With her short cut dynamic hair SEL is a striking lady but her looks aside it’s her singing ability that is off the hook. I actually met her a about two years ago and interviewed her about a forth coming project. Unfortunately while the project did well complications behind the scenes meant that she went quiet for a bit. Well now all those complications are behind her and Soulful Emma Louise is back with a Garage/House influenced collabo with the producer FugiRoc.
It’s been a while SEL and sorry I cant do a face to face (new short hairstyle grhhh looking hot) but first how have things been since we last met are you still running the singing alongside a busy work life?
Hey Semper, thanks for the compliment! Life is great at the moment, I released my second single, ‘Daydream’, this time as an unsigned artist, back in January 2013, which did really well in the Soul scene worldwide. I was fortunate enough to be asked to launch my single with a night at the prestigious Pizza Express Jazz venue in Dean Street, Soho, London, which was a sellout. My music industry lifestyle has taken priority, especially with the release of my new single ‘Dangerous’ with Fugi Roc,and we’ve been really busy promoting and performing, so I’m really happy about that.
Well, since we last spoke there has been lots of changes in the business side of my career. I worked really hard with the help of my solicitor and thankfully released myself from a number of contracts that just weren’t beneficial to my career. I have had a number of offers for management over the past two years. I then decided to employ a small team of people that are down for the cause and manage them and my career myself, which has been extremely busy as you can imagine, however, what we have achieved collectively is unquestionable. Worldwide gigs, collaborations, sponsorship and so much more! Its an amazing feeling to learn your business and have sole control over your career. If you can do it, I would definitely recommend this to all music artists.
So who is managing your career at the moment then?
I have just decided to go with a well known manager in New York , who has a number of worldwide known Rn’ B/Soul artists on his books, as he seems to share the same vision for me and my career, which is so important. There’s lots planned for 2014 and I will keep you informed.
Your roots are very soul orientated from what I remember, so what enticed you to make ‘Dangerous’ with Fugi Roc, which is Garage/House?
Fugi Roc and I have worked together after meeting while on tour with Soul2Soul. He is an amazing producer and my Musical Director, and we have been writing together on a number of projects, as well as on my album. So when he suggested that I do the vocals for his debut release, I was more than happy to get involved.
So the track does not represent some departure from your soulful foundations.
I Love ‘Dangerous’, the track is an absolute Hit but I am still and always will be a UK Soul artist. I still perform regularly as those are my roots. The ‘Dangerous’ project was experimental for me, as it’s the first Dance/urban release I have featured on. It’s completely different to what I do, but I love it. Apart from that I love collaborating and featuring on tracks with other UK artists though, and I think it’s important to support one and other.
Of course I have to ask what is coming up for you singles, videos etc?
I am featuring on Fugi Roc’s second single and I’ve just finished my album and it is hardcore UK Soul…to the bone! There’s lots of collaborations with Fugi Roc on there as well as he’s so talented across so many genres. It is due for release next summer with a third single. The third single is something which I am now in limbo about as I was so set on it being ‘Elevation’, as everyone who hears it is blown away by that song. However, I have recently been performing another track which I am not going to name from my album, and which seems to drive the crowd wild, so watch this space.
What’s the goals further than that for 2014?
2014 is going to be amazing as there’s been crazy interest in my album from all over the world and it’s growing all the time. I I have to make sure I make the right choices but I have lots of live shows booked in the diary already, so keep in touch via my website for up to date details but 2014 is going to be all about keeping the hard work going, growing and staying focused.
Anything to add that I have not asked?
Check out the Dangerous video.
Dangerous is the new single from Fugi Roc featuring S.E.L with new mixes from Kashta and One Over due in December on Reverb Nation. For all info check out www.soundcloud.com/fugiroc