INTERVIEW WITH MUSIC ARTIST FELESHIA BALLOU

FELESHIA BALLOU

"Raised up in the hood, a bad girl gone good. I know that you remember me, but I’m not who I used to be." When you mix the flavors of the Streets, the Church choir, High School Band Camp, Accidental yet apparent Intelligence, Successful Corporate America, and extremely humble beginnings, you produce the raw and soulful sounds of the seasoned singer, songwriter and producer, Feleshia Ballou.

Feleshia B’s music is a mixture of Old School, Hip Hop and R&B with a raspy soulful flare. Her sound is often compared to none. Her lyrics are intended to inspire and teach preventive measures that can prevent mistakes and consequences from poor decision making. Feleshia does not want to use her talent irresponsibly, so she chooses not to sing about materialistic and superficial topics that so often flood the musical airways.

Feleshia B  is better known by the entertainment world, has been gracing the souls and minds of many with her rare, raspy sound and musical talents since leading her very first song at age 6 in the church choir, landing her first trumpet solo in the marching band at 13, and writing and producing over 100 songs by age 20. It was highly innate that Feleshia B would take a natural and vested interest in music, as her father and sister were both seasoned saxophone players; and her grandfather a US ARMY trumpeter. Feleshia B began playing the trumpet at 8 years old, and outshined the pack of mostly male trumpeters with her ability to master her tone even while playing to the side of her lips.

Growing up fairly poor, her family couldn’t afford vocal lessons, so she enhanced her vocal ability by singing her favorite Mary J Blige, Faith Evans, Whitney Houston and Lauren Hill tunes to her drug dealer friends while hanging out in the streets of South Boston, Virginia. She was first recognized professionally by Grand Master Slice, who was a very reputable rapper in her hometown with the hit song “Electric Slide, (Shall we dance)”. Slice immediately took interest in the young musician’s natural talent and recorded her first demo “Loving You the way I do”, which she wrote and co-produced in 1996.

Her street smarts coupled with her professional and seasoned ear for quality sound helped her to create music and lyrics that were both popular and tame. From 1999 through 2000 she traveled the east coast recording demos, staying with friends and family members looking for agents and managers that would promote, sponsor and showcase her talents; but often found herself involved with dangerous street thugs that compromised her future and freedom. Feleshia B often wrote and sang about the so-called love, hurt, danger and lessons learned she often experienced with her lifestyle as a naive young girl fresh out of high school. Though Feleshia B initially chose the street life, she found solace with her Grandmother’s values that always kept her balanced. She often says that she graduated from the hood, and figured out a way to get into college just to escape the hood lifestyle which was destined to self destruct.

The maturing, humble and hungry artist really began to blossom while attending college at Virginia State University, by teaching herself to play the piano in the music halls. By her sophomore year, students would gather around her in Foster Hall to listen to her alto-soprano tone as she would play new songs she had written and produced on the piano. During her college years, she worked closely with Bobbi Fisher (former road manager for Trey Songz), good friend Edrick Miles (co-writer of “Bottoms Up” by Trey Songs, and producer of “Love Faces” by Trey Songz), hosted countless open mic events with B Soundz and Fatso Skinny. Feleshia used her college education as a “back up” plan to finance her stemming music career.

She graduated with an Electronics Engineering degree in 2004, and was able to use her successes purchase her own professional recording equipment. In 2005 she auditioned for American Idol at Soldier Field Stadium in Chicago, where she was unsuccessful in entering the competition. She also auditioned for the Missy Elliot Project without success. Despite the rejections, she continued to record her own live demos which helped her to get her first professional songwriter contract with So Inkredible Inc working exclusively with The Inkredibles production duo in 2007. It was at Yellow House Studios in Richmond, VA that Feleshia began to meet and sit in on professional writing sessions with members of “The Clutch”, Corey Latif, and Marcus John Bryant. She has gained credibility and success by selling many songs to independent artists on the East Coast. Her favorite producers to write songs to are Lee Major Kid and Theo Masbeatz Edmonds.

Feleshia B signed and completed another songwriter contract with Blockstar Entertainment from 2010-2011, and is currently working on her new “Street inspired Inspirational Project” that she is financing independently set to release in 2014.

Feleshia B has a vested and respected mentorship with friend and manager Joe’i Chancellor. The two are currently working on a master plan that will introduce Feleshia’s talent to the world starting in Richmond, VA. Feleshia Ballou is affiliated with Writers Bloc Publishing, The Network Grind and Blockstar Entertainment.

