By Derryck “Nes” Johnson
NBC’s juggernaut “The Voice” gives potential stars a chance to showcase and be judged by their singing skill. Anyone that hears the young & beautiful soulful siren that is Ms. Leela James (@LeelaJames), without so much as an ocular vision would know and thoroughly understand her voice is something blessed by God. I recently had the opportunity to talk with Leela about her continued journey in the music industry and what drives her to reach further each day as a successful singer/ songwriter.
Your voice seems to be rooted in that 60’s, 70’s blues and soul sound not often heard by any of your peers in this era of music. Did you recognize early on when you first started singing you had something unique in regards to your voice?
You know what? Yeah…I didn’t know for sure, but other people I would encounter or knew would tell me my voice didn’t sound like an average singing voice. I guess I took that into consideration when I first started out, but it wasn’t until I got a little older I began to realize it was a little more to my voice.
Have you ever felt slept on or slighted because your music didn’t just “go along” with what was deemed radio friendly or popular?
Oh absolutely, I mean yeah I did. I think there are those that know and I think there are people that will get to know me. There are situations when you don’t necessarily fit into the format of what people are accustomed to listening to, so they don’t know what to think. Yeah, you have to kind to deal with that, but you know at the same time there’s a great deal of people that are aware of me so I just keep on going. I just have the attitude if you’re sleeping, then I just have to wake you up then!
Your new single “Say That” featuring Anthony Hamilton was the most added single to urban A/C radio a few weeks ago. How did you feel about that accomplishment?
Oh…that was incredible. I mean I was so excited to hear that. It’s just so exciting to be recognized in that fashion. It bring you back to the quote “being slept on” to finally maybe catching the ears and attention of the people that weren’t aware, so it was just a wonderful feeling.
What do you hope to accomplish with the new album?
Capturing the attention of those who may have been unaware. I’m trying to take things to the next level (with J&T records/Red Distribution) musically because I feel people may not know my full capabilities as an artist yet. They don’t know I do a lot of writing as well. So I would like for this project to really open up the eyes, doors and windows for the people to embrace Leela James as I continue to take my career to the next level.
What truly keeps you motivated to get up each morning to write record and pour your soul into your performances?
Well prior to having my daughter, I would say it was my love for the music. But now that I have a little girl, it’s now become that combined with my love for the music. It’s not always about the money for me. It’s just my passion that I have for what I do creatively and now I’m even more motivated because I have a child, my little girl.
There’s a young girl out there focused and wants to become a professional singer. She’s thinking about entering the music industry and is looking for a mentor to give her the correct advice and guidance. What would you give her?
Wow! There’s so much I would want to say to her, but let me try to narrow it down. When you’re a new artist entering in this game, trying to focus and get to know about the business side of it as much and you’re focusing on your creative talents. Try to set yourself up with a solid team of people that can help you to navigate through your career. Do your homework on everything you planned on getting involved with regarding your career.