Trenyce Cobbins - The World Is Very Good at Stealing Dreams and Telling You Who and What You’re Capable Of (American Singer & Actor)

American Singer and Actress

Instagram - @trenyce1

1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I grew up in Memphis, TN, where southern values were engrained, a connection with God went beyond a baptism, and rhythm and blues ran through the veins of all who was birthed in this soulful town. Music has always been an integral part of my upbringing. My parents met in a singing group and was later shopped to the STAXX record label , but my mother was too shy to take the deal.

Once she had me, and saw my natural migration to music and art, she decided to allow me to go as far as I could with my gift. I took part in every talent show, stage play, choir, and school program that I could, even winning many contests along the way. My final year in high school, I submitted myself for ACT-SO which was a nationwide talent contest judged by Jennifer Holiday and won 1st place.


2. When did you first decide you wanted to pursue music and how did you start?

Music has always been a staple in my upbringing. Because my parents were singers, we’d all clean up our home and sing. It was our way of bonding. While in kindergarten, my teacher wanted a student to lead the MLK program, singing a song she wrote. My music teacher and I bonded over music and she told my mother she felt I had a gift.

After a standing ovation and that overwhelming feeling of accomplishment, a little starlet was born inside of me. I loved that feeling!

I went to college on a full music scholarship but double majored in Nursing, but while in my finals for Microbiology, I called my mom to tell her that music was what I really wanted to pursue and she gave me 1yr. to do it. Less than 6 mos. later, I was auditioning for the biggest show on television at that time: American Idol. 

My life changed completely! 40million viewers voted each week and knew all of our names. I couldn’t believe the pandemonium! We were treated like rock stars. Touring was my favourite part of the experience. We travelled to 45 cities in 55 days, and I couldn’t have been happier. 

After the show I was approached to be the lead in a play. I hadn’t taken acting lessons, but quickly did, because I didn’t want to be viewed as one of THOSE artists, who just accepted everything without respecting the craft. I eventually went on to star in a lot of Broadway and West End musicals, was nominated for a Grammy, and filled up passports while traveling the world doing what I love.


3. Who is your favourite artist and why?

Whitney Houston has always been the artist that I connected with the most. It was the way she commanded a stage with her voice. It was the honesty in her delivery and you can’t forget her tone. Her tone was and is, unmatched. 

Without force, or over singing she could make you cry, or give you goose-bumps by standing still and just delivering! I wanted to do that. I wanted to be that. I was that…I realized that I’d locked into someone who reflected what I was, and I studied her control of notes. I studied how she was able to tell the story. 

She was my master class in music, and from mastering her songs, the nickname “Little Whitney” was born. From junior high until college everyone called me “little whitney” and always wanted me to sing her songs for shows, weddings, programs, etc.


4. Can you throw some light on opportunities one gets as a singer?

Opportunities are vast. As a performer, we are approached to act, host, lead, teach etc…it’s endless, and I love that, because I think we are given a host of gifts; not just one. 

One will unlock the others, but if harnessed properly, this business of entertainment can allow you to cast your net far and wide, with many positive financial outcomes.


5. Tell us about your acting journey.

I was singing at Sheryl Lee Ralph’s “Divas Simply Singing” event that raises money for those living with AIDS, and a producer approached me to be the lead in her musical “Not A Day Goes By”. I told her I wasn’t a singer and that she’d approached the wrong person, as I laughed it off and went on my way, but she followed. She insisted that I take the script home and then decide, and I did. 

It was divine timing because the character she wanted me to play just so happen to come from the author of a book I’d read in high school. E Lynn Harris was his name. My mother and I loved his books and loved the characters as well. I immediately called her and told her the irony in the role, and my acting career was born. 

I have to be honest, my acting was not the greatest in the beginning, it was something I had to work on because I was just thrust into it, but I got the acting bug and took it very seriously. I decided that it was something else I wanted to pursue, and I went to class, got coached and built my team. 

It was work but I wanted it, and I’m still in love with everything that acting gives you as an artist, because it all goes together. You learn to get out of your way. You learn to sharpen your skills, and deliver vulnerably.


6. What piece of advice would you like to give to future and aspiring artists?

Remain humble, know who you are and what you want unapologetically, because the world is very good at stealing dreams and telling you who and what you’re capable of. Study! Always. The best thing I did was continue to reinvent myself. As an artist, you should never get comfortable. 

We must always be open to new ideas, new ways, and the hunger that you had in the beginning should still be there. Feed it. Nurture it. Also, know when to rest. Mentally, spiritually, physically, we have nothing to give if we don’t recharge. In the beginning, it’s hard because you are on a roll and in direct competition with other great people, but please pay attention to your overall health. 

Also, be cognizant of your circle. Who’s genuine? That will either hinder or help you in the long run. Also, KEEP GOING. There’s no timeline or rulebook for when or how your turn will come. You have to want to do this when you are NOT recognized, making money, or picked. It must call you and you MUST answer each time, because a 9-5 job is NOT in your DNA.

Never give up on you!


7. Which is your favourite book and why?

My favourite book currently is the autobiography of the late, Cecily Tyson. As a student of life and entertainment, I feel we find our answers in our elders. We must listen. We must be a sponge. So right now, I’m soaking up soooo many gems reading JUST AS I AM.

8. What are you currently doing and what are your upcoming projects?

The only thing I want to sell right now is my ART OF PERFORMING acting and vocal virtual classes for ages 5 and up. I’m proud of my students, because I can see the light in their eyes, and I get such pleasure out of steering them to their greatness. Someone did it for me…LOTS did, and it’s my pleasure to share what I’ve learned, but also allow them to become. I’m auditioning, recording, and teaching all at once and my life feels full!

So anyone who’s interested, no matter what continent, city or town, all I ask is that you bring your truth and let’s work on getting you where you want to be. Sign up on my website www.alltrenyce.com

A lot of coaches coach each student the exact same. Aside from the initial warm up, I interview the student, ask them where they see themselves and what they wish to accomplish and we work on that weekly. It’s like I’m a vocal/acting and life coach honestly. There’s no way you’ll leave me having not learned a little more about yourself.


9. What shows/movies would be like to recommend?

At the moment: Bridgerton, Money Heist, Your Honor, Judas and The Black Messiah, Cobra Kai, Firefly Lane, The Sinner, The Haunting of Hill House, Black Mirror, White Tiger, Ma Rainey, and The Hundred Foot Journey…as you can see my taste is eclectic! Lol But you’ll enjoy them all differently.

- Interviewed by - Sandeep Virothu 

Instagram @sandeepvirothu