She is currently being groomed to focus on delivering quality live performances that incorporate her trumpet playing skills, piano banging and straight SANGING! Please keep Feleshia B on your watch list for upcoming talent.

3375  What’s the first thing you would say when someone asks what does Feleshia Ballou do?

FELESHIA  Well, first I would probably take a few minutes to gather my thoughts since Im always doing so many things at a time. I would tell them that I do it all…and I do whatever it takes….but more specifically, im a mother, a successful engineer in corporate america, a song writer, producer, and a vocalist. So…im pretty busy most of the time doing what I love, and what I have to do to survive and enjoy life.

3375  How did you get started in the music industry?

FELESHIA  Stacey Rogers (famous for The Electric Slide) recorded my first demo back in 1995; that started it all. It wasn’t until 2006 that I got my first big break into the industry as a songwriter for So Inkredible, LLC; writing for superproducers The Inkredibles. I went to Yellow House Studios by myself with my Yamaha keyboard and asked if I could record a song that I had written for Trey Songz; they let me in…and liked my talent…lol

 3375   What is a day like in the life of a up-and-coming artist?

FELESHIA  Its very very tough. Everyday is like a balancing act between priorities and my passion. I have a very demanding career along with parenting…so my typical day is grinding and juggling (lol). Im an independent artist and I finance my own projects, so I spend a lot of time recording rough references in my home studio, writing new records, working on mixtape material for promo, figuring out which songs to record next, which ones to shoot a video for, and working with my manager to line up appearances once the project is ready

3375  What are you bringing to the game that you feel is missing?

FELESHIA  Im bringing "raw vocals" without all the automation; and im talking about things other than LOVE. Im trying to bring back that 90's vibe back when music actually required a "SINGER". hahah. Things have gotten way too pretty these days, and the content is missing in the music…moreso than ever. I just want to bring back some rawness and realness…I personally don’t like the current trends of Mollies and Sex…im so much more than that! Lets talk about Preventive Mainitenance, and teach these lost youngsters how to prevent stupid mistakes, and how to recover from making them. Lets talk about making that man wait for sex since he has ABSOLUTELY nothing to offer you…Lets talk about how God can guide you in a clearer path than Gucci Mane can…and Lets talk about why you think you're a boss when you clearly don’t have your priorities lined up…So to sum it all up, im gonna encourage women to be strong minded, and to drop his ass like a hot potato if he doesn’t display respect. Im gonna teach youngsters that life is about more than a fashion show and Mollies. Im gonna encourage men to rise up to the "Boss" challenge…if you a Boss…show me that God is first, you taking excellent care of your seeds and respecting your woman, and your businesses are legit. THAT’S the stuff you will hear in my records.

3375  Who are some of the artists that have influenced you?

FELESHIA  All artists have some way of inspiring me and my music, but Betty Wright, Mary J Blige, Prince, Tina Turner, Bruce Springstein, Aerosmith, Maroon 5, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston are my favorites.

3375  What is the most memorable moment of your career?

FELESHIA  The most memorable moment of my career was when I found out that the very first song I wrote professionally was placed with an artist on a Major label, and that the song had been sold, and paid for…and I didn’t receive ONE penny, nor did I know about the placement. Hey, sorry my most memorable moment wasn’t a happy one. LOL

3375  What is something unique/interesting that most people wouldn’t know about you as an individual?

FELESHIA  Most people wouldn’t know that I play the trumpet and the piano. They probably wouldn’t know that I graduated in the top 10% of my Engineering class.

3375  Describe your ambition behind your work as music artist? 
 

FELESHIA  My ambition comes from knowing the streets where I came from; and not wanting to return to that life. We went very hard when I lived in the hood. I have seen so many bad things happen, and I have seen talented, beautiful people waiste their time and lives on drugs, violence, tunnel vision and silo thinking. I have mingled with the wealthy, and I have seen the lack of awareness and idolization of material things…I have seen third world countries that are less fortunate yet more grateful. So the things I have seen give me more vision to help straighten all of this mess out with my voice. I just have sooo much to say; and to reach the masses, I need a platform, and in order to get a platform…I MUST have ambition.

3375  Tell us about your work ethic; how do you achieve small and large goals? List some goals you are currently working on?

