“Rockstar” Q&A with Antoinette Ellis…
Front and center...
Photo Credit: Josh Stolberg
Today, I am excited to share a recent Q&A with my friend, colleague, and Toxic A$$ets bandmate, Antoinette Ellis (Lead Vocals and Background Vocals)!
We explore her life-long relationship with music, especially singing, and some lessons she learned along the way. Like a ballad, each of our lives tells a story, many of which share a common thread. As you read Antoinette’s story, consider thinking about your own relationship with music (or any passion) or how music may have served as the soundtrack to your life.
Thanks for reading!
“Rockstar” Q&A
Featuring Antoinette Ellis
Toxic A$$ets: Lead Vocals and Background Vocals
Q.
What were some of the earliest songs, albums, music videos, or artists you remember?
A.
I remember listening to Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, and Diana Ross with my mom, starting when I was around age six. The sounds of The Isley Brothers, Ella Fitzgerald, Teena Marie, and Phil Collins also filled the air of my childhood home. In fact, music frequently played in our home, often creating a fun and festive atmosphere, especially when friends and family were visiting. I grew up in Chicago and at the time, our home was in a six-story apartment building. Our musical epicenter was in the form of a stereo component system, with two large, oak wood-encased speakers, located in our living room. My mom really loved to play our music loud, whenever possible. So, when the weather was warm, she would open our windows, place our big speakers on the ledge, and provide all of us, including our neighbors, with a summer soundtrack.
Q.
Did you come from a “musical” household?
A.
While my mom was not a trained musician, nor did she play an instrument, she absolutely loved to sing. Thus, music, especially R&B music and that which is vocal-centric, was always part of our lives. I definitely inherited her love of singing. I can still recall holding a microphone and singing into my portable boombox. My mom always encouraged me, using her large record collection to provide me with several songs to sing. With her, I found my voice. When I was a little older, we would conduct “note battles”; wait for a particular note to be played and then race each other to match it vocally.
Q.
Who was (were) your biggest, personal musical influence(s) growing up?
A.
Definitely, my mom. My grandma also influenced me. She especially loved Blues and introduced me to multiple works, including those of the legendary, late B.B. King.
Q.
At what age did you leave the “aural nest” of your parent(s) or family, to go forth and discover your own music?
A.
(Laughs) I’m not sure that I ever really left, as our sonic connection remains strong. Looking back, my sonic connection with my mom was also in many respects, two-way. Specifically, as I grew older, I introduced her to emerging subgenres and new interpretations of the music that we both knew and loved; a sonic circle. I did begin to explore my own musical boundaries when I was in Third Grade. My music teacher at the time, Ms. Ungar, recognized my growing abilities, and put me in different plays, musicals, and choral groups, whenever possible. I also soon realized that I was blessed with a talent for singing. This introspection was somewhat deferred as I initially thought that everyone sang, because everyone I knew, those closest to me, sang. However, like both of us were looking in the proverbial mirror, my friend gleefully pointed out my unique status; “No, Antoinette, not everyone can sing …and not many can sing as good as you.” [This is still true.]
Q.
What was the first single or album that you purchased?
A.
“My Life” by Mary J. Blige. I’ve always been drawn to the emotion of music and in its performance. I would later come to enjoy music that exhibits a broader range of emotion(s), the good (and the bad), the happy (and the sad); sad songs “do” say so much…”. And so, Mary’s album piqued my interest. “My Life” was arguably her most introspective and personal album at the time. The album touched on Mary’s battle with depression, drugs and alcohol, and of being in an abusive relationship; life isn’t always “rainbows and unicorns”. Despite these very real challenges, she dominated. Strong emotions, also create lasting memories…
Q.
What musicians/artists influence(d) you most?
A.
First and foremost, Anita Baker. I am drawn to her beautiful voice and graceful presence. Again, Mary J. Blige, as her songs touched on a wider range of emotion. I also love Chaka Khan. Her vocals have unparalleled “umpf”; jazzy and full of energy. I would also say the late Teena Marie and more recently, Jazmine Sullivan.
Q.
Have you ever met any famous musicians/artists?
A.
Yes. I met the legendary Oleta Adams at Gates Bar-B-Q on Brooklyn Ave. (Kansas City). The band I sing with was set to perform for a birthday event, later in the evening. As we were warming up, there among only a handful of people in the room was Ms. Adams. (Laughs) I was so nervous! When I finally met the iconic singer, I initially struggled to find my words, but ultimately succeeded in making my introduction and conversing for a little while. [Wow!] I recently met Chante Moore and Eric Benet at The Soul of Santa Holiday Benefit Concert last December. I also had the opportunity to sing background for the concert’s opening acts. [Double Wow!]
Q.
What were some concerts/festivals that you have attended? Is there a favorite or most memorable?
A.
