Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisa Latrice.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Elisa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was introduced to the industry at a young age through my godmother, who was a casting director here in the city. Her company was responsible for booking talent for movies, commercials, music videos, etc. It was my first glimpse into the life behind the curtains and cameras. I fell in love.
I’ve always had a fascination with the stage, but things didn’t get interesting until 2010. That was the year I joined a cover band-but, not just any band… a cover band with four female lead singers. There wasn’t anything like us in the city and we certainly knew how to put on a show. Every weekend for five years, I’d perform four-hour shows with these girls in heels! We had choreography, wardrobe changes, big hair… the works. That was when Chicago was first introduced to Elisa Latrice.
During those years, I was able to explore the art of entertaining and I learned more about the business side of the industry. I was given a lot of creative control when it came to our branding and marketing. I sacrificed so much personal time and energy to help keep that band operating at the level it was and I knew things were coming to an end when I wasn’t feeling any further growth. Leaving was bittersweet but I’ve come to realize that the universe always has your back.
In December of 2015, I performed for the first time as a solo artist at the Elbo Room. This was actually the same show I met my friend, Scott Nadeau. He performed earlier that night and we both were so impressed with each other’s performances that we decided to set up a jam session. The following year, we collaborated on an EP, which led to a fantastic 2017. Last year, I checked-off several longtime goals, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Has it been a smooth road?
There was a time I allowed my fear to cripple me and stifle my success. I’d let opportunities pass by because I was afraid I wasn’t good enough or deserving. I’d shrink my voice, my performance, and my personality because I thought it’d make everyone around me more comfortable and accepting. These days I can’t afford that kind of self-doubt. I was the reason for my own despair and once I had that realization, the things I struggled with became more of an illusion. We tend to hide the parts of ourselves that make us stand out the most. It’s important to me to never neglect the power I hold in my own individuality.
My advice for young women would be to find your voice and use it! Don’t be afraid to set professional boundaries and to ask for what you want. Respect is gained when you can think and speak for yourself.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m a singer/songwriter and a creative soul that has a true love for entertaining and connecting with people through music. I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished thus far because I’ve made it happen on my own. People are shocked when I tell them my team consists of me, myself and I.
Finding a balance between working a 9 to 5 and music isn’t the easiest thing to handle, but I’ve managed to make it work. It’s always fulfilling to complete a goal knowing that it was your sheer will that made it happen.
I think my stage presence and sound have really put me in a lane all of my own, which I’m very thankful for. I call my sound “Rockababy Funk.” It’s a blend of rock, funk, R&B, and pop. People are always surprised to see a black girl singing rock music for some reason. I get a kick out of it.
I’m also known for the energy I have on stage. I’m an entertainer. Honestly, the stage is home. It feels like I’m coming back to myself each time I’m blessed to perform. I don’t want to be the type of artist that just sings lyrics to you. I want us to both feel our way through the music and live in that space for as long as we can. I’ve cried on stage, I’ve been angry and I’ve had shows where people want to jump up and dance with me. It’s my job is to inspire that type of emotional reaction whenever I have a mic in my hand or an audience to sing to.
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
I had an amazing childhood. I was definitely the kid that loved playing dress up, singing in front of the mirror and watching Michael Jackson’s “Moonwalker.” My parents always encouraged my siblings and me to be individuals. I didn’t wear name-brand clothes or shoes, and I certainly wasn’t the most popular kid in school. I’ve been a nerd all my life, but I think I’ve always thought of myself as a cool nerd. I own my weirdness. I do things my way because it’s the only way I know how. If I think it’s cool, that’s the only thing that matters. My parents encouraging me to remain true to myself has always stuck with me. I try not to do what everyone else is doing. I’d rather be the trendsetter than the one following the trends.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elisalatrice.com
- Email: elisalatricelive@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisalatrice/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elisalatrice/
Image Credit:
Irv22, Breeze Art Creatives, Jakina Ado
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