Summer recently lit up the stage at MEFeater’s Fashion Girl Summit, where she celebrated the vibrant diversity of her audience. Inspired by icons like Diana Ross and Pam Grier, she infuses retro fashion into her style, often collaborating with black women-owned brands.
Her music reflects themes of empowerment and individuality, using real, live instruments to create an authentic sound rooted in jazz, blues, and gospel. With “ROGUE”, Summer aims to tell stories about women that go beyond traditional relationship themes.
As she prepares to take her music across the country, we took the chance to talk to her about her career, her style, and her participation in MEFeater’s Fashion Girl Summit.
How did it feel to perform at MEFeater’s Fashion Girl Summit, and what was the most memorable moment for you during that experience?
It was fantastic! I loved the stage and the audience. It was amazing to look out into the audience and see so many beautiful garments, skin tones, and hairstyles. Performing for the “It girls” was everything.
As an artist, there’s definitely an overlap between the worlds of music and fashion. Who has inspired the way you style yourself?
I always mention Diana Ross when I go to my stylist. I love the disco era with all the glitter. I love that amazing orange unitard she wore at the rainy concert in Central Park. The wind was blowing, and she was just so glittery. I love that! Donyale Luna, the first black supermodel, also had a fantastic style from which I’ve drawn inspiration. Pam Grier is another one. She and I have similar shapes. I love how she was styled in her prime with her huge hair. I love black women in the 70s, and I love black women in the 80s. I love black women in the 90s; I love retro clothing. It’s always better. The colors were brighter. The tailoring was amazing.
Who are some of your favorite designers or brands right now?
I’m really into black women-owned brands. I love Maui by Lolita, Sai by Sai, and Sergio Hudson. I am obsessed with well-tailored garments with that melanated touch.
Let’s dive deeper into your music: Your songs often reflect themes of power and independence. Why do you gravitate to these vibes?
I grew up in a lot of disciplined environments. I was one of the only black girls on my gymnastics team. I went to a science and tech high school where I had to test in to attend. And I grew up in church. So there was lots of structure, rules, and following the crowd. It has always been difficult for me to follow. I’ve always been so different, but that doesn’t mean I’m bad; being independent and different and your own person isn’t bad. Not everything is for everybody, and learning that has allowed me to love myself and others more. I definitely still have discipline, but I allow myself space to be an individual who makes her own decisions and takes her time.
You’ve mentioned bringing back the essentials to R&B. What do you believe are the core elements of R&B that you aim to highlight in your music?
When I say I’m bringing back the essentials to R&B, I mean I love using actual instruments in my songs. I love the way the guitar sounds. I love strings. I love KeyS. I love the bass guitar. I love hard-hitting drum patterns. I love to use elements of actual instruments and record my vocals without the autotune on. I like to let them melodyne my voice. That keeps my voice more authentic, which I trained to do. I use lots of jazz, blues, and gospel elements. It’s black history, but it’s modern. It’s global, but it’s what you heard in your backyard growing up
“Everything” was your breakout single. How did the success of that song change your approach to music and your career?
I got hungry for more chart-toppers and more success. I wanted more people to hear my music, so I’ve worked hard to create the right sound that everybody will love. However, along the way, I forgot that what was most essential was that it had to be authentic to me. So now, the music you’re about to experience is authentic to who I am. The stories are stories about women who aren’t centering men. You know, they might love men, they might love someone, but every song doesn’t have to be about that. I’m excited you have some excellent stories over unique chord progressions.
With “Pink Lotus” gaining significant traction on YouTube, how do you feel about the response from your fans and the industry?
I am so glad people love this song. It’s such a fantastic song to me. I love how it was written, how playful it is, and how Reggae elements are added to it. I’m glad people like it because I loved it the first time I heard it, and it sounds like my heritage sounds like me, so that excites me. The reggae remix is my favorite. It sounds like my Jamaican and Caribbean heritage, and I love that.
Your forthcoming EP, “ROGUE,” will be released in January 2025. What themes or concepts can we expect from this project?
This project is about stories about women who don’t center relationships and who don’t center their sexual experiences. They’re just stories about women, and it’s music that you can listen to in the car, while showering, and at a party. There’s a song for every mood, and there are all kinds of genres of music in there, too. I’m really deep into my bag with all the different vocal styles I’ve learned over the years, and I love how it turned out.
Aside from the EP, what’s up next for Summer Dennis?
I’m thrilled about what’s next for me. I’m ready to take my music to every stage possible. That’s where I truly belong! So get ready, because Summer Dennis is coming to a city near you.