Fat Chat: Bashiyra 'The Voice'

What has been the crucial key to your artistic development

at this point?

The most crucial key to my artistic development at this

point has been the overwhelming support from friends and

fans alike to keep going forward with my career. Their

acknowledgement of my gift has been second to none. When a

stranger stops me after a show and tells me "Your voice

gives me goose bumps", I am totally inspired to continue

the creative journey and raise the bar in my artistic

development through awareness, practice of my art and

inner self knowing....

You have provided backing vocals for renown artists such

as Diana Ross & Queen; and have been to the US, Africa and

Europe recording and promoting single releases. What has

been the high point so far?

The high point so far has definitely been recording and

promoting of my own single releases on an international

scale. My album "Thought You Knew will be launched on

Oct 22nd 2009 and I am elated to be able to showcase my

material and my works with some first class musicianship

and creativity.

Of course working with renown artists is a blessing and

I remain humbled by my experiences...I'm so appreciative

of the joy my work gives me....

Has there ever been a point in time where you have had 2nd

Thoughts about your chosen career?

I've always known from a young child that my career in life

Would encompass my gift to sing, write and perform. At times

you can become disillusioned with some individuals within the

music industry, for example individuals who say a lot and

follow through with nothing. This is common place in any

profession,right? However my conviction, self-belief and

application throughout the processes of my career in spite

of such individuals is the reason why I'm able to live my

dream....

You are committed to supporting local community projects

designed to enrich the minds of young people. Why is this

particular cause so important to you?

The cause of supporting the minds of young people through

local community projects designed to enrich their minds is

of vast importance to me.

Our children and young people are our future, if we as adults

negate our responsibility to invest in them, then what hope do

they have and what legacy can we say is possible?

Through the creative arts projects that I have been involved

with I have seen those afore said participants engage, develop,

enhance and thrive in their collective and individual

contributions.

It is essential that this energy continues to ensure
sustainability and transference of life skills, for all

generations to come...

I love the track entitled 'Don't get in my face'

...is this based on personal experiences?

Heee heee LOL... "Don't get in my Face" is definitely part

experience! I won't say which part, but those in the know,

know.... Still LOL! What I will say is relationships should

compliment the parties involved.

One should not have to compromise on aspects of their

character that were present and loved in the first instance

when the individuals first came together to appease the

other's ego, insecurities or hang-ups...

When that happens the essence and vibe is lost....

Being at the top of your game in this industry can

seriously restrict your social life. Have you achieved

an equal balance or do you struggle?

A social life is very important as is being you're best

Within whatever "Your Flow is."...

Personally Music, Singing, Writing and Performing are so

innate within me, that any struggle within "the game"

will ultimately be defeated..

My friends love what I do and support my purpose. Their

commitment to me is to see me be my best, so we'll

always find time, whether it's a phone call, a nght out

or correspondence via the internet to always be there for

each other in heart, spirit and soul...

Where do you see yourself this time next year? What are

your short term goals?

This time next year sees me instrumental in the creation

and production of some hot new material. I see international

travel and tours linked with my performances as a Singer and

Songwriter...

Also my work as a Vocal Coach will breathe forward new

meaning and dimension. As well as some refreshing and

exciting creative collaborations that will ensure "The

legacy of Bashiyra is here to stay...."

And last but not least? tell us something embarrassing

which has recently happened to you?

Well this was a while ago, and yes IT is still embarrassing!

I came out of a changing room, wearing a skirt and didn't

pull the back down properly. I was walking away when a lady

called me and said "Look behind you", I looked and was like

"Oh my geee weee weee ghosh, Noooooooo"... The lady was

cool and we both were in hysterics......

When I told my folks about it they were like Oh noo no no

you didn't..... Heeee heeeee

A good look? Well I'll leave you to decide... LOL :)

A big thankyou to Bashiyra for taking time out of her busy

schedule to chat to us and don't forget to get down to the

all important album launch on Oct 22nd @ Proud Camden - Full

details as follows:

SUPPORT UK HOMEGROWN TALENT

'Thought You Knew '- BASHIYRA

The Album Launch Oct 22nd

VENUE:

The South Gallery, Proud

Camden, The Stables, Chalk Farm Road NW1 8AH

TIME:

Doors Open 6.00pm

Bashiyra's Showcase 7pm Prompt Ends 8pm

Guest Performers Till Late

£5 Entry Fee

www.bashiyra.com

T: 020 7482 3867

E: info@purplereignpr.co.uk

www.proudcamden.com

Link for advance £5 tickets

Interview by Rhian Chodak

http://www.fattalent.blogspot.com

Yelitza's Diaries: The long haul home

One of the major perks of becoming an established artist has got to be travelling the world! Not only do you get to meet new people and see new places, but the people there already know about you and want to make sure you are happy and well-looked after!

I have only travelled to a couple of countries due to my music but I knew from day one that music was going to be my ticket around the world.

