How did you get started in the industry?
Everybody says church is a start, but for me listening to Billie Holiday, Patti Labelle and all the greats was my inspiration.  Music runs real deep through my family – my mom sings, my biological dad sings, so it probably started in the womb.  I recorded my first song at 12 or 13, I writing material then.  I was intrigued by the whole process of what goes on behind the scene.  I joined a rap group MIS.  We did shows and traveled, I was a vocalist for a long time.  We even got a few deals offered.  I learned too much from that experience.  Coming in contact with celebrities and seasoned veterans – Tony Touch, CoCo B.  you learned that you can’t just be a writer, dancer or singer – you need to know the whole process, of what goes on behind the scenes.  You need to have a heads up on the whole situation.  I was so frantic and excited at the time, but I really didn’t get my true lesson until 2 or 3 deals were lost in the wind.  You have to have yourself together – creatively and business-wise.  

How do you define success?
My success is when I see my family totally free of burden and worry period.  We don’t struggle, but to see us all stable and happy.  Everybody wants to be rich and wealthy, but I just want to do my music.  It doesn’t have to be national, but being able to survive without struggling.  My success is going to be endless because it’s not my plan.  I’m happy if some of the people get to hear my music.  Success is me conquering my demons and being able to do what I love to do and I thank God for that everyday.

Who is your fan/customer?  What makes you appeal to them?
Everybody.  I want to touch the world through song, where everyone can listen and feel my music.  Everybody can find some kind of enjoyment in what I do.  I think my voice lure’s people in, my delivery, conviction and my originality. I try to do things differently, creative in my mind – not going off of everybody else.   Also – Versatility.  The club, the streets, the struggle, love, all of that – I’ve seen it and lived through it.  I have a different voice and perspective.

What are some memorable moments during your journey?

Walking in RCA office in New York and having an A & R tell you that you have what it takes.  Singing with Patti Labelle on stage and getting her blessings was a highlight, for her to tell me that I am already a star. 
Meeting Mary J. Blige.  I also received the Chicago R & B Soul Award for best r and b artist – through Power 92 – that was special because it was voted by the people.  Working with Coco from SWV and having her tell me that I had it.  That and the kids, all the moments are special to me. 

What do you think are some important factors to remaining successful in this business?
1 – You have to stay consistent and persistent.  Consistent meaning you have to do things at a continuous basis, and persistent in what you want your quality and sound to be – otherwise you get lost amongst everyone else.  Now it’s a limit to that, I’ve done so many free shows and hooks, now I feel like it’s my time to reap some kind of benefits.  When the majors see you being consistent, they see you have the ability to make money for them.  If hibernating and working then that’s good, but if you’re not doing anything then that’s a problem.  Chicago is not LA or NY; we are even worst city’s on each other.  We are a retailer state, we buy music.  It’s not really one union or one force. 
2 - Business First, Bullshit Second.
3 – Don’t take things to heart.  You can’t be that conscious of what everybody else thinks, you have to stand on your own.  Take criticism to a minimum, they can criticize your work but can they help you make it better.  Critiquing and criticizing are too different things.
4 – Watch everybody.  Be aware of your surroundings.  You have to be leery because you never know who’s really in on your team. 

What would be your advice to someone getting started in this industry?
Don’t look at the glitz and the glamour.  You can’t trust a lot of people, especially as a woman.  You have to be careful. 

Who inspires you?
My family because they are very strong people.  All the greats, Patti Labelle. Fitzgerald, all the new artist Brandy, Faith, Ross, Houston, Mary, etc. – just the drive these people had and everything they did to make it happen.  To see them come through the struggles and make it.  I studied their stores because I feel like you have to know your history to know where you are going. 

What can we expect from you in 2007? 
Yes I still have Now or Neva Ent.  Yes, I’m trying to land a deal. 
Deciding if I’m going independently or signing with a major.  The album will be dropping around September.  I will be doing some TV, voice-overs, etc.  I got a new single “Boss Chick” produced and featuring Chi-C
(check for his mix tape The Currency Exchange)  I’m gone let people
know that I HAVEN’T WENT ANYWHERE, HATE IT OR LOVE IT.  THIS IS ME, WHAT I DO AND WHO I AM – THE TOTAL PACKAGE.    I will be featured on AmilCar’s new release, Swing;   Of course I’m doing business with What’s Da Bizniz.  Coop’s records - they will help out with the album.  George’ Daniels.  Michael Saunders.  If all is well your girl might be going to LA, You can find the single on myspace. "KP & Chemical” Braggadocious
will be following featuring Rello. “Keep em Near” produced by Harvy Allbangers.  A lot of new material.  I just want people to realize, give credit when it’s due.  I just want your support, and wish me the best cause I’m doing it or you!  Look to be tired of me, because that’s how I’m going to make this movement happen.
                       

Contact
Myspace.com/oldandnew  
www.Noworneva.net    
 
mica-ella@hotmail.com

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