“Yes, I am the crackhead from House of Payne,” the powerhouse singer, Demetria McKinney jokingly said during her opening act at the Apollo Theater on December 13. We all learned quickly that she is nothing like the character she plays (”Janine”) on the TBS comedy series, though she did promise to return in 2018.
I walked into Demetria’s dressing room to meet the star before she opened for Fantasia’s holiday tour, “Christmas After Midnight.” Demetria was playing songs we all like to jam to—anywhere from gospel, to Whitney Houston, to Tank’s “When We.” It is customary for Demetria to prepare for shows in this way, revealing her personality through her catchy dance moves. “I love to sing songs in the voice of other artists! A Mariah Carey song in the voice of Taylor Dane [laughter]. I just love to be silly and stretch my capabilities,” she says.
She was adding some finishing touches before hitting the historical stage in her purple, flirty onesie that complimented her natural hair. “I'm low-key a hairstylist,” she says, “I love natural hair and all that comes with it.”
When deadlines are soon approaching, who do you listen to for inspiration and how do you get the creative juices to flow sometimes against your will?
Demetria McKinney: When deadlines approach and I'm blocked for ideas, I literally turn it all off. Music is its own language and it can be a bit too talkative if I'm already overwhelmed [laughter]. I know how music sways and predicts my mood, so sitting still and quiet is just as important as listening.
What have you learned about performing that has been your biggest lesson and what were you surprised to learn about yourself throughout the tour?
Demetria McKinney: The biggest thing I've learned about performing is that I have to believe in myself. I used to be so very shy and worried about perfection. While I am still super nervous every time I step up to perform, I understand that it's that way because it matters to me, not because I think I can’t do it. I understand that beyond the lights, the wardrobe, the dancers, the set, is me. And if none of that stuff is available, I can still carry on.
Demetria recently played Whitney Houston in the TV One film Bobbi Kristina.
Tell us about the process of playing such an icon. How did you prepare? What led you to the role? How did you know it was just right for you?
Demetria McKinney: The Bobbi Kristina biopic was such a big blessing for me. I've always wanted to portray Ms. Houston, even before we lost her. She birthed my desire to sing and has been unknowingly lifting me up with every note. I've dealt with molestation, and homelessness, and abuse, and found that in preparation, in a true effort to show what this iconic human being may have been feeling, I had to go to those vulnerable places in my own life. Those places no one wants to be but we, or someone we love, has been to. The bigger part of preparation was acknowledging the reality that I was never going to be prepared. I studied as much as I could. I watched and listened, but at the end of the day I had to understand that I am not her; I changed the goal. The new goal was to just give the essence of her. Once I did that, I felt more comfortable in taking on such a huge responsibility. Every piece of me was scared, but I truly felt her with me letting me know when I missed the mark completely. Thank you, Nippy.
How has Whitney Houston impacted your musical career and your album?
Demetria McKinney: All that being said, Whitney is the reason this album is out. I give kudos where they are due. I am very thankful for the label. I am thankful for my son, I am thankful for my team, but without God and without Whitney Houston, I don't know that I ever would have pursued this album. That is why I had to do a tribute to her by way of adding "You Give Good Love" to the album.
The holiday tour show included Demetria’s cover (Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Beyonce, etc.), and some hits from her newly released debut album, Officially Yours. Her comedic timing is refreshing and light and pairs greatly with her journey and musical talent.
Can you share the differences of your relationship with music and your relationship with acting? What stayed the same?
Demetria McKinney: My relationship with music kind of began when I did [laughter]. I was raised in church, sang in and led the choirs, and again found Whitney Houston. So music has been a part of everything from my faith to my future from the beginning and that has never changed. Acting was a discovered love. You know, like the friend you've known for 8 years, but just realized you're in love with! It's a newer love, very passionate, but it can never take music's place.
Tell us about the story behind these tracks. What inspired this collection and what do you hope listeners will gain?
Demetria McKinney: Officially Yours is the most transparent I can be with the listener. It's a combination of my vulnerability, love, loss, power, and my decision to take ownership of it all. That's what I'm hoping the listener gets from this album. They figure out where they are in their life according to which song they gravitate towards the most and they take ownership so that they can move to the next chapter of their story.
Demetria was nominated for ‘Outstanding New Artist’ for the 49th Annual NAACP Image Awards, which will air on January 15, 2018.
To purchase the album, click here.