Hailing from Australia, comes a new singer to the wave of fresh R&B singer/songwriters by the name of Vanessa Elisha. She has been hard at work with producer Jrdn Gxnius crafting hazy R&B/pop jams that will hit your soul. I only recently debuted her music on our blog in January with "Blur" and another just the other day called "Home to Me," but so far that is all she has released. Yet, I wanted to learn a bit more about her and get into what she is all about.
You create this cool blend of R&B/pop over some real mellow production, what drew you to this style of music?
I guess its always been my style. I’ve always loved soft, smooth, Aaliyah-style rnb. I’d have to say I’m very much inspired by 90s Rnb, but also new artists like Drake, 40, Jhene Aiko & Marsha Ambrosius. I think the culmination of all these artists and styles have molded me into the artist I am today.
I like that a lot of these new artists have a particular producer(s) that they tend to stick with as they build their music resume. Describe your relationship with Jrdn Gxnius and how you guys linked up.
Definitely, I think it’s important to have a consistent sound, a flow throughout your music that makes sense. I met Gxnius through a friend; he basically came over to my house, sat at the keyboard and has lived here ever since! We were instantly comfortable around each other, it was like I’d known him my whole life, I treat him like my annoying little brother!. OH, and the fact that he’s exceptionally talented doesn’t hurt! “Gxnius” describes his musical talent perfectly (and that's where the name comes from too!).
Who are some of the past artists that inspire you? How about some of the artists currently out?
There are so many! From Lauryn Hill, to Jon B, Floetry, Donell Jones, Stevie Wonder and Monica. I still obsess over the classics!! On the current side, Jojo’s EP was crazy its my current obsession! I love Marsha Ambrosius and her unique runs and storytelling. Drake and 40 have also crafted my sound; I love the simplicity and effectiveness of Drake’s melodies.
"You can expect a consistent vibe with provocative lyrics. It’s the type of music that soothes you, helps you deal with whatever’s going on in your relationship..."
You are a native Australian, how is the R&B scene in that area for those of us who are not really familiar with the area.
Music here is kind of dominated by rock and electro. Its interesting though, it depends on which state you live in. I recently went to Melbourne to shoot the video-clip for “Home to Me” and found that there’s a whole other world of underground RnB out there. It’s rare to find amazing RnB, but it's there!
What has been the most challenging aspect of getting your music heard so far? Easiest?
I’d say the most challenging part is that as an indie artist you have to do everything yourself! Don’t get me wrong, I love it and wouldn’t change it for the world, but its grueling sometimes! The easiest I guess has just been writing and singing, that’s what I love to do, that’s what comes most naturally.
So far, you've released two infectious tunes "Blur" and the most recent "Home to Me," where are these tracks going to end up and what can we expect from this project?
The tracks are going to end up on my upcoming EP that’s in the works. You can expect a consistent vibe with provocative lyrics. It’s the type of music that soothes you, helps you deal with whatever’s going on in your relationship; whether it's a feel good track for the ups or empathetic songs for the downs.
What kind of topics do you like to cover in your songwriting?
I always try to write from experience. Something that I am feeling or have felt and can draw on. The beat is always important too, how it makes me feel, what vibe I get from it when I hear it. The EP is actually more like a story, it begins with the infatuation of new love in “Blur” and you see the relationship beginning to unhinge in “Home to me”. It’s the “wanting” of love and for things to work out and what happens when they don’t.
If you had describe your music in one word, what would it be?
Empathetic.
Do you have any upcoming performances and will you be heading to the States anytime soon?
Right now, I’m concentrating on the music aspect and getting people to hear my songs, writing, and recording. Performing is definitely in the plans and a trip to the States this year will be happening! Just not exactly sure on when yet. We definitely need to come out and meet all of our supporters!
What are you looking forward to in 2013 the most?
I’m really just looking forward to people hearing my music and if they love it, that’s a bonus. It’s one of the best feelings in the world.
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