“It was like
Gras at 30,000 feet!”
Mardi
a live show. How do you go about writing a song, and then deciding what else it might need in terms of other voices or instruments? Te first thing I learnt about writing songs is not limiting yourself and knowing that anything is possible. I used to always think about how a song would translate live which can be restrictive. Now it’s about the sound and story that I’m trying to create and adding the components that support that. You get a
feel for a sound or the style of artist you would like on a track and then the job is to find them and add them to the mix. You’ve had headline shows at the Barbican and at the Hammersmith Apollo, with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. What other venues would you love to play? I would love to play the Sydney Opera House and in a stadium at a football match. Both of those experiences are on my bucket list.
You are the child of Jamaican parents – what music did you hear around you when you were growing up and to what extent has that influenced your own music? I come from a family that loves music. I was brought up with all genres of music playing in the house. My Dad has the best music collection including reggae, Latin, jazz, classical, folk and more. My family didn’t play musical instruments but I was always supported when I wanted to learn and create music. All these genres definitely influenced the music that I make and always pulls me to mix styles and want to work with artists across all musical genres. You’ve been an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and Children And Te Arts amongst others, and you’ve also met the Queen. What do you feel you’ve been able to offer young people so far and why is it important? Music is a wonderful way to be expressive and let go. Working with young musicians is very close to my heart because it’s a great way to give back. As much as music is being taught it is also important to show what you can do with it if you choose to. Both as a career and a hobby, I also feel that it is important to share my journey with children, students and adults and if there are aspects that help to inspire and motivate then it’s definitely worth it. I always think you don’t have to be a multi-millionaire to give back. You played on a plane with Nicole Sherzinger! What was that experience like? Playing on the British Airways inaugural flight from London to New Orleans was an experience I will never forget! It was like Mardi Gras
at 30,000 feet. Everyone was out of their seats, singing and dancing to reggae in the sky and the added ingredient of New Orleans cocktails and Mardis Gras beads really got the party going. I made sure to play to everyone in the cabin and made my way from first class to economy playing my saxophone and enjoying every moment! Nicole was so lovely also - we had a good chat. You’ve won two MOBO awards – what does this mean to you? As a musician and a creative it is wonderful to know you are being heard and that the listeners appreciate what you have to offer. It gives you a boost, a time to celebrate and lets you know you are on the right track. As an independent artist it is also a powerful tool when promoting myself in the industry. For example I got a call from the office of the Russian President asking me to play for him and other dignitaries after winning my award. You’ve achieved a huge amount in your 34 years – what gives you the strength to continue making your mark on the world? Tank you! I really have enjoyed the journey so far. I think what keeps me going are the goals that I have set for myself and what I want to achieve. Tere are always going to be stumbling blocks along the way but I see them all as life lessons to make me stronger and all you can do is get up and go again. It is exciting to see the progress so far but I am also motivated by the fact that there is still a fantastic road up ahead! I am so grateful to all those that have been and continue to be a part of my journey so far.
LIZZ PAGE
INFORMATION YolanDa Brown plays at Norwich Arts Centre on 2nd October. Tickets available from
norwichartscentre.co.uk
OUTLINEONLINE.CO.UK / OCT-NOV / 11
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
