Published: March 04, 2009 8:52 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight March 2009 Edition
Collette
Collette
Collette makes music that speaks to music lovers. She brings a sensual and seductive approach to R&B/Urban music that will certainly have you begging for more of this extremely beautiful and talented artist. In this recent interview with our Webzine, the songstress gives us the 411 on the music and life of Collette.
Isaac: Thanks for the taking the time to complete this online interview. How do you sum up 2008 for Collette?
Collette: The year 2008 was full of highs, not-so-highs, and a lot of life lessons for me. I'm so excited about having released my first album in June. I worked hard, accomplished a lot, got knocked down a few times, and got up kicking! I feel like I grew more in 08 than I have in any other adult year of my life, and for that I'm grateful.
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008 as an entertainer?
Collette: Releasing my album was probably the biggest accomplishment for 2008, and for my life thus far! I mean, graduating from college was nice, but music is my dreeeeeam... :
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Collette: My biggest influences are Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, India Arie and Mary J. Blige. As far as the first three, I appreciate their boundless creativity, lyrics, and personal control over their art. Mary J. Blige is the ultimate example of strong, perfectly imperfect womanhood, and a sister who's just being herself and giving us honest performances from her soul.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Collette: I bring to the music industry something no one else can... COLLETTE! I have a jazz sensibility in the way that I sing, but I write soul and R&B from the perspective of a Southern gal... What does that mean?! (laugh) I don't know, but my sound is evolving into a sort of alternative R&B, and I can't wait to unveil the next evolution. My mind is SO open, and I've had SO many experiences, and I can't wait to share them with listeners.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Collette: I would say Cee Lo Green, because he is completely avant-garde with a soul for soul music. He is an artisan, but also a wild child, and I can dig it! This is cheating, but I'd also love to work with Emily King. Chick is an awesome writer and musician! I also love ?uestlove... okay, I'm totally abusing this question. *sigh*
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Collette: The music I have out on airwave right now is R&B-soul. I'm talking about real life stuff, that just about anyone can identify with, and I have a positive theme across most of it.
Isaac: What is your definition for Urban/R&B music?
Collette: Urban/R&B music is made up of songs about love, relationships, desire and everything in between, sung by folks who grew up in or around somebody's Black church. Ha!
Isaac: One of the best parts to your music is that it is refreshing. Describe the creative process of making your music?
Collette: I am one who constantly writes, all day every day. I get inspiration from conversations, signs, blades of grass... whatever. Then I go home and post up in front of my keyboard and tap out melodies, and then go harass a producer and show him what kind of track I want... I'm always on the lookout for musicians and producers who create outside of the box, and play with well with others.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from your previous release, Experience Collette, LP, June 2008?
Collette: I've received a lot of positive feedback from a diverse audience. I love the fact that music lovers young, old, and from various backgrounds seem to enjoy my music. Ladies especially love Track #7 ("Let Me Go"), while men love Track #5 ("Cruise With You") the most, and everybody seems to love Track #3, my first single ("You Don't Know") and Track #9 ("Live Your Life").
Isaac: What can fans expect from your latest CD, you are working on currently? What is the inspiration behind the CD?
Collette: My next release will be a digital EP with remixes from Experience Collette and two new songs. My next LP will be released in early 2010, and is tentatively titled "Revolution." It's inspired by the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s, Juneteenth, Michelle Obama and Colbie Callait... I'm sure that makes no sense, and hopefully readers are now ultra-curious and will be on the lookout for the release!
Isaac: What can fans expect from Collette in 2009?
Collette: Collette 2.0, baby! I took a break because of a health challenge, healed up and bounced back, went through a break-up, chopped off my hair... and it's only February! So fans will see and hear an evolved, more confident, and more open Collette. I appreciate myself and what I have to offer more than ever, and I want to share that feeling with people and give them a piece of what I've found every time I sing.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
Collette: Yo, I wanna say whaddup to... Okay, I'm kidding. A big hug and lots of love to my parents, Pat and Richard, aunts, uncles, cousins, my Pastor and church members, and all my friends, sisters and brothers across the galaxy.
Isaac: Final words from Collette ...
Collette: We only get one life, so let's sow some seeds of love and reap them in the world beyond, okay everybody?