FELESHIA  I am a very hard worker, sometimes I record until 5 and 6am, then get up to be at work at 9am. I go hard in intervals, because I have a beautiful daughter to raise, and I will never let any drive for money or personal success prevent me from playing an active role in her life. Im a professional project manager, so I approach all of my goals with a very specific plan. Smaller goals, I ensure that I put a memo in my iphone to remind me of significant milestones that I need to complete towards the goal. Larger goals, I get my team involved to ease the impact…so Im a fan of working smarter not harder…but in this industry you have to put in the work. Right now my small goals are 1-finishing my promo mixtape 2- getting more professional promo pics taken 3- ramping up social media for my music page. One of my bigger goals is preparing for my 1st listening party so that I can get feedback on the first cut of my project.

3375  Has there ever been a time in your life where you doubted your hopes and aspirations? If so, how did you overcome these doubts?

FELESHIA  Yes, when I was younger I doubted myself everytime I auditioned for something, and was told no. I remember times when record A&Rs straight up told me that I had the voice, but not the look that they desired. For so long, I beat myself up for not having the look or being what the industry wanted. Also, I have been rejected for countless television shows, and record labels, even recently being rejected for both American Idol and The X-Factor. When I found God…I was reminded that I was created in the exact shape, size and form that he intended…to live the will that was also designed specifically for me. Over time, my look was balanced by my confidence, hard work and dedication…and I realize now that looks arent at all the real image of me. My image includes much more…talent, humanitarianism, intelligence, dedication, raw talent, leadership, creativity, essence, and NATURAL beauty…you cant buy anything on me in any Ruby Red or Beauty Supply store…im 100% real…Im gonna have every Record label that ever denied me very sorry that they did. 

3375  If you could build a stage, environment and crowd, what would be Feleshia's dream performance? (Any stage, outside/inside, any country, large or small crowd – be creative!)

FELESHIA  It would be an intimate performance at the White House. I want a simple stage set with a live band, 3 background singers and great lighting. I don’t need a large crowd…but to perform for the elite of my country would be a proud accomplishment…because it will assure me that my music is positive, and can be entertaining to great leaders. I would love to see people in 3 piece suits of all races and nationalities out of their seats straight rocking to my music.

3375  Do you have any advice for aspiring artists and people around the world?

FELESHIA  Be real…don’t let any label create who YOU are…because it defeats Gods purpose. Stop hiding behind auto tune and a stage full of other people! Be yourself…and in time the value will rise.

3375  Do you have any upcoming projects?

FELESHIA  Yes, I will be releasing my mixtape this summer…Im super excited. My first video for "My chance is gonna come" will be ready in May!!

3375  Where can we find you at online? Twitter? Facebook?

FELESHIA  You can find me at https://www.facebook.com/feleshiab

3375  Any shout outs?



FELESHIA  I want to shout out God first and foremost for giving me this talent that I have. I can never forget my original music crew, Duane Whitlock and Edrick Miles...we all started from the bottom with a penny and a dream. Shout out to my baby Aasia, my sister Selena and my brother Jarell for always being my biggest supporters and always sticking by my side. Mommie and daddy for making such a fabulous thang! Joe'I Chancellor and the Network Grind for being my powerhouse and great friend!! Theo Mas Beatz Edmonds for being THE BEST producer and brother!! I love each of you…and I love many more of yall. If I didn’t name you…you know I love you, and I will shout everyone out when I get the grammy!

Thank you for reading! Please feel free to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

INTERVIEW WITH UP AND COMING MUSIC ARTIST J SASS

 J SASS

When most inner city girls are growing wide eyed over their first pre-pubescent crush, Jersey City’s J SASS was giving her heart to the art of Hip Hop. Penning her first rhyme at the age of twelve, she knew that her youth might be the cause of Hip Hop not giving her a second look. As with most relationships though, she was wise enough to know that she would need time to learn the ways of her new love, understand how to say the things that made it smile, that moved its soul. Taking her cues from artists like Salt N Peppa, MC Lyte, and fellow Jersey MC’s Queen Latifah and Nicky D, she honed in on the craft of writing and became confident that her first love would soon love her back.  Growing up in the concrete jungle of Jersey City, J SASS was no stranger to the hard work it took to get exactly what she wanted. Becoming Hip Hop’s favorite lady was no different.  “I knew I had to step up my game if I wanted to make a mark in Hip Hop and I was so overcome by the feeling that there was nothing that could stop me: notes The Queen of Jersey…a moniker dubbed J SASS by her scores of fans and always impresses media personalities.

