Elyssa Plaza first things first thank you for interviewing with Nefarious Supply, to get the interview started tell us about yourself and what made you choose the career path of music?
I am an R&B/Alternative singer/songwriter from Scarborough, Ontario and I’m currently in school at the University of Toronto. Growing up I would always be singing. Throughout elementary school, I would see so many artists being discovered on Youtube, and seeing that inspired me to keep going with singing and getting myself out there. By high school, I would be performing at coffee shops, school talent shows, and school choirs, it was always something I enjoyed doing. By then I knew singing was something I wanted to continue in the future, however, I was too scared to solely focus on music after I graduated high school. After I graduated high school, I went to the University of Toronto to study Math, Religion, and Statistics. Throughout my time in university, I realized pursuing music is something I would want to continue in the future. So during my time in university, I would be writing songs and working towards releasing new music. Growing up, singing was something I enjoyed doing, and by the time I got into high school and university I knew it was something I was very passionate about and something I wanted to focus on in the long-term.
How long have you been making and since your start what are some things you have learned?
I started making music probably back in 2018. 2018 was when I started writing songs and by 2019 I released my first single “Getting Over You”. Something I learned that stood out to me the most is being patient. There were times I was frustrated with myself that I wasn’t able to reach specific dates of when I wanted to get things done musically, but at the end of the day, I realized there’s so much time and there's no need to feel pressured. I learned that taking your time can get things done properly and carefully instead of it being rushed.
Where are you from and how would you say this area has influenced you, and your sound?
I’m from Scarborough, Ontario, and being able to see the Toronto local music scene is very inspiring. So many unique voices and amazing talent! It is inspiring to see Toronto artists grow and making it bigger into the music scene because it is something I strive to do as well. The Toronto music scene has inspired me to be myself and experiment with my sound.
In addition to you influencing your sound, how is the area for creatives would you say it is still an emerging area or a hub, and have you worked with any artists from the area?
I feel like Toronto is still an emerging hub. There are so many amazing talents I have to see that go unnoticed and I feel like there should be more recognition for the talented artists in Toronto. I haven’t worked with other singers yet but I have worked with many great producers in Toronto.
Who are some of your favorite artists that you grew up listening to and as of right now what are the 5 albums and artists you currently have in your rotation?
My favorite artists I grew up listening to would be Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, and Beyonce. As of right now, the artists I have on rotation would be Snoh Alegra, Giveon, Frank Ocean, Lee Fields & The Expressions, and The Beegees.
So right now you’re currently with the startup Tomboy Records which is pretty cool, how did you meet them and what led to you formally signing to them?
I met Tomboy Records through social media. Casandra reached out to me on Instagram and told me about Tomboy Records. I was busy with school at the time so by the summer I gave it some thought and decided to sign with them. It was the greatest decision made! I decided to sign with them because I knew we both had similar end goals. With our similar ambitions, I knew that we would both work hard to achieve them.
So let’s get into your music. You just recently released your new song “Is It Really Love” tell us about this new song, and what inspired it?
I started working on the production on "Is It Really Love" back in March/April. This song has been something I had for probably about 2 years and was never released. When I first wrote it, I wrote it based on my family experiences and the misinterpretations of love language. From my experiences, this song questions if these actions are supposed to express love or if it's toxic. It took me some time to release it because it was something pretty personal. I also wanted the production to do the song justice and I never really knew what I wanted. I’ve only played this song live twice and it’s been with a live band. This year I finally decided to work on the production of the song and I’m very happy with how it turned out.
Last year you also released a Small EP titled EP, tell us about this project, what inspired it, and who are some of the people that helped you put it together in production?
This project was very fun to make. This was inspired by my personal experiences, specifically my experience with relationships, how I felt in the moment, and the way I dealt with things. "Forever", is probably one of my favorites from the album. High Rize Beatz helped put the production together along with mixing/mastering.
So going into 2021 what are some things you want to accomplish before the end of 2020, and what are some of your biggest goals in 2021?
Releasing “Is it Really Love” was a big accomplishment for 2020. By 2021, I plan on releasing more music and hopefully perform (whether it be in person or online)!
Any last words?
Thanks so much for having me!
Thank you to Elyssa Plaza, and Tom-Boy Records for giving us a chance to feature them on Nefarious Supply. Be sure to check out TomBoy Records as well as Elyssa Plaza on Instagram and check out the full labels music available on all streaming platforms!
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