A Conversation with Vanessa Elisha

If you’ve been up to date with music in the last few months, you probably have listened to or have heard of Vanessa Elisha before. Having collaborated with a plethora of accomplished producers like xxyyxx, GXNXVS, and salute, the Australian singer-songwriter is beginning to make a name for herself, and we predict a very bright year for this young talent. In our interview, the R&B singer speaks on the ups and downs of being a musician, her goals, direction, and the drive that keeps her going, and the importance of finding the right network to aid her in her growth. She details on some valuable advice for up-and-comers, such as the attitude to have in order to be successful in this dog-eat-dog industry. Read her words of wisdom below and let us know your thoughts on it.

What is the hardest part being a musician?

Probably the innate loneliness. I keep a lot of my life to myself and let it all come out in my lyrics, I also forgo a lot of my social life to work in the studio, but that’s because I love what I do, so it’s worth every minute.

What is the hardest part being a female recording artist in what many say being a male-dominated industry?

So far I’ve only worked with males and haven’t had any problems. The biggest issue is just trying to differentiate between someone genuinely interested in your music and big ass creepers lol and there are lots of those lurkin.

You’ve been on the grind for some time. What was your most valuable experience so far?

It was definitely my first trip to LA. I seriously met more people in 2 weeks than I have in 4 years in Australia. Everyone’s working, networking and honing in their craft 24/7. It taught me the kind of attitude and hustle you have to have to make it in the industry.

You are working a lot with fellow Australian producer GXNXVS. How did this link come about and can we expect more collaborations from you two?

We met through a mutual friend. Straight away we clicked and we’ve been working together ever since. You can definitely expect new music in 2015, he’s at my house all the time so it’s inevitable haha, maybe even a collab with myself, GXNXVS & CVIRO.

What is the biggest misconception people have about the Australian music market?

Everyone is really shocked when they find out that I’m Australian and an R&B artist. I guess that’s a misconception in itself… that we don’t know good R&B. It might be underground, but there are so many dope artists coming out of Australia right now, Soundcloud is a good place to find them; CVIRO, Paces, Kuren, Kilter, Motez, just to name a few.

When its all said and done, what legacy would you love to leave behind?

Good music. That’s all I’m focused on right now. As I grow as an artist and a person I’m sure that ideal will expand and shift.

You recently released your Midnight Swim EP. How do you like the response so far?

I couldn’t believe how rapidly the EP blew up. I didn’t expect it at all, not because I didn’t believe in the music but I just didn’t expect it to spread the way it did. I owe a lot of that to music blogs, who have continuously supported my music. Hypetrak has definitely been day1.

How would you recap your personal 2014 in one sentence?

Only just the beginning.

What is your main goal in 2015?

Learn as much as I can, work with as many artists and producers as I can, tour, travel and get better at everything I do. The main goal is to get to as many ears as possible in 2015.

Words of wisdom?

Do what you love. At the end of the day if you’re not doing what you love then what’s the point? Don’t let fear or pressures stop you, if I did, I wouldn’t be doing music.