Fast forward to 2013 and the love affair has grown by leaps and bounds. SASS gives Hip Hop her emotion, her stories and her voice and Hip Hop returns the love by giving her a worldwide platform on which to perform. The multi-talented artist has parlayed her reach and fan base into stints in modeling and acting. Creating videos that tell a story to staring in the soon to be released independent film SAMOT, J SASS has taken her love for Hip Hop and made it tangible. It is a love that her fans can feel each time she picks up the mic. It is a love that oozes from her when she performs and can be heard through the speakers whether she is delving into thoughts on beats about domestic violence or boding anyone who tests her skills on wax.

The young woman with a love for Hip Hop has performed in a myriad of arenas throughout the tri-state area and is extending her fan base day by day. She gives life to the mothers, daughters, sisters and wives who share their love of family with their love of Hip Hop. J SASS is an ambassador to her city and a proud mom of a young man whose delights in his mom’s gifts and shares her love for Hip Hop.

3375  The first time I heard you rap I was blown away. How do you feel about
all the feedback you have got thus far?

 J SASS  WOW I AM THANKFUL & GRATEFUL TO FINALLY BE GETTING A LO T OF LOVE & RESPECT . 

3375  What do you think sets you apart from the many new female rappers that
are popping up everywhere?

J SASS  WHAT SETS ME A SIDE FROM THE OTHER NEW FACES IS THAT I AM DOING THIS  INDEPENDENT . I MANAGE MYSELF, I'M A FULL TIME MOM , I HOLD A FULL TIME JOB & FULL TIME ARTIST WHO ACTS , MODEL & SUPPORT MY COMMUNITY OF JERSEY CITY . 

3375  What is the best constructive criticism you have got thus far that you are currently working on as a new artist?

J SASS  MY BEST CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM THUS FAR HAS TO BE MY SKIN . I RECENTLY SHOT A VIDEO & I HAD A BREAK OUT ON MY CHIN. SO MANY PEOPLE SAID THAT I SHOULD NEVER GET ON CAMERA LIKE THAT AGAIN . SO FOR THE PAST 3 WEEKS I BEEN WORKING HARD ON KEEPING MY SKIN CAMERA READY AT ALL TIMES .  ANOTHER IS TO CONTINUED WRITING PAIN MUSIC, FOR SOME REASON PEOPLE LOVE WHEN I JUST SPEAK FROM MY PAIN & HEART.   

3375  How do you feel about the female MC's on the radio today?

 J SASS  I FEEL THAT IT SHOULD BE MUCH MORE ON THE RADIO . I ENJOY MUSIC SO I LOVED TO INSPIRED BY OTHERS . I AM ALWAYS PROUD TO HEAR OR SEE OTHER FEMALE MC'S DOING THEY THING !!!

3375  Tell us about why you want to rap?

J SASS  I ENJOY RHYMING BECAUSE IT HELPS ME EXPRESS MYSELF. I USE IT AS THERAPY THE GOOD & BAD THINGS THAT HAPPENS IN LIFE . AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST I'M VERY GOOD AT IT LOL.

3375  Where do you draw your inspiration when it comes to writing your lyrics?

 J SASS  I DRAW MY INSPIRATION FROM THE VIBE OR MOOD I'M IN AT THAT MOMENT. NOW IF I HAVE TO WRITE TO A TOPIC THEN I TRY TO FREE STYLE UNTIL I HIT A FLOW I LIKE THEN I FILL IN THE WORDS AS I GO ALONG. SOMETIMES I CAN COMPLETE A SONG QUICKLY & SOMETIMES IT TAKES ME DAYS TO FINISH WRITING IF I DON'T GET DISTRACTED. 

 3375  I let a couple people  hear your music in my city. They all said you
have that old school hard core female flow! What do you think?

J SASS  I THINK THAT'S COOL WE ALL HAVE A OPINION , & I THINK THAT'S WHATS MISSING -THE TRUE ESSENCE OF RAP. I BELIEVE I AM HARD CORE BUT ALSO SOFT, LYRICAL  & I TRY TO PUT A MESSAGE IN MUSIC . MIX OLD SCHOOL WITH NEW SCHOOL & YOU GET J SASS 

3375  If you could perform in anywhere where would it be? And why?

 

 J SASS   IF I COULD PERFORM ANYWHERE IT WOULD BE NEW YORK CITY'S MADISON SQUARE GARDEN BECAUSE YOU HAVEN'T MADE IT BIG UNTIL YOU HIT THAT BIG STAGE. THAT WOULD BE A HONOR !!

