Elesia Iimura Believe Interview

Elesia Iimura Believe Interview

Singer/songwriter/producer, Elesia Iimura is built for the glittering pedestal and is set to release of her infectious debut single 'Believe" on August 29 through MGM.

'Believe" is a fresh take on pop/R&B, with heavy 808 drums, pulsing synths, driven by her emotive vocal delivery.

She's got the magic mix of confident-cool, boundless talent and is genetically blessed with hypnotic features from a Japanese and Australian heritage.

Elesia describes her musical style as 'a mixture of urban, pop and soul; fueled by edgy beats, drawing influences from trap, dancehall, and hip-hop".

Musically, she is drawn to darker vibes and rhythmic undertones, and this is apparent in her video for Believe and expressed through her own personal style.

Leading up to writing and producing her own music, Elesia has performed on stages across the world, as well as with the likes of Boyz ll Men and K-Ci & Jo Jo during their Australian tour. She has also worked with Ilan Kidron from The Potbelleez and Aria Award winning producer Audius, and Snob Scrilla.

Her track 'Take It To The Top" was also featured on the Australian television series 'The Strip" where she also had a supporting acting role.

This girl is just an inherent performer with the world at her feet, but she's keeping those firmly on the ground.

Believe will be out on iTunes and most digital retailers on August 29.

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Interview with Elesia Iimura

Question: How would you describe your music?

Elesia Iimura: Good frequencies... A sultry yet fresh combination of cool, warm and hot timbres. A pulsing sensation of mood and emotion riding a phat beat.

Question: What's inspired the track, Believe?

Elesia Iimura: I was in bed half asleep when the words and melody "If you just believe" came into my head so I sat up and recorded the idea on my iPhone. The delivery came out with a heavenliness reminiscent of the angelic voice of Aaliyah....Airy, soaring, and free, so organically fitting for the meaning of the word "Believe".


Question: Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Elesia Iimura: Yes, I write and produce my songs. This track was a co-production with the very talented artist/producer Travis Lee. Our creative musical skills combined birthed this track.


Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Elesia Iimura: My inspiration is constantly drawn from a combination of internal and external stimulation, be that; emotional experiences of myself or others, the music and sounds I hear around me, or watching and observing other talented artists.


Question: What's next? Tour/Album/Single?

Elesia Iimura: I'm into smooth r&b with mellow vocals, nice 808 driven beats and interesting/experimental melodies and sounds. I dig Jhene Aiko, Miguel, Frank Ocean, Tinashe. But I also love my Jamaican Dancehall artists such as Vybes Kartel and Mavado.

Question: What's next? Tour/Album/Single?

Elesia Iimura: I'm crazy pumped to shoot my second single in November in Jamaica!! It's going to be a wild project with some great people coming on board.


Question: Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Elesia Iimura: In regards to putting myself out into the world yes, in the past the thought alone has scared me. Now I'm more ready than ever. But I would never stop song writing. It has become an important creative outlet and part of my life. Putting music together for me is quite therapeutic and in a sense is like completing a puzzle, figuring out where and how things fit organically.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Elesia Iimura: I love both for different reasons. There's nothing like being in a recording booth alone and feeling each and every word and tone with such emotion and clarity... and there's also such a feeling of elation when reaching out to others on stage and receiving the buzzing energy of the crowd.


Question: What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Elesia Iimura: My own readiness. Never before have I really felt the inner urge to get my music across the globe like I do right now.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Elesia Iimura: In the early days when I was unfamiliar with music making software and I would write songs but not have any connections to producers to collaborate with. This really slowed things down.

Question: What's a typical day like?

Elesia Iimura: I'm not sure if you could classify my day as typical. Yes I teach my Yoga classes through the week but the rest of my days are mixed up with anything from modelling work to writing music, recording, producing, mixing and mastering often into early hours of the morning depending on where a project is at. Usually I have a few projects going at once.

The most typical part of my days would have to be my meals which I try to keep as balanced, wholesome and as organic as possible. I also start and end my day with breathing exercises to calm my mind, bring me into centre and find a moment of gratitude.


Question: What originally inspired you to begin teaching yoga?

Elesia Iimura: Besides my mother being a yoga teacher, the idea of facilitating and guiding peoples busy minds into stillness where they are able to connect with the unlimited potential, peace and goodness within us all. Also, when the mind is at ease, the body naturally responds accordingly in letting go. It is a true blessing and a beautiful transformation to observe take place in others.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Elesia Iimura: Collaborating with other artists/producers/engineers and musically creative people who also bring out the best in me.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Elesia Iimura: That's not an easy question, but I would have to say Drake. He's a talented singer/rapper and is killin it.


Question: What message would you like your music to say to your fans?

Elesia Iimura: Connect with the unlimited power and potential within and trust in your ability to create the good in your life. Always speak your heart, and communicate openly for successful relationships. Let go and enjoy each moment.


Interview by Brooke Hunter