“I love live instrumentation because it brings the music to life in a different way.”
Face is a Chicago-based R&B singer and songwriter recognized for her lush, soulful sound and intentional songwriting. Blending warm melodies with live instrumentation, she continues to carve out a distinct lane in the city’s music scene. Following the success of her EP Paragon, Face headlined Schubas Tavern and later released All In Your Mind, leading into her sold-out, self-curated headlining show at Epiphany Hall’s Center of Arts, further establishing herself as one of Chicago’s rising R&B voices.
Q: Chicago has a sound like nowhere else. How do you feel the city has shaped you as an artist?
Face: I think it’s inevitable. When you’re from a city that has birthed entire genres of music, you’re surrounded by some of the most creative people.
A lot of people in Chicago are connected to OGs who were part of creating those sounds. The music here blends so many influences like gospel, soul, hip-hop, and everything in between.
Being raised in church and being from Chicago definitely shaped me as an artist.
Q: Was there ever a moment you almost walked away from music? If so, what kept you going?
Face: There was a time where I stepped away. Professionally, I haven’t been doing music for that long; I’ve only really done it independently since 2022.
Before that, I was working with my dad and didn’t have as much creative control because I was younger. There were certain things I couldn’t say or create the way I wanted to.
I also didn’t fully understand the music business, so when opportunities came up, I thought we had to accept everything. My dad was more strategic and understood when things didn’t make sense.
That’s when I pulled back and started creating on my own. Once I became independent and had my own voice, I haven’t had a moment where I wanted to quit because music is therapy for me. Even if nobody was listening, I’d still create.
Q: What was the process of creating your last project?
Face: Every project I create has a different process. Sometimes I get the title first, sometimes I find the first song.
For this one, I didn’t find the opening track until later in the process. I had a song called “All In Your Mind” and knew that was going to be the lead single.
I also got booked for my first headline show, and I had to curate the project around that opportunity. Some songs were cut, but I wanted everything to be in the best condition possible.
That’s how All In Your Mind came together.
Q: Which visual you have created hits different every time you watch it back and why?
Face: I don’t have any music videos yet, but I have my live performance series.
The ones that stand out are “Love You Still,” “Journal Entry 4,” and my cover of “Get You.”
Those performances mean a lot because they document my growth, my vocals, my confidence, and my ability to perform.
The “Get You” performance especially connected with people because the band created a different arrangement with a reggae feel on the last hook.
I love live instrumentation because it brings the music to life in a different way.
Q: If someone had never heard your music before, what is the first song you would play them and why?
Face: Probably “Love You Still.”
All my songs have a story and a specific experience behind them, but that one translated the most to people.
The emotion and the subject matter connected with listeners, and I’m really proud of that song.
Q: What is the one thing you know you still need to level up on as an artist?
Face: Performing.
The vocals are there, but I want to feel it more. I’m not someone who can pretend. I want everything to be authentic.
I’m more of a jam-session type of artist because I love live instrumentation. I want to build with a band and create that experience where the audience feels like they’re part of the creative process.
Q: Are you seeking to secure a record deal or do you want to remain independent?
Face: Right now, being independent makes sense.
Long-term, I can see independence still making sense because there’s more I want to do beyond music. I want to stay in control of my creativity, what I represent, and how I give back.
If something comes along that truly makes sense, then it makes sense.
Q: Who in Chicago do you think is slept on right now and deserves more flowers?
Face: Nombre Kari.
He’s a producer, rapper, singer, and songwriter. I worked with him on a hook and it was an amazing experience.
His music reminds me of Prince because he creates everything from scratch. He’s incredibly talented.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the future?
Face: I see myself heavily involved in philanthropy and touring.
I want to continue building my career while also making an impact outside of music.
Q: Give us something exclusive that nobody really knows about you.
Face: Everybody wonders where the name “Face” comes from.
When I was a baby, before I was one, whenever I was hungry and someone held me close, I would lean up and suck their cheek. My original nickname was “Sucky Face,” but as I got older that obviously didn’t work anymore.
My aunt changed it to Face, and that became my family name.
Q: What never fails to put a smile on your face no matter what?
Face: Music.
Earlier this year, my friend passed away, and I had a show I was already committed to. I was going through it emotionally and didn’t even feel like myself.
During rehearsal, the guitarist started playing and I started singing, and that feeling came over me. The smile that came back showed me exactly why I do this.
Music has always been that thing that lifts me up and reminds me of my purpose.
