Midwest Leak Magazine

By: Erica “Eklass” Piece

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me and enlighten our readers. How long have you been singing- both in and out of the game?I’ve been singing all of my life. I did the school stuff, choirs, etc. As far as a career, I’ve been singing for the last 3 years.

What inspired you to get into music?Well, I actually started off writing poetry. One day though, I watched India.Arie’s video for “Ready For Love.” I watched that, I really felt the music, and I knew singing was what I wanted to do. I wanted to make people feel like she made me feel. I want to be an inspiration to others and help them get through the hard times that music helped me get through.

Speaking of inspiration, are there any other artists besides Ms. Arie who inspire you?First and foremost, I’d have to say Etta James.

What do you know about Etta?(Chuckles) Etta is in my car! She did what she wanted to do and didn’t take anything from anybody. She was strong; a boss lady. She really expressed herself through her music, and I think that’s ultimately why I love her. I also like the classic Mariah Carey (from back in the day) and Whitney Houston. She was a beast. As far as new school artists, I like Keri Hilson. She writes all of her own music, and has her own style. She writes, produces, all of that.

Do you write your own music?Yes I do.

That’s what’s up. Now tell our readers about your track “NaNa.” With “NaNa,” you can take it how you want it. For me, it says that if you don’t have your stuff together and you can’t bring something positive to the table, then you can keep it moving. If you are a burden rather than an accessory, you can keep it moving. The song itself has actually been out for about a year and even played on Hot 96.3 during a Mikki Fikki Mix back in ‘09.

Are there any artists that you would like to work with?I would love to work with Bun B. I love his voice and his style. He just jumps onto the track and kills it. I’d say the biggest people I’d like to work with would be Bun B, Keri Hilson, Twista, and One Republic.

How much of a role does image play in your music?Image plays a huge role. I try to have an image that everyone can relate to and look at- all ages. I want to appeal to everyone. I try to be wholesome but with an edge. Distracting and over the top images can sometimes draw away from your music. It becomes more of a show instead of people really hearing you and your music.

Any other genre you’d be interested in doing besides R&B? I’d love to do neo-soul and a complete Spanish album. I think that would be hot!

You said a Spanish album, but what is your nationality?I’m full Caucasian.

I can close my eyes and listen to your music without being able to tell that you’re black or white. That’s hot!I love that.

What’s on your plate right now and what’s in the future for you?
Well I have a few upcoming shows, and I will be participating in a fashion show in Indianapolis on Sept 19th, in which I’ll be modeling in addition to performing while the models work the runway. I have a cd out right titled Dis Is Me featuring 5 tracks. I’m just giving y’all a taste of what’s to come. I am also in the process of starting my own fashion line.

So it’s safe to say fashion or music are your passion? Do you feel that they go hand in hand?YES, definitely! For example look at the “Jerk” and that type of clothing style the music portrays. That track was one of the tracks that made the skinny boy jeans hot. Music inspires fashion. You can portray whatever you want through your fashion and music.

Well you’re definitely a true talent, you know what you want, and you keep it real! Thank you for taking the time to talk to Midwest Leak! Oh, most definitely. Thank you!