3375  If you was on tour, who would you have open for you?

J SASS  IF I WAS ON TOUR I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE AS MANY FEMALES I COULD GET TO OPEN . I WOULD CALL IT THE TAKE OVER TOUR ...LADIES NIGHT EDITION .  HERE'S A FEW NAMES I WOULD HAVE QUEEN LATIFAH , MC LYTE , YO YO , LIL KIM , SALT & PEPPER , FOXY BROWN , MISSY & EVE.  NOW THESE WOMAN ARE NOT OPENING ACTS BUT THE THOUGHT OF BRINGING THEM ALL OUT ON STAGE WOULD BE AWESOME !!!! (HIP HOP DIVAS )

3375  What has been your biggest career achievement this far?

J SASS  WOW FROM BEING JERSEY CITIES OWN QUEEN TO BEING NAMED QUEEN OF THE ARENA  IN 2012 & NOW EAST COAST DIVA IN 2013 . I AM VERY EXCITED OF WHAT'S NEXT FOR MY CAREER . SKY IS THE LIMIT !!!

3375  We look forward to hearing more from you in the future, how can your
fans and my reader keep up with you?  

J SASS  AWW THANKS YES YOU GUYS CAN FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER @JSASSTRMz MY SOUNDCLOUD IS WWW.SOUNDCLOUD.COM/J-SASS FB- WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JENNIFER210 WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/JSASSTV 

WWW.REVEBNATION.COM/JSASSTRMZ IG NAME IS @j_sassy 

 

3375  Do you have any shout outs?

J SASS  YES I DO FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME THIS OPPORTUNITY. THANK YOU FOR CHOPPING IT UP ME. ( GREATLY APPRECIATED)  ALSO I WOULD LIKE TO SHOUT OUT MY CITY SATE JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY ..... MY PR KHALIA FOR CONNECTING ME WITH YOU GUYS. SHOUT TO ALL MY SUPPORTERS & FANS THANK U VERY MUCH FOR ROCKING WITH ME SO MUCH MORE TO COME. 

ALL THE ARTIST ON THEY GRIND KEEP PUSHING I'M OUT

 LOVE

  J SASS !!

INTERVIEW WITH MUSIC ARTIST FRIDA

FRIDA

Sing & songwriter from Sweden. My name is Frida Linéa And aka Fridelina. I AM a multi-faceted artist from Sweden. I FEEL extremely fortunate to have been given the gift to create art and music. I SEE the world in my own way, and that's what inspires me to keep going. I KNOW that if I want something done right, I have to do it myself. I BELIEVE that through music, people will come together and remain one. I HOPE to continue with it for a living. Thanks for sharing your love and support for what I do. Love and light until the end. -Fridelina

3375  Tell us a bit about your background and your journey.

FRIDA  I am a sing & songwriter from Sweden. My name is Frida Linéa And aka Fridelina. Music has been my main interest as long as I can remember. I compose and write my own songs. I also like to dance, but I have never undergone any dance or music school, I'm self-taught. I grew up on a small island in the Stockholm archipelago. Today I live in a small village outside Stockholm in Sweden. I started recording my songs in a studio in 2012 and released my first two songs in November 2012. "Famous" and "Find Love".

3375  What is your dream, goals or what have you achieved?

FRIDA  My dream is to share my music! I want a record deal and an own studio. Right now, I pay for everything myself and it is not cheap. Then I want to be more involved as a producer. So my music get the right sound. It is important. Music is my life and I hope to continue with it for a living.

3375  What encourages you?

FRIDA  The will. I don't give up! It feels like a calling from above.

3375  What resources do you bring to the table that makes you unique or stand out?

FRIDA  I have many ideas and are very creative person. I'm very stubborn. I am a perfectionist and it's good qualities in this industry.

3375  When did you realize you were ready for what you are doing now?

FRIDA  As early as 2 years old I wanted to be a composer and started playing the flute. I discovered later at 4 years of age, that I could sing and dreamed of becoming an opera singer. Later I discovered pop music and there I am today.

3375  Name at least one person that you know that you feel others should learn about and why?

FRIDA  Mother Teresa. She was a good woman who helped the poor and helpless in the world. She showed love in everything she did. She said; "I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." And she did!

