Queen Ilise: “The Most Healing Thing I Know Is Music”
By Anne Tendwa
Listening to Queen Ilise’s debut album ‘Breakthrough’ it dawned on me that she’s one of those artists that don’t come around twice.The record is a solid 10 tracks with R&B, neo soul and dance influences, it details her struggle to overcome obstacles in life and find empowerment and peace on the other side. The Brooklyn native has since made the giant leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles in 2021 to continue pursuing her music career.
Queen Ilise is a singer/songwriter, yoga teacher and certified life coach. She believes her mission in life is to empower people through her voice, and most importantly her music. I had a chance to speak with her to get to know her better.
Tanzanian Times: What inspired the concept behind your album ‘Breakthrough’?
Queen Ilise: I really wasn’t sure I’d be able to make it through what I was experiencing. I wanted to create songs that would encourage me, that could sing to remind me of my capacity to get through what I was going through. So, with the track ‘Let Go’, I hadn’t let go when I’d written that song. It was completely aspirational! I’d sing that song to myself in the mirror just to get myself together.
Can you talk me through some of the songs on the album?
‘Now I Know’ was really about me leaving an abusive relationship and realizing that though what happened wasn’t my fault, I am responsible for my life. I’m going to use this as a catalyst to do what I’ve always wanted to do, which is create an album. ‘Greatness’ is a song about me summoning my own strength. I wanted it to become an anthem and help encourage other people. I needed ‘Cloud 9’ to be on the album because I wanted a sexy joint there. I worked on that song with a producer named Emmett Kai, who ended up producing 60% of the album.
What was the recording process like with that record?
With that album, I had songs I’d already written and I wanted to find producers to create music for the songs. So that’s what happened for all the songs except one–Let Go. Working with Emmett felt very natural, very organic. He’s a multi-instrumentalist so he was able to understand what sonic elements I needed on the album.
Can you tell me a little about the production on the LP? Do you also produce?
With the production, it took me a while to find the right producers. It was very important to find people that matched my energy and frequency.
I got to really co-produce on this album. I was able to give references for tracks and production. I’d say “Here’s the sound that I’m going for” and play them a reference track. I sat down with a producer, would hum a bassline and he’d instantly understand. I came with my idea and my vision and the producer would take it to the next level.
You haven’t had any releases all year long. Can we expect anything before the year ends? Anything in the works?
Yes! We can definitely expect something before the year ends.
If you had the opportunity to tour or visit Africa, what country would you start with first?
I feel like this is a trick question haha! But I’d like to go to Congo-Brazzaville. When I was in college, I spent a year in Paris where I was a part of a gospel singing group and the majority of the members were from Congo. One of my best friends is from Togo, so I’d consider visiting Togo as well.
Since the release of her album, Queen Ilise has also dropped a few singles, namely ‘Dreamin’, ‘Revolution’, and ‘Shoot Your Shot’ a jamworthy, Afrobeat inspired track produced by Kerian Cox.
The sky’s the limit for this incredibly talented songbird!
To keep up with all things Queen Ilise, subscribe to her Youtube page Queen Ilise and follow her on instagram @thequeen_ilise
The Tanzanian Times 