Winsley Henri was born in Nassau, Bahamas on June 2, 1992. Winsley’s love for singing all started when he use to visit his aunt and uncle house that are both musically inclined. Being at their house he was able to pick up a new skill, which was being taught how to play the piano. This is where his love for music intensified. He proceeded in participating in church activities that involved singing. As a young child he kept his musical talent hidden from his parents until he was 15 years old. Into his early teens he paired up with his older brother and created some tracks, which serves as a pioneer into his musical realm. Music to him serves a very therapeutic purpose that was produced through the love of poetry and story telling. He recently dropped his single Ready, Set, Go and predicts that this single will illuminate across the sound charts.
What is your background? tell us where you grew up and some information about your upbringing/experiences as a youth: I was born in Nassau, Bahamas and raised in Miami, Fl. My love for music was transpired from my aunt and uncle who both introduce me to music and discovered my talent for singing. They taught me how to play the piano; I was only comfortable enough to showcase my talent amongst them. At that moment my parents weren’t aware of my talents until I was 15.
At what moment did you know that music was part of your life and what feelings did you have towards making an active impact with your music? At the moment I was 15 when my parents found out that I was singing. They wanted me to be a doctor and find something that was more educational base. But music was my passion and I can only see myself doing only that. Even when I try to consider their options when I went to school for psychology and business I still got re-routed back to music. When I started pursuing I was very nervous and I had to learn to build my confidence. So back in high school I did talent shows just so I can see how the crowd would react if they were feeling me. After that I know I was going to make it and it was doubted my confidence at all.
What artists inspired/influences you and if you could collaborate with any artist (alive or passed) who would it be and why? Chris Brown influences me because we do similar things he dance I dance he sings I sing he draws I draw and he doesn’t let boundaries limit his possibilities and he sure did went through a lot and still prevail against all odds. I was able to witness his musical growth and talents from his first record to now and that serves as motivation to always continue to work on your craft in order to grow as an artist. The main motto will always be remain humble and continue to learn from who you were yesterday. And Chris Brown truly has grown tremendously just by doing that.
What do you think about the current state of hip hop/mainstream music? I feel like it lacks creativity and it could be way better than what it is now. Back then there was this feeling for it the emotions that it produced. Old school had a more creative side to them as where old school feeds off of the latest trend. The sound hasn’t been developed enough so you can stand as an individual.
Currently, what projects do you have in the works that you are most excited about? The current project that I am most definitely excited about is showcasing my single Ready Set Go to the people. The song has a lot of potential and I get this feeling every time I listen to it that this song is going to make it big. I get crazy feedback on this record so I know for sure that people are going to rock with it. I think it is bringing back the way R and B use to be in the ways R.Kelly use to do it. My record paints a story to the listeners as a record should and it 2takes you to this whole complete fantasy. This record would most definitely stick due to the content of the lyrics being used as well.
What are your short term career goals within the next 6-10 months? My short-term goals are to have Ready Set Go consistently getting airtime on the radio in my area, Miami and to be known outside of my borough. I want to do more open mics so people are being introduced to Charmer Henri the artist.
What are your long term career goals within the next 2-5 years? My long-term career goal is to be planted firmly into the music industry. Developing a trusted team from here on out. I want to be able to expand myself and to expand my team for being there for me when I had nothing. I see my self being an influence to my community and instilling a brand that will forever be remembered. In this time frame I would love to see myself producing 3 mix tapes and an album working with awesome producers and artist from all around.
If you had one song out of the catalog you have created to show a person what song would it be and why? Of course I would have to go with Ready Set Go. That song is that new baby maker as if we still need any lol. I know for sure that by them listening to it just once that they would automatically start singing the hook. That is what makes the record stands out the most. That record alone would create a wave for my sort of musical creativity.
To the person who had never heard of you what is it about your music and story that you would tell them to entice them to be a supporter? When I was incarcerated I notice that I had hit rock bottom and for sure I knew once I get out I would change my whole progress around. I was going to push even harder musically and after four months of being out I was able to score an interview with nowhiphop. If that isn’t me pushing myself by any means necessary I don’t know what is. Coming from a Caribbean background I don’t have much support coming from my parents because chasing a music career is a hit or miss and to them it’s a direct miss. This is my chance to prove to them success can flourish out of my love for music.
If your music could be described in five words what would those five words be? Those five words are sex, finesse, unique, genuine, and raw.
What do you bring to the game that is unique and different? My lyricism is different and my beats aren’t samples of old school music. Each beat was crafted specifically for me and only me. Same way when you hear a fetty wap record the sound distinctively shows his sound perfectly baked for his esthetics.
To the aspiring artist who is considering a career as a musician what lessons or advice would you give them to inspire them or to uplift them in the journey? I would tell any body that is pursuing a career in music to never let criticism cause you to give up on your craft. Take that as a learning tool to improve your talent. Nothing will be perfect the first time around and you would have a lot of people over analyzing you and you can’t break. You have to use that critique and channel it into greatness because everyday is another day for growth.
What are your social media profiles and where can people purchase/download your music? My instagram: @officialcharmer, twitter: charmer_knows, facebook:Charmer H knows and soundcloud: soundcloud.com/charmer-henri.
What are your final words you would like to say to people that you have left out? Thanks to my producer for the studio sessions and the guidance. He has definitely pushed me to pass the imaginary limit I placed on myself. And to S.O.S that bought out my potential musically. As well as Hood for accepting me as family when my producer introduced me to him. Jimmy, who helped me with my confidence level by setting up mock performances. Edson, my older brother that introduced me to the studio atmosphere.
