Boost New Artist Q & A With Kreesha Turner
So, you are the talk of the music industry right now. Your first single, “Bounce With Me” has been featured on several hit shows such as “Gossip Girl”, “Entourage”, “The Hills”. “Desperate Housewives” and in the Ashton Kutcher—Cameron Diaz film “What Happens In Vegas”. You must be excited.
I am very excited!
This has all happened before you finished your debut album, “Passions”. Where are you from?
I am from Edmonton, Canada. It’s growing. It’s less on the map than Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. We have a pretty solid music scene, however.
How did you get your first break?
I started doing my first shows when I graduated from high school in 2003. I won a local radio contest in 2005 and met a DJ called Kwame who introduced me to Nelly Furtado’s manager Chris Smith. With Chris’ influence, I got an audition with Virgin Records in NY and it all went from there, you know? I took two years to write my album, Passions.
What is your musical style?
I started singing a bit late at 16. But, I have always had a strong Jazz influence. I started performing R&B as well around town. I knew I wanted to perform Jazz, R&B with a Pop sense so it could apply to the masses.
You seem very fashion-conscious.
I have always loved fashion. But, I am still learning though. For the longest time, being from Edmonton, I would have to go out of my way to find out what was hot in America and the UK. Styles and trends would get to Edmonton really late.
Did you get music late as well?
We did not get Ciara’s “Goodies” until 5 months after it had already been #1 in the States for 3 months. So, just like with fashion, I would always search the Internet and shop.
You consider yourself a pop artist. What will you bring to the genre?
A lot of Pop songs are gimmicky. There is no depth and emotion or time and love. I am writing music that I feel. I hope to bring back a lot of that authenticity that pop used to have.
Tell me about the first single from your album.
It’s called “Don’t Call Me Baby” and its ABBA influenced. It has the structure of older songs. It’s basically about a guy who should stop trying and give up already. I did write it about a certain somebody.
What’s your ethnicity?
I am mixed with Black, White and Asian. More specifically, my father is Canadian of Scottish and German descent. My mother is Jamaican mixed with Chinese. I have a little of everything in there.
Interview by Isoul H. Harris, a freelance journalist based in Atlanta, GA.