When you think of R&B music, artists such as Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown, Rihanna, Keyshia Cole, and Alicia Keys comes to mind. 21-year-old Australian R&B sensation Vanessa Elisha wants to have the same recognition and success as the artists I've mentioned. She has created her own lane by taking the blogosphere by storm with her single “Blur” and her latest video “Home To Me”. Vanessa constantly stays on her grind as she is putting the finishing touches on her debut EP. Solo vibes kicks it with the talented and lovely Vanessa Elisha as we discuss her well deserved buzz on the internet, her producer Jrdn Genius and what she has in store for us in the future.
SVM: Who were your musical influences growing up and how did it play a role on your music?
Vanessa Elisha: I have so many! From home videos of me at 2 years old singing Michael Jackson, my obsession with Lauryn Hill in Sister Act 2, to Stevie Wonder, Monica, Jon B, Donnell Jones, Keke Wyatt…that real 90s vibe. All of these artists definitely shaped who I am as a writer and singer today.
SVM: You are making some noise on the web with “Blur” and the newly released single “Home To Me”. How does it feel to receive so much positive feedback from your fans?
Vanessa Elisha: It feels unreal. I had no idea that this would happen, I definitely didn’t expect it. The fact that I’m in people’s i-pods and they’re jamming along and singing along to my music still doesn’t feel like reality!! It’s the most exciting feeling!
SVM: Multi platinum producer Jermaine Dupri is also showing a lot of love to your new video on his Global 14 website. This just shows that the streets are paying attention to your music. How does it feel to have someone like JD giving you props?
Vanessa Elisha: When JD first messaged me on Global14 the first reaction was to refresh the page to make sure I wasn’t tripping out!! Then after I realized it was real, I of course ran around the house like OH MY GOD JERMAINE DUPRI JUST MESSAGED ME! Hahaha…. I played it cool to JD though lol! It was seriously unexpected…it makes me want to work harder. The fact that someone I respect so much even had the time to listen was shocking! Then he decided to share it and I couldn’t believe my eyes.
SVM: Can you explain the concept behind the song “Home To Me”?
Vanessa Elisha: I think the song is definitely something almost everyone can relate to. It’s basically about a girl so in love with her boyfriend, but he’s changed and she doesn’t like the person he’s become. It’s that yearning to go back to the feeling when you’re brand new to a relationship… butterflies and all.
SVM: Okay it’s time to flip the script. What would it take for a man to convince you to come home to him? (laughs)
Vanessa Elisha: WOW!!! Hahaha...let’s just say, it ain’t easy!!!
SVM: You are putting together the finishing touches on your new EP. Have you come up with a title and how many songs can we expect on this project? Also, do you have any guest appearances and producers on there?
Vanessa Elisha: The title of the EP has finally been decided on! :) It’s simple but I think it will reflect the EP quite well. We’re looking to get out around 5 or 6 songs just depending on the final cut! No guest appearances as of yet, we’ve thought about it, and decided against it. It’s my first EP so I want it to really reflect me and my writing. I have a lot of collaborations in works though on different projects :)
SVM: Jrdn Genius is one of those producers that have a great ear for music and I can tell the both of you feed off of each other. How did you hookup with Jrdn Gxnius?
Vanessa Elisha: Yeah he definitely does! We met through a mutual friend. It was me, CVIRO and my manager Matt, Gxnius came over barely introduced himself, sat at the keyboard and started playing! We were all looking at each other like, “where did this kid come from!” Haha. We instantly clicked, we have a mutual understanding for what we want so it was the perfect fit!
SVM: Who are you checking for that is hot right now?
Vanessa Elisha: I’m actually still obsessing over Jojo’s Agape EP… the songs are crazy! I’m definitely waiting on new the Drake and Jhene Aiko songs!!! They have to be my 3 favorite artists right now! I can’t wait to hear more!
SVM: If the opportunity presents itself, would you be interested in signing with a major label or stay within the independent route?
Vanessa Elisha: Never say never right? Lol I think if the right label comes along and the music fits, that we might take that opportunity!! It really just depends on the circumstances. Being indie is hard work! So, we’ll see what happens :)
SVM: Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye made a studio album together back in the day. If you had the opportunity to record a duet album with someone, who would it be?
Vanessa Elisha: It would have to be Drake. Yeah, I love him I’m gonna put it out there!! Haha In all seriousness, I never obsess over an artist just their music and I feel like our styles would mesh perfectly. He’s got that airy, melodic feel that I love.
SVM: Who else in Australia should the public be looking out for in the future?
Vanessa Elisha: Definitely be on the look out for CVIRO’s EP “Elevation”. It should be out in the next couple of months and I can tell you, the music is fireeee!!! Haha I also co-wrote most of the EP ;) (So not bias or anything)
SVM: Are there any plans for you to come to the states and perform? I would love to see you come rock a show in my hometown New York City.
Vanessa Elisha: It’s definitely in the future plans!! Right now I’m trying to get my music out there, get noticed and hopefully pick up a few fans along the way! That’s my main focus. Hopefully within the next 6 months to a year I’ll be hitting up New York and LA!!
SVM: What do you like to do outside of the music scene?
Vanessa Elisha: Just the ordinary things I guess! I love movies, going out with my friends and hanging out with the family! I’m quite boring, aren’t I? lol!
SVM: It was a great pleasure interviewing you. Do you have anything to say to your fans and how can they connect with you?
Vanessa Elisha: Just a huge thanks to Solo-Vibes! Your questions were well thought out, especially that sneaky one! haha. I think all I can say is I hope you guys continue to enjoy the music! I can’t wait to get more to you! Also a huge thank you for their support on Twitter & Facebook! I love to hear from you guys so don’t be shy to hit me up!
Want to show support for Vanessa Elisha. Check her out @ VANESSAELISHA.COM , @vanessaelisha on twitter and facebook.com/vanessaelishamusic
She looks and sounds sexy as fuckkkk
ReplyDelete