3375  When you fail, things look bleak or are not optimistic what makes you want to continue?

FRIDA  The will. The driving force to succeed. The inner voice. "I know I can."

3375  What keys to success can you leave for upcoming entrepreneurs and leaders?

FRIDA  (I say it again.) The will. If you have a business idea or similar as you believe. Then it's just to drive on. Adversity will come and go. But there is a part in the development. See the possibilities. Never give up!

3375  Can you talk me through how you work, what is your work process like?

FRIDA  Each song is unique in its own way. But I usually get a song in the head and parts of the text. It comes naturally. If I am out and not at home, I usually record on the phone. If I'm home, I record on the computer. As soon as I get time I start to play on the synth and sing the song and record. Then is usually not all of the text, completed. So when I'm done with the music. I fill them last text lines. Then I record the song, and send my "demo" to the studio. Then, I book time in the studio. And record the song.

3375  If someone wanted to capture the true essence of you as an artist — what song from you would you direct people to?

FRIDA  Wow, this question is really easy! There is a song that I actually work with now. "I am who I am" But it's not released yet. I hope to release it later this year. But the song is all about that. Me!

3375  What are your plans for the rest of 2013?

FRIDA  To continue to work in the studio. My next release will be soon, already this spring. I also have some collaborations with other artists.

3375  In the same vein, where do you want your career to be at by Christmas of this year?

FRIDA  That everything goes as planned. And I wish I had signed a record deal!

3375  How can we find you online?

FRIDA  You can follow me on twitter @fridelina_music

https://twitter.com/fridelina_music

You can also find me here:

http://www.reverbnation.com/fridelina

http://www.myspace.com/fridelinamusic

https://www.facebook.com/FridelinaOfficial

http://www.youtube.com/FridelinaChannel

http://fridelina.see.me/

3375  Any shout outs?

FRIDA  Yes, a big shout out to all my fans around the world who listen to my music and for the support! It means a lot! Then my mom for understanding and support.

INTERVIEW WITH MUSIC ARTIST NISHA NANDEZ

 

 

 Nisha Nandez

 

 

 

 

 I joined the military shortly after 9/11, the day that shocked the world. I wanted to do something with my life that served a deeper purpose than simply earning a paycheck.
At 29 years old, I quit my job, sold my house, and joined the Army Band. A year later, I was singing to the troops in Iraq. I toured Baghdad with the band where we received maximum exposure by opening for Toby Keith. Nine and a half years later, I've retired a Captain from the Army and pursuing my dream of inspiring as many people as I can through my music.



 

 

My song Today was recently selected for Quiksilver's 2013 global ad campaign. My single, “Static on the Radio”, co-written with Jason Richard has just been released on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and more! A hot REMIX of my newest single, "Have Mercy on Me", featuring Jason Richard smoking the guitar, was released April 16th! I just recorded two new singles this week and should be releasing the first one, Dreamin, in a few weeks.

This summer, I plan to start performing live after I finish up my first full CD. I'm working on pulling together a full band now that I have time to get out and share my music. I also hope to make my first video this summer. I'm doing what I love and building a fan base that loves my music as much as I do! - Nisha Nandez

 

 

 

 

3375  I understand that it was noticed pretty early in your life, when you were pretty young, that you could sing. Did you always think you could sing?

NISHA  I took an interest in singing when I was about 8 years old. I never thought I could sing, but always wanted to. I learned as many songs as I could, no matter what genre. Music was always my best friend growing up. I sang my first solo at my grandparents church when I was 9. I sang "I Surrender All" and was scared to death, ha ha.

3375   So how did you come to the idea that maybe you could maybe do this for a career? How would you describe your upbringing?

NISHA  I received a Living Social email for discounted studio time at Clockright Studio in Austin and initially went for fun. After a few visits, I started sounding better so I put one of my covers on my Facebook page. I was contacted by an A&R at Interscope who gave me some major encouragement, so I did a cover of an Evanescence song. When the A&R heard that cover, she was excited and that is how I got the idea I had a shot at singing for a career. I come from a family of professional and church singers. I have several family members who have performed in either off-Broadway shows or music groups so I have always been exposed to great singing and beautiful harmonies.

