with the discovery of a Melanoma cancerous mole on my abdomen. In addition to that, my father was diagnosed with Mesothelioma cancer earlier that year. It was a very trying time for my family, and I wanted to write a book that supported people in facing the pain, the fear, the uncertainty… and even the resilience, in the midst of adversity and illness. It’s one of my most potent and powerful books published yet.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to young musicians?
To do the best you can to stay connected to your passion. Don’t let the business of entertainment, or people’s opinions, get in the way of your creativity. I know that we, as musicians, may have to fulfill certain requests when it comes to the use of our talent, but remember to keep a sacred place for your own creativity to show up in its natural, organic and feel good way, to you.
What is your creative process like?
This process changes for me. For example, I may get a great melody idea for a song first, but no lyrics. Or, I may have a concept with lyrical content in my mind, but have the challenge of creating/finding the music to compliment it. It’s the same with most of my creativity. The inspiration can from many sources at any time. I just try to go with the flow.
Any favorite quotes or affirmations?
Overall, I do what I can to keep an attitude of gratitude but the following are a few of my favorites:
“Do until you demonstrate.” – Ernest Holmes
“Don’t wish it was easier, wish you were better. Don’t wish for less problems, wish for more skills. Don’t wish for less challenge, wish for more wisdom.” – Jim Rohn
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing, that’s why we recommend it daily.” Zig Ziglar
What’s next for Rhona Bennett?
I will keep sharing ‘Take Me There’ along with the rest of R&B Gumbo. I’m also working on my 6th book at the moment. And, I will continue working with the legendary Funky Divas ‘En Vogue’, as we have an album coming out this year.
For more information on Rhona Bennett, please visit her at www.rhonabennett.com or follow her on Instagram: officialmissrnb or Twitter: MissRNb
