~~debbydo~~
Joined: 18 Jul 2005
Posts: 19813
Location: Hertfordshire
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| Tell a Friend Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2006 8:59 pm Post subject: An interview with She. |
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An interview with She.
She is an up and coming unsigned artist in America, with her first album nearing completion.
Thank you She for doing this interview for us on UKEvents.net.
we wish you all the best for the future and hope to hear more of you.
And good luck with your Album She.
Firstly tell us where you are from?
"I am the oldest of two, and have a younger brother. I was born in San Francisco, but was raised in the suburbs of Southern California. I currently reside in Los Angeles County.
How old was you when you first started singing?
I started sangin' at the age of 12. I received my vocal training from the Berklee College of Music, and Cal State Los Angeles. I started out doing musical theatre, TV & film, and did various studio session projects.
Where have you Performed?
Most of my background is in live performance. That is also what I enjoy the most, being on stage. I've sung in venues as diverse as The Hollywood Palladium, Roxy, Mayan Theater, to the African Arts Festival (all in Los Angeles). Touring with Top 40 bands has brought me to exiting places like Las Vegas, Canada, and as far as Helsinki Finland.
How would you describe your singing?
I would classify my vocal style as "sangin', not just singing! Woo!
How do you think the album she is going?
The album is coming along very well, I'm very happy with it. It's my first independent solo release. My producer Armand and I are still in the studio working on the last three tracks. What I've found is that our creative relationship grows with each track, and each time around, the material gets closer to what I wanted it to sound like in my own imagination.
Do you have other people working on the album with you and Armand?
We've had the great fortune to also hook with Fran Cathcart of East Side Sound in NYC who has done all the mixing on the EP, and along with Armand and myself, shared in the creative realm of production. So, many times, what we start out with, totally transforms into what becomes the final mix. I am also sure, by the time the full length is released; we will be doing a remix surprise here and there.
What's it like working in the studio?
When it comes to working in the studio, we usually demo up the songs first, and then see where to take it.
In the case of "This Could Be (Our Moment)", I was hearing a lot more in my head regarding the energy and arrangements, and sought out some of my very talented session players I work with, organized rehearsals, and we cut that track exclusively live in a N. Hollywood studio, adding horns, guitar licks, background vocalists etc. When we did the final mix-down, I was hearing that kind of "Brand New Heavies" groove I had envisioned from the get go. That input is what makes it happen.
How did you meet Armand?
I am really looking forward to completing the CD, and sharing with the world the positive link between Armand and I as an Artist/Songwriter team. We started production a little over a year ago. We actually approached each other, based on my Sonic Bids profile. He played me some of his material, shared his vision for the project, and I explained where I wanted to go with my solo career, and gradually, over time and a lot of hard work, have come to complete each others craft. "Look At That Boy" was the first track I did, and it went from there.
As he got to know me more, he wrote material that was specific to the sound, message, and overall feeling of who I am. "Look At That Boy" is a great example of a transformation. By the time it was mixed in NY, it was stripped down to a gritty, groove. That song also has potential to cross genres with the right remix.
When do you hope to release the new album?
I anticipate release of my full-length album simply titled "SHE" in Spring of '06. We've gotten a lot of great response so far, especially over in the UK and Europe. Avenues like My Space, and self-promotion are keeping it going strong.
Who in the music world influence you when you where growing up?
My current influences are all from within, but I do admire the work of Adriana Evans and Jaguar Wright. Growing up, my influences were Teena Marie and Chaka Chan. Those singers from back in the day had the chops, stage presence, and a strong artist identity. I admire that. I listen to a lot of music across the board, but mostly R&B, Neo-Soul, and Hip Hop.
Do you write any of your own lyrics?
Yes, I am a songwriter also, and a lyricist. On this particular project I am singing songs written by Armand, then fine tuning them and interpreting them to "SHE's" style, phrasing and utilizing my 5-octave range. I did my own vocal arranging, and created most of the background vocals.
What's it like being independent?
Being an "independent" in music is still a little new for me. I just recently put my career and music into my own hands. I like having the creative control, and the time to develop the project to it's fullest, without the pressure from the label. The industry is changing so rapidly these days, technology has become so intertwined with the business, it is going to be very interesting to see where it all leads. I am just glad to be able to do my thing, the way I want. I've got a sound that is unique, and it will have to find it's own niche.
Are you thinking about a tour of the Uk?
I have not had the opportunity to tour Europe; I have only had short stays in a few over seas countries when touring with a top 40 band. What I like about the UK, and Europe and Japan is their willingness to break new artists. Things here in US follow strict formats, and although we have such great musical talent emerging, many of our up and coming artists end up known first on your shores, later to be discovered by us. I look forward to getting over to the UK as soon as we drop the CD this Spring, and get our personnel together to tour overseas. It will be exciting to put together the show. I prefer performing live, and I give 100% onstage.
What do you like to do when you are not singing?
Outside of singing and performing, I like to go to live music performances. Los Angeles is a fantastic, vibrant music city. On any given night, there is always a show worth checkin' out. We've got dozens of venues, indoor and out, so working and being part of this vast network of talent makes it a very dynamic place to be. I am sure that the "CaliSoul" reputation will be even further propelled with the release of my CD.
What do you think of the music industry at the moment?
I think the music industry is at a cross roads and is in the midst of great change right now due to technological advances like pod-casts, itunes, mp3's, file sharing and the power of independent presence. I am excited by this turn-around in music and feel that I can better shine in this new music forum. I believe that I fit right on top of what's happening right now!
Who would you like to do a duet with?
As far as collaboration, I would love to sing a duet with Maxwell.
What are your dreams for the future?
My dreams for the future include receiving a Grammy!!!
Thank you once again and all the best in the future.
Deb'sxxxx 5/2/06 |
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