Rumour has it Europe is the best place for music. Places like Germany, Denmark and France are on the ball when it comes to live music. They have great festivals – they embrace new genres and for the unsigned artist, Europe is definitely a place you need to go to. I haven’t quite sorted out a connection there, but it is most definitely on my to-do list! Once I know a little more about it, I will let you know.

This month alone brings a variety of festivals including:
o 1 May - 30 June: AUSTRIA Vienna Festival - offers a wide range of arts, especially music
o 12 May - 3 June: CZECH REPUBLIC Prague Spring International Music Festival - one of Europe's best musical events
o 26 -26 June: FRANCE, Festival de Musique de Strasbourg - contemporary music festival

Another place that is really into its music, particularly RnB, is Australia! Can you believe it? Down-under likes to get down to the likes of Bobby V, and Keisha Cole! I’m guessing it may not be that much of a surprise to you guys, but I was impressed. This music lark has shown me that I am a little naïve when it comes to who appreciates what and I have been surprised on a number of occasions.

So as music is a medium that is appreciated the world over it makes sense to be clued up about what type of music is appreciated where. I was totally taken by surprise to find that my music is being enjoyed in The States. I had a few messages through MySpace and thought nothing of it, but once I got over there and heard the feedback, it really was an eye-opener.

‘Happy’ is my most popular track over there and over here to be honest. If you haven’t heard it yet, check out my website: www.yelitza.co.uk and click on music. It has been likened to Jasmine Sullivan ‘Lions, Tigers and Bears’ which is a huge compliment on my part. I haven’t decided which track to officially launch my career with but from that response, I am leaning towards ‘Happy’.

Of course, with any perk there must be a downside though! Of course there is? And what would my blog be without a little anecdote to shine a little personal perspective onto the situation?

After my experience in L.A., I have to say the downside to my escapades abroad, has got to be the long-haul flight!

Now I have to admit, I get extremely nervous when it comes to flying! I never used to. No, this is definitely a trait I have picked up as I got older! As a younger version of myself, I loved the idea of jumping on a plane. The thrill of the take-offs; the bump as we landed on the runway in pastures new.

Nowadays…lol!

Nowadays, I grit my teeth, hold onto the seat with my eyes screwed shut and pray we have a safe take-off and landing. I have ‘foolishly’ watched too many news reports of planes crashing here, there and everywhere. During take-off; while landing; in mid-air! It’s messed me up! It’s freaked me out! And the worst thing is, if plans work out for me in L.A. (which I hope they do!) I shall be travelling back and forth on planes very frequently! Oh joy!

To add to this, having survived take-off there is then the added bonus of 10 hours in a confined space, with the world’s worst travellers! I am an Economy flyer and as I travel on my own a lot, I often end up sat next to Mr. ‘I’m going to take up MY seat AND YOURS!’ Or Ms. ‘I need to get something out of my bag in the overhead compartment for the tenth time – please excuse me!’ Good-grief just put it under the seat! And why do people bring on so much hand luggage anyway? The “bags” are larger than my suitcase for the week! There are weight restrictions for a reason! Plus it baffles me how if you pay an extra fee you can bring on MORE luggage! Isn’t the plane still going to be overweight whether I pay an extra £15 or not? Aren’t we still weighing the thing down? Phew – rant over!

Okay, maybe not just yet. I spend the journey fidgeting and wriggling, cramped up in my seat, desperately trying to sleep. Now normally I can sleep ANYWHERE. In a car, on the bus, standing up! Anywhere! Maybe it was the nerves of meeting new people in America but trust me, on the way out, I could not sleep – not for love nor money! And the on-flight entertainment was whack! I have to say though I don’t mind the plane food and thankfully now I am old enough to enjoy the complimentary alcohol, so I can have a little tipple too.

Now for the advice part of the blog! If you are going to be plane hopping and travelling to all of these weird and wonderful places, you need to be sure your stage performance is on point. Here then comes tip number 2

Tip 2.
Practice: at home in front of a mirror! Sounds mad cheesy but who’s going to know?Many a time I have watched performers on programmes like X-factor or the like and their voice is fabulous, but they look like they are in pain. I have no advice as to what to do if this is the case with you, other than to try another face. But it is a good idea to think about how you look in front of your audience. This doesn’t mean you have to work out a routine or do certain hand gestures but if there is something strange that you do and don’t realise, it is best to work on it at an early stage! I had an annoying habit of holding one hand up by my side for no apparent reason. Someone pointed it out to me and I got mad paranoid. I’ve worked on it since and while it happens occasionally, it is not as bad. Certainly never was as bad as ‘The Claw’ that appeared on the last season of X-factor.

Hope this was useful. Feel free to drop me a comment (be nice) and don’t forget to check out my web sites: www.myspace.com/yelitzauk & www.yelitza.co.uk

Stay tuned for more little tips and don’t forget you can see me performing every month in Brum.

Speak soon
Flutter xx

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