She is a black beauty, her hair has a little flick-back 1970s fringe like a black Farrah and her eyes are lined in the style of the Egyptian queen, Cleopatra. I guess I got a lot of people thinking who she is. Well, am talking of the Ghanaian female musician by named Elle who is gracing the 1 on 1 section this week.
On Elle’s MySpace page she poses as a “diva,” who is ready to sweep music fans off their feet. Barely in her twenties, Elle has been around music minded people since her music journey began. Some undisclosed label executives have given thumbs up for her and are eagerly waiting for her presence.
Elle is yet to pop up everywhere, but for her entire life, it seems, it had been an accelerated learning experience, preparing her for a career in music. She takes some inspiration from Mariah Carey, Sade, Alicia Keys, India Arie, Nat King Cole, Jutaun, Christina Aguilera, Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, Aretha Franklin and Billie Holiday.
The childhood day dreamer’s musical gifts became apparent in her early days of school when she mesmerized people at school functions.
Elle is fond of the idea of emerging as something new to hit the Ghanaian music industry.
Ghana Music.com: First, I want to just say that you look gorgeous on your myspace site. If I may ask will that help in your music career?
Elle: Well, thanks so much. I think these days; image has become such a huge part of the music industry that sometimes the focus turns away from the actual music. But I do realize that it’s all a part of the whole package. But I think when you’re comfortable in your image, you can be confident. And being confident absolutely helps in this business.
Ghana Music.com: How do you feel getting on the Ghanaian music scene as a new artiste?
Elle: I’m very excited to emerge onto the Ghanaian music scene as a new artist. Ghana is my first home, so I of course, I have to bring it back home.
Ghana Music.com: Let me ask you this now, do you feel that or do you expect people to compare your new solo project to those of the ones in the industry like Mzbel and more?
Elle: Well, I have a very different style than Mzbel and some of the other Ghanaian artists in the industry. I think however, that it is natural for people to compare new artists to artists out there. But I think once people hear my music, they will see that I have a sound of my own.
Ghana Music.com: Can you go back to when you were a kid? Did you hang around music people in your childhood days?
Elle: Throughout school, I was involved in the choir, school plays, and the band. Many of my close friends were also involved. So yes, I did hang around musicians.
Ghana Music.com: When you were little you must’ve dreamt about becoming famous. How has the reality been?
Elle: When I was younger, I used to perform in my room in front of thousands of imaginary screaming fans. I was always a daydreamer (And I must admit… I’m still a little bit guilty of that). What I dreamt about was being able to perform my songs in front of people that loved my music. So being able to do that is a wonderful feeling.
Ghana Music.com: Who inspires you as a musician?
Elle: I don’t think there’s enough space for that. I find inspiration in so many different artists. I find inspiration in Ghanaian highlife and hip life music. My mom used to always have Ghana highlife playing on the radio, and I loved the feel of it. But to name a few of my inspirations…Mariah Carey, Sade, Alicia Keys, India Arie, Nat King Cole, Jutaun, Christina Aguilera, Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday…The list goes on and on. I am inspired by musicians that have touched me in some way by their music, and that after listening to their music, make me want to get out my keyboard and write.
Ghana Music.com: What keeps you balanced?
Elle: Family, friends, and a strong up-bringing.
Ghana Music.com: Living over in States is it more important for you as an artist to make your name over there as well as in the Ghana here too?
Elle: For me, it is important to make a name for myself both in the U.S., and in Ghana. Like I mentioned before, Ghana is my home, and I want to bring my music back there. Because I live in the states now, I of course want to establish a career here, but my goal is to reach Ghana, the U.S., and everywhere else.
Ghana Music.com: For those people that haven’t heard of you, would you like to explain what kind of music you do?
Elle: My music is a mix of a lot of different styles. There’s something for every mood. But if I had to classify it, I would say R&B with a jazz influence, and a splash of pop.
Ghana Music.com: Do you think it’s important for an artist to write their own songs?
Elle: I think every artist is different, and it depends on what type of artist you are. For me, it’s important that I write my own songs because I feel that when I perform them, I am performing something that I’ve created, and it not only puts more meaning to the song, but it comes out through the song.
Ghana Music.com: Would you consider writing for other artists?
Elle: I have written for other artists before, and I am always open to doing that. Sometimes I write a song that I may love, but it may not necessarily be for me. And that happens.
Ghana Music.com: What was the last music you bought?
Elle: I think the last CD that I bought was Corrine Bailey Rae’s album
Ghana Music.com: Are you going to be the next big thing of Ghana…?
Elle: I think musically, I have a lot to offer, and there’s nothing holding me back from being that next best thing.
Ghana Music.com: Who’s the greatest singer of all time to you in Ghana?
Elle: Ghana has produced so many talented artists, including Mzbel, Daddy Lumba, and V.I.P. I don’t think I could narrow it all down to one artist.
Ghana Music.com: Round up the whole interview?
Elle: I think that I have a new sound to offer to this industry, and I believe that people will embrace it. I am very passionate about what it is that I do. What drives me is knowing that I will be able to touch people with my music, and when I have done that, I know I have done my job as an artist. It is about giving my fans and future fans what they want. I look forward to continuing to spread my music on the U.S. music scene, the Ghanaian music scene, and eventually world wide.
