www.myspace.com/elenavogts
HMTV Canada-Tina: 1. Hi Elena, How are you doing? How the weather in New York is is it getting colder?
Elena: Hey Tina! I'm doing great, hope you are too! Yes, the weather is getting colder here..I'm actually wearing my Uggs for the first time in a while! Missing summer already.
HMTV Canada-Tina: 2. I was reading your bio on your myspace page www.myspace.com/elenavogts was surprised to learn that your music career began at the age of 8 when you were singing pop, then you went on to study voice professionally at the age of 12, began songwriting at 15, choreographs dance, designs and draws. Was there a special person in your life back then that encouraged you to pursue your Artistic Talent? Elena: I'm going to have to say Mom! When I was little she was also very into music..well she still is..so I'd watch her sing and dance to the 80's and 90's music and I'd say, "Mommy, I want to sing like you"! We still laugh about that cause I've sort of passed her up, lol..so eventually I found myself constantly singing and dancing. But she saw that I had talent and always told me that if God gives you a gift, a talent, you have to use it because there must be a reason. She was behind me 100% and made following my dreams possible.
HMTV Canada-Tina: 3. I enjoyed listening to your tracks Dream About You, Wish You Weren’t So Beautiful, Girl Most Likely To and In Your Arms Elena your lyrics rhythm are great and your voice is beautiful . Your music is a mysterious, full of positive energy, uplifting and inspirational, do you have any spiritual influences?
Elena: I have to be very honest here..I'm not an overly religious person. I would say as far as spiritual influences, that would have to be my great grandmother. She died when I was 12 and she was absolutely my best friend. I was devastatd by her death and I turn inward to her for guidance and thoughts of her have inspired me to keep going forward. She always said she couldn't wait to see what became of me..so I feel she's watching and a lot of what I do is for her.
HMTV Canada-Tina: 4. Do you have any musical influences?
Elena: My grandfather was a huge musical influence in my life. He is a world renowned conductor and director and founder of the New York Grand Opera company so I grew up going to his performances and it really inspired me. As far as artists outside of classical I'd have to say Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey. Those are the 3 that I grew up trying to sing like! My Mom tells stories of how I tried to sing along with Whitney Houston when I was two years old. Then at about eight she said my talent really came out because I was singing My Heart Will Go On with Celine and belting right along with her, no problem! Ha.
HMTV Canada-Tina: 5. Elena, can you tell us about your own unique style of music. When you write your lyrics what are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? How do you go about writing songs?
Elena: Well, the topic I typically write about is love. Most people say, "What does a 17 year old know about love"? But my heart is a little mature for 17 I guess, haha. Actually I've been told that my writing is a little too sophisticated so I'm trying to bring it down a notch, ha. I don't sit and force myself to write. Ideas randomly pop into my head so I write them down. When I get these ideas, I get the words and melody together so I hear a complete song in my head. I just sing it and it sounds just like you hear it completed..I either tape myself singing it and/or write down the lyrics and keep the melody in my head. Then I get into the studio and get the chords put to it, etc.
HMTV Canada-Tina: 6. What kind of recording environment do you have, can you tell us about your instruments, do you play piano?
Elena: As of right now I switch between using two studios. One is in the city and the other is in upstate NY. It depends on who I'm working with at the time. Both are beautiful with everything I could need. I would love to someday have a studio in my home for getting quick ideas down! I am taking piano lessons right now..not fluent yet but soon. I'm hoping eventually to be playing while I'm singing rather than using a keyboard player.
HMTV Canada-Tina: 7. Are you a member of any music organizations currently?
Elena: No I am not a member of the Union yet, I am looking into it though. As far as singing clubs or anything I used to be involved in Church choirs but right now my main focus is on songwriting and developing my career.
HMTV Canada-Tina: 8. Are you still attending school for Performing Arts in singing, dancing or drawing? How is this working out for you? Do you find your busy schedule overwhelming sometimes?
Elena: I am not currently in a performing arts school. I am a senior in regular high school but I do take art courses. I also take dance outside of school off and on..I am always doing something and always drawing too. I also like to design handbags and things and actually hope to oneday have my own clothing or accessory line! I also work with my vocal coach weekly. I guess if I really think about it I could find everything overwhelming but I don't because this is what I love doing. Singing is my passion no matter how busy it makes me. I'm blessed to be able to be busy doing what I love to do more than anything!
HMTV Canada-Tina: 9. What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals spontaneous?
Elena: Since I'm solo right now and don't have a full time band I have pretty spontaneous rehearsals. I have the mic and amp set up in my living room and when I want to work I pop the instrumental in and get up and practice and I practice performing that way too. When I want to practice a performance I will usually call in family members or my Mom and and they are my audience! I just yell...come listen to me!! Hahaha. Sounds simple but I work hard!
HMTV Canada-Tina: 10. Have you performed any live shows recently? What were your favorite and least favourite venues? How are your fans reacting to your music at these live gigs? Do you have any current upcoming shows?
Elena: I haven't performed recently but I miss it! I've been working on some new material so hopefully soon I will be getting out there again! I love little cafes for right now and I like doing parties too. I used to sing in bars but I was 16 at the time and then guys got pretty rowdy..how'd the fans react? Screaming, lol..fun! But I look older than I am so the guys would get to be a little too much sometimes so I stopped for a while until I can get an entourage of protection or book in more mellow places for now, ha! I am going to be doing some cafes and small bars in the city and some high end parties soon.
HMTV Canada-Tina: 11. Do you have a record label or do you plan to stay an Independent Solo Artist? What are your hopes for your music career? Elena: Right now I am unsigned. However I am hoping to get signed by a major label and I do have someone who is getting ready to shop me. That is the goal I am working toward. My hopes are to be one of the next biggest icons in the biz..I've been told it can happen but it's going to take a lot of work! That's my focus.
HMTV Canada-Tina: 12. What is your opinion on the music scene today do you find it hard for a female to break into the music business? What advice do you have for other female artist’s that want to form their own bands?
Elena: As of right now I do believe the music business is hard to break into and especially for young women. There is a lot of competition with lots of beautiful, talented people. However for the young girls who are trying to break out, you need to be original, give all you've got and let yourself shine! that would be my main advise. Also, be sure that it's what you really want and that you are prepared for the set back that might come but if you've made the decision don't give up! Work work work!
HMTV Canada-Tina: 13. Is there anyone that you would like to acknowledge or any last words?
Elena: I would definitely like to acknowledge my mother for her support. And all the wonderful people I've met on myspace and the friendships I've formed!! It's been so incredible and I've never had such great fans and friends and I hope to stay in touch with each and every one even when I get to the top! :=)
HMTV Canada-Tina: 14. Elena, thank you for taking the time to complete HMTV’s Canada’s Online Ezine Interview. You Rock
Elena: And thank you for the opportunity! Take care and stay cool!
Brought to you by Hollywood Music TV Canada Tina