3375   How did you enter the music business?

NISHA  I started playing the flute when I was 9 years old and after 9/11, I decided I wanted to serve my country while doing something I enjoyed; playing music. I entered the music business when I joined the Army Band in 2003. I actually joined the Army specifically to join the band. When we deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom III in Baghdad, we had a Rock Band where I was the lead female vocalist. I never imagined I would be here, writing my own songs and performing 8 years after that deployment.

3375   Why is it that there are still fewer successful female artists in a music that speaks of equality and justice?

NISHA   I'm not really sure. It's fair to say, the public drives who is successful. It could be a matter of fewer female artists getting out there and sharing their talent combined with a decreased public demand for female artists who may not be as spectacular as Mariah Carey or Alicia Keys.

3375   Who and what inspires you to write?

NISHA   I would have to say I've been inspired by the numerous artists I enjoy, ranging from Evanescence to Chrisette Michele. I started writing my own songs because of my life experiences. I have a story to tell and the best way I know to tell it is through my music. Music has inspired me all my life and I want to give back by inspiring others through my music.

3375   A lot of artists whether earlier or later in their career become producers. Do you see yourself working behind the scenes producing other artist music.

NISHA   I don't see myself producing, to be honest. If the time ever arose where the opportunity presented itself, I don't know if I would turn it down. I like to leave doors open.

3375   What is the most memorable thing a fan has ever done?

NISHA   The most memorable thing a fan has done has been becoming my friend. I'm still new in the music industry and its really cool to get honest criticism from true fans before I release a single. I don't want to become so busy or popular I forget my fans. I have a particular fan, Tish, who is now my friend. We talk about my style, sound, confidence levels, etc. That is priceless and unforgettable.

3375   What is your biggest musical accomplishment so for and why?

NISHA   My biggest musical accomplishment so far? I'd have to say it has been writing songs like "Have Mercy on Me" and "Static on the Radio" that have meaning and have touched people's lives. They are both songs people can relate to about relationship problems. We all have those...

  3375   Are you planning to going on Tour any time soon?

NISHA   I'm trying to get a band together right now so I can start touring. My musicians, Jason Richard (guitar and bass) and Jose Pomales (piano) are both engaged in other projects but they produce the awesome music you hear. I need to find musicians who can match that talent so I can get out there. Once that happens, I'll be hitting the areas in Central Texas first!

3375   Live performing could be disrupted by malfunctions of stage props and could lead to devastating results. How would you handle one?

NISHA   Well, given my Army background, I believe in always having a plan B. I'd be sure my band at always had wireless mics on set to continue the show in the event we had a malfunction. Of course, depending on the size of the venue, those may not even be necessary. Everyone knows stuff happens. Its all about making the show go on, despite the circumstances!

3375   Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

NISHA   In the next 5 years, I hope to continue to be a household name. I want people to be familiar with my sound and who I am. At the five year mark, I hope to have already toured in the continental U.S. and to have performed for troops overseas. I also hope to be signed by a label by then!

3375   Is acting going to be something that you would consider in the near future?

NISHA   I would definitely consider acting

3375   What can we expect to hear from you in 2013?

NISHA  This year, you can expect to continue to hear new singles from me. My style is my own, so no two songs will sound alike. I like to keep things fresh and original. I'm working on putting my first music video together right now too. As I said, I have a story to tell and I want to share it with my music.

3375   As a artist, what advice would you give to someone that wants to get into the music industry?

NISHA  I would say, never give up on your dream! Practice, practice, practice, network, market your music every way you can, and be original. I believe people are looking for something different. People want to be motivated, inspired, and happy. They want to feel like you're talking to them. I'd also say, if you don't love what you do, then this industry is not for you because there are no guarantees on becoming a success.

3375   Where can we find you online?

NISHA   My website will be up some time next week at: www.nishanandez.com, my blog is: www.nishanandez.wordpress.com, follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nishanandez or Facebook: www.facebook.com/nishanandez1, my music is available for download on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, etc

3375   Any shout outs?

 NISHA   Definitely! Shout out to my husband, Sean, and all our children, I love you all so much! To my Grandma and Granddad who inspired me to be the best I can be. To my Mom and two sisters who are always supportive. To my producer and friend, Jason Richard at www.clockrightstudio.com, the man behind my music, my friend and fellow Soldier, Jose Pomales, to James Lucente at www.lucenteentertainment.com, and George Seals at www.prettyboybeats.com. Also a S/O to: Billy Lord, Rich Strunck, aToJ Productions, Dale Carter and to all my fans!! I would NOT be here without you!!! Much love and Keep Rockin'!