A Conversation with Leela James – HuffPost 6.20.14

Mike Ragogna: Leela, how did your stint as a star on TV One’s RnBDivas LA come about?

Leela James: My experience doing the RnBDivas L.A. show was great, challenging, unexpected. I figured I knew what to expect, and I didn’t. Without giving up too much, let’s just say I look forward to it airing.

MR: Just how cool are Chante Moore, Lil’ Mo, Michel’le and Claudette Ortiz to work with?

LJ: For the most part it was cool working with everyone on the show.

MR: You received the 2008 Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap Artist of 2008. In 2014, what do you think “R&B” and “Soul” mean these days?

LJ: Soul music, however cliché this might sound, is really just music that comes from the soul, and is meant for the soul. To me, soul music is the same today as it was yesterday; soul music doesn’t change, the people that sing it changes.

MR: Does the “reality” element of the show stay pretty real or does it rely pretty equally on scripted dramas, etc., you know, the way virtually every other reality show exists?

LJ: Every reality show is different, and I can only speak to my experience doing RnBDivas. I can tell you it’s real.

MR: Your latest video for your hit “Say That” features Anthony Hamilton. How did this come together?

LJ: Anthony Hamilton and I always talked about working together over the years, and this time things just fell into place and we were able to make it happen. So much in the music world–and I guess in the world in general–is timing.

MR: Your last album was a tribute to Etta James, and you were called “Baby Etta” as a child. How were you originally introduced to her music and just how inspirational was she to your creative growth and who are some of your other influences?

LJ: Fortunately, I was exposed to all kinds of music growing up, and Etta James stood out as one of my favorite artists. I was inspired by the sound of her strong voice, I remember it hitting me like a wave.

MR: What was the tipping point where you made the decision you had to be a musical artist full time?

LJ: I decided I wanted to be an artist full time the day I got a standing ovation as child after singing at talent show. The look in the eyes of the people applauding for me made we want to continue singing for as long as I could.

MR: Does the “acting” portion of the TV show put any kind of surprising demands on you?

LJ: Trying to balance the TV world with my music world was the only challenge for me. In TV, the schedules are strict and the hours are long, and you’re not always allowed to be the creative one. Sometimes, you just follow directions. What’s interesting is that on television there is no real sense of impending reward; In music, the hours are crazy as well but there is instant gratification when you perform at the end of the day.

MR: Leela, what advice do you have for new artists?

LJ: I would advise new artists to simply try and perfect their craft. Keep working, keep writing, keep training. Also, when they are ready for it, acquire a strong team.

MR: Is there anything creatively that you’re thinking of experimenting with in the near future and when is your new album coming?

LJ: You’ll just have to wait and see! My new album Fall For You will be available July 8!