BRITNI ELISE – THE NEW PRINCESS OF R AND B

May 11th, 2011 | By Chi City

It is my pleasure to introduce the next Queen of R&B, Britni Elise. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, this Midwest beauty could have easily been a model gracing the pages of magazines such as Ebony and Essence. Instead, the showstopper has chosen to bless the world with her stunning voice. Having followed Britni’s career for quite some time, I can attest to the continuous rise to her current level of success. She has shared the stage with the industry’s top artists including Trey Songz, Ginuwine, Monica, Letoya, Mario and the New Boyz. Her music has been featured on everything from BET, MTV, and VH1 to Comcast MusicChoice, iTunes, and ClearChannel Radio. Britni is a rising star and a true performer in every aspect of the word. From inside the studio to on the stage, Britni Elise never fails to amaze and entertain. Follow along as Britni and I discuss her past, present and future in the industry.

Chi City: Who or what influenced you to pursue a career in music?

Britni Elise: I have always been interested in music since I can remember. My mom and dad placed a piano and microphone in my crib at the age of two. I was introduced to music at a very early age and decided to pursue it immediately.

Chi City: How long have you been singing? How long have you been actually recording your music?

Britni Elise: My parents use to record every note I sang! I have video footage from when I was two years old but I started recording when I was eleven.

Chi City: Tell us a little about your background in Cleveland Oh. (Were you born and raised there? Did anyone in your family sing? What was your upbringing like? etc)

Britni Elise: I grew up in Highland Heights Ohio and attended Mayfield middle school. I loved school there; I have so many great memories. My parents were very strict when it came to staying focused in school and at home.

Chi City: What one thing would you say has contributed to your present-day success the most?

Britni Elise: Artist development has contributed to my present day success like nothing else.

Chi City: How did your training at the infamous Artist Development Center enhance you vocally and in your performances?

Britni Elise: Attending the artist development center gave me a new sense of self-awareness and confidence. I can dance and sing like never before and more importantly my “mind” is right for this industry.

Chi City: K-Lo Entertainment, owned by famed Major League baseball player Kenny Lofton, is your label. How did you meet Kenny and what has come of this meeting?

Britni Elise: Well, K-Lo Entertainment isn’t a label but a production company. It was created solely for the development and management of “Britni Elise”(smiling). I met Kenny in LA at his house during a super bowl party. He and PJ are best friends and she had told him about her managing me. I ended up singing “Dangerously in Love” for him that night and he fell in love with my voice. The outcome has been amazing! Harvey Mason Jr. (Kenny Lofton’s best friend) also joined “Team Britni Elise” after hearing my debut single “Satisfied”; one of the first songs I wrote.

Chi City: You have recorded with the illustrious Harvey Mason of Harvey Mason Media whose Discography includes the Dream Girls Complete Movie Soundtrack, More Than A Game Movie, Beyonce, Chris Brown, Tyrese, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears & Whitney Houston. Tell me about this experience and what it meant to you personally and in your career?

Britni Elise: Initially I couldn’t believe I’d actually be in the studio with such an amazing producer/songwriter. He’s responsible for songs that have changed my life. My first time recording with Harvey was intimidating and to top it off I was sick! Oddly enough when I stepped into the booth I wasn’t sick anymore; the session went GREAT!

Chi City: You are a true entertainer who puts on a great show. Do you choreograph your own routines or do you have a choreographer on staff?

Britni Elise: Thank you! I currently don’t have a choreographer on board. However, I enjoy putting together my own show. I like being in control and the responsibility of creating somethin’ HOTT.

Chi City: What are some of your most notable performances?

Britni Elise: Performances in Rochester are always really fun! I loved performing in Montgomery, AL too!!!

Chi City: What is the current single you are pushing?

Britni Elise: “Rock This” is my new single. I wrote it while in LA recording my debut album. [Download "Rock This" HERE]

Chi City: The video for your hit single “Satisfied” has been featured on BET, MTV, VH1 and more. How has this increased your fan base and visibility?

Britni Elise: I’ve gained so many fans from my video being on these stations! I love when they put up their version of “Satisfied” and dedicate it to me. I see them all.

Chi City: Tell us about the remix of “Hello” ft Waka Flocka.

Britni Elise: We wanted a club version of “Hello”; something with a little more edge. I felt Waka Flocka fit the song perfectly. I love to dance and “Hello” remix is perfect for that.

Chi City: If you could work with anyone in the industry in any capacity, who would it be and what is the project you would collaborate on? (Doesn’t have to be music.)

Britni Elise: I would LOVE to work with Will I Am, Janet Jackson, Celine Dion and a couple others on my next album.

Chi City: If you could go back and re-do one day in the life of your music career, what would it be?

Britni Elise: I wouldn’t do that. I believe everything happens when and how it’s supposed to.

Chi City: What is on the menu for the rest of 2011? Any new projects coming up?

Britni Elise: I’ll be performing at Z1079’s Summer Jam this July and dropping a HOT video for my new single “Rock This” soon! We are also looking into a tour =)

Chi City: Where can you and your music be found online?

Britni Elise: Britnielise.com, youtube.com/kloentertainment and itunes. My fans can also reach me at twitter.com/britnielise and facebook.com/britnielise.

Chi City: Send any shout outs, acknowledgments, or whatever you wanna say to leave a lasting impression on our readers

Britni Elise: Thank you for an amazing interview. Shout out to Team BE. We are BElievers!!!!!!!