A few years ago, my husband and I saw Anita Baker live, here in Kansas City. The concert was my birthday gift to my spouse, who also is a fan of Ms. Baker. The show was awesome and I was amazed as to how Anita has retained her vocal range and strength.
Q.
Did you sing and/or play an instrument when you were a child or young adult? If so, did you take lessons or were you self-taught (or was it a mixture of both)?
A.
I never played an instrument, nor had any formal vocal instruction/training when I was younger. I previously considered music to be more of a hobby. Thus, prior to moving to Kansas City around nine years ago, I never really considered myself to be a musician. However, my viewpoint changed and I am now in the process of transforming my hobby into a profession. In doing so, I now see how regular practice and study are essential, which is not a problem, as I enjoy learning. I am self-taught and use a variety of online tools and videos, and mobile apps, including pitch finders.
Q.
Did you study music theory and composition?
A.
Yes, recently and ongoing. I found that having a deeper understanding of music theory helped me become an even better singer and musician. More specifically, my understanding has made it easier to create harmonies and to construct vocal arrangements for multiple vocal types and ranges; Tenor, Alto, and Soprano.
Q.
Do you like to write music, lyrics, or both?
A.
Yes, I enjoy writing songs. I recently made it my goal to write at least one song a month. My process starts with creating a hook or writing a few lines and then each week thereafter, taking my creations to build verses and then eventually, an entire song. Fortunately, choruses have always come easy to me. I even love to take large lists, such as a list of chores, and put them to song, which helps everyone remember the items; melody and memory. I taught my son our phone number by making it into a chorus, similar to the advertising jingles we heard growing up.
Q.
When first performing, did you experience stage fright? If so, how did you overcome it or even utilize it?
A.
Yes, I still do. In fact, until recently, I didn’t really like to perform on stage, but as time has gone by, I have become more comfortable with singing live. I do think that some stage fright is good, as it keeps me sharp and focused. I am also somewhat of a perfectionist, so it is sometimes a struggle to balance my quest to get better with unduly focusing on a mistake or missed note. I am probably my biggest critic…
Q.
Have you ever had a song or performance professionally recorded in a studio?
A.
Yes, but it was more by happenstance. My friend Dr. Tiff (“Tiff Sings and The Band”) was meeting a gentleman at his studio and wanted me to join her. They planned to discuss a few song ideas and listen to some tracks that he created. One thing led to another; we naturally shared our stories and then discussed several ideas, followed by me providing some background vocals. After 3 ½ hours, our efforts resulted in a fully recorded song. I was hooked. That song is now registered with ASCAP and should be released soon.
Source: Antoinette Ellis
Q.
Do you like music history, musicology, and/or trivia?
A.
Yes. I especially love music history specific to an artist or a group. I like to know their stories; learn all about their influences, experiences, and ultimately, their entire discography. For example, The Isley Brothers started out as a Gospel group in the 1950s, but later made memorable music across multiple genres, including Soul, R&B, Funk, and Rock. In fact, they are among only a few groups ever to have hit the Billboard Hot 100 with new music in six different decades. Like the Jackson family and the Carter family, the Isley family itself is a fountainhead of musical talent; with the exception of Chris Jasper (brother-in-law), all members, current and past, are siblings.
Q.
Currently, what are some of your favorite musical styles or genres? Conversely, is there a style or genre that you would like to learn more about?
A.
R&B, Hip-Hop, and Rap (both East Coast and West Coast). I would love to dive a bit more into Jazz and Classical.
Q.
Is there an instrument that you would like to learn how to play?
A.
Keyboards. While I use a keyboard to help me write, arrange, and practice melodies and harmonies, I would like to learn how to more formally play one. In another lifetime I would be a drummer.
Q.
Are there other aspects of the music industry that interest you (e.g., producing, engineering, marketing, dance and choreography, style and design, artist management, etc.)?
A.
Producing. I feel that current artists and songwriters face more challenges today, especially legal ones, as they must balance their own creative forces with their aural influences; when does a song, or even a hook, go from being yours to being someone else’s? I want to help others find their own voices and ultimately, make music.
Q.
How has your relationship with music, including performing, helped you in your work life? Any applicable lessons or takeaways (e.g., more comfortable with public speaking or presenting to a large audience, stronger relationships with co-workers, etc.)?
A.
Pushing myself to perform live and working to increase my visibility have allowed me to meet more musicians and songwriters; grow my network. In turn, this helps me take my love for music from a hobby to a profession.
Q.
Has music helped you achieve a better work/life balance?
A.
Yes. Music helps me get through the “daily grind”. When I have a mountain of errands and tasks in front of me, I put my earbuds in, tap my Rap playlist, and go to work...
Q.
Are there any other items or insights that you would like to share or discuss?
A.
No. None at this time.
Antoinette in action…
Source: Antoinette Ellis