Sonyae Elise
Hitting the scene like a c4 explosive is the hottest new R&B vocalist Sonyae Elise. The self proclaimed ‘Lady Rebel’ drops her first mixtape ‘Lady Rebel’ Vol 1 June 2010 boasting platinum production from Midi Mafia (50 Cent, Fantasia, Justin Bieber) and Ski Beatz (Jay Z). With a hot lead single and video on deck for ‘We Heard’ (Retweet) the internet’s about to buzz crazy watching this new talent on the rise.
Hey Sonyae, what’s going on?
Well, I have been recording non-stop! Also, doing a few shows here and there but nothing too heavy. I have been traveling quite a bit lately, handling business on both coasts.
I’d like to talk a bit about your latest project ”Lady Rebel,” what angle were you reaching for and what can listeners expect to hear?
“Lady Rebel Vol. 1” is one of those mixtapes that you can listen to from start to finish and feel that you have been on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. My goal in making music in general is to evoke emotion – so you certainly should expect that. I’m inspired by the experiences of others but the majority of “Lady Rebel Vol. 1” comes directly from my own experiences. I both sing and rap so you can expect variety in terms of tempo and content. Also, I’m a girl so of course you can expect to hear me expose my infatuation with fashion!
Tell me the difference in this joint compared to your other projects?
“Lady Rebel Vol. 1” is unlike any compilation of work that I have ever done. The process of putting this mixtape together was truly organic. I literally worked in the studio 6-8 hours per day doing non-stop writing and recording. I realize that with this mixtape I was able to experiment and challenge myself to try new sounds, and different tracks that I wouldn’t have ordinarily been drawn to. I have most certainly grown as an artist over the past few months and I have the process of creating “Lady Rebel Vol. 1” to thank for that.
What producers and artist are sharing their talents on “Lady Rebel”?
Midi Mafia, Ski Beatz, A.U, Brite Ware, J.V., Rahman Apollo (Apollo the Rebel), L.E, KDin.
Your lead single ‘We heard’ addresses internet thugs and their behind the keyboard toughness, is this coming from a first hand experience? Anything you can share with us?
Without doubt, I have experienced my fair share of “online hate” from others. I have been “tweeted” and “facebooked” about by people who would never say my name; instead they would use context clues to hint around to the fact that they were talking about me. It’s actually quite comical rather than harmful when you think about it. I always respect someone more if they come to me directly and address their issues with me.
I saw a few of your performances online and I’m very impressed. Your on stage presence is incredible. Do you credit that to your years of acting?
Thank you so much. I really appreciate your love. I was raised around entertainers, so taking control of a stage has always been quite natural and easy for me. However, I certainly attribute a large portion of how comfortable I am on stage to the many years I spent acting. I’ve never been afraid of a crowd; as a matter of fact, when I am in performance mode I feel most liberated and free.
Should we expect to see you on the silver screen or back on Broadway any time soon?
I love Broadway. At the moment, I am focused on my music, but once my music career is where it needs to be I would certainly be interested in getting back into theatre. I most definitely am interested in gracing the silver screen; that’s actually one of my lifetime goals.
Being that you act, sing and rhyme are you finding your niche in today’s rotation of music?
Absolutely. Queen Latifah and Lauryn Hill have done just that and are two of the most well respected women in music. I believe that problems arise when an artist is introduced as one entity and then years later they switch their focus. I am all about an artist growing and maturing over the years but I believe it’s a strategic process in switching your sound completely. I figured I would come through the door being me. I sing, rap and act and that is me right now and will be me from here on out.
What makes you stand out among the “Niki’s” and “Beyonce’s”?
Well, there isn’t anyone who can be Beyonce nor Nicki Minaj better than Beyonce and Nicki Minaj, so my focus is on being individually unique. I’m a rebel, so I plan to have a great time defining who I am as an artist and as an individual. One thing I would like to call attention to that I am very proud of is the facts that I am a dark-skinned female. If there is one thing the music industry isn’t over saturated with are women of darker complexions.
So what’s next for Ms. Sonyae?
I am excited to say that “Lady Rebel Vol. 1” will drop June 2010. I am also back in the studio working on my next mixtape “Lady Rebel Vol. 2” and simultaneously recording new songs for my first official LP.
Where can we find you online?
http://Youtube.com/SonyaeElise
http://Twitter.com/SonyaeElise
http://SonyaeElise.com
http://Myspace.com/Sonyae_Elise
Leave your love, let’s get your shout outs.
Shout out to God, Midi Mafia, all of my supporters and of course Hood Grown for supporting me and showing me so much love.….Rebel Approved!
