“To basically inspire those who are still in the beginning stages of what they’re doing. I represent the struggle part of the industry, to help those who are in the beginning stages of trying to figure out who they are as an artist.” After asking her what she considered her overall purpose as an artist, without hesitation she responded with the above words. This is how Elite Noel kicked off our amazing conversation about her artistry and passion, which is singing.
Most of you know her as Keyshia Cole’s younger sister, but she is so much more. She’s an artist, an inspiration, a producer, a mother, a beauty, and a passionate singer. Elite Noel is devoted to singing and allowing her voice to be heard. People assume it would be easier for her to break into the music industry because of her connections through Keyshia but according to Elite, that is far from the truth. That is why she is so adamant about remaining humble and helping other artists who are beginning their own journey. She is a motivator for many people by being open about her downfalls and, of course, her successes.
We all know that starting a new career isn’t easy, but it can be extremely tough to begin a career in the music industry. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to sit down with Elite Noel and learn more about her. She’s such a beautiful soul and I’m excited to see her grow and define her purpose as a singer. Inspired by singers from various genres, Elite is a trailblazer for the next generation of singers. You don’t want to skip our discussion about what goes on behind the scenes in the industry and about the struggles she’s faced with her art.
What is your overall purpose as an artist?
Right now my overall purpose is to touch those who are still in the beginning stages of doing whatever they are doing, whether it’s singing, writing, acting, rapping, or whatever. It doesn’t matter. Right now I’m representing the experience of the struggle that is part of the artistic journey. A lot of people think that it’s easier for me, and they say, “We’ve seen your family on TV and we’ve seen Keyshia for ten years now do her thing.” No, it’s absolutely harder for me because it’s big shoes to fill. Their expectations for me are higher than the norm.
It’s kind of like the Tamar and Toni Braxton situation.
Exactly, but Tamar has had a little bit more experience, because she and her sisters had a group at the beginning. She has a little more experience than I do. I’m just now kind of getting my feet wet.
How has the show Frankie and Neffe affected your career and personal life?
Well, the new and improved Frankie and Neffe. The last Frankie and Neffe, which was like four or five years ago, was really focused on my mom and sister. This time around the focus is still on my mom and Neffe but apparently they had to switch the whole story line. BET didn’t know, excuse my French, that I had my shit together. So when they came they had the same plot as the last show, and they didn’t know that I did music, had a company, or even had a business at all. BET thought that I depended solely on reality television, and so once they met my team, listened to my music, and got in the studio with me, everything completely changed. This is my first platform. I’ve been on four shows but this Frankie and Neffe is my first platform to display who I am.
How long have you been singing?
Oh, like forever. My adoptive mom was like heavy in the church, so I had to sing but as far as composing my own music, I’ve only been doing it for four years.
Are you overall an R&B singer or do you sing other genres?
I’ve recorded gospel, pop, and R&B.
I didn’t know you recorded gospel music.
That’s my best work actually, but I’m kind of keeping it “hush hush” right now, because I don’t want to be one of those artists who like pops it onstage and then creates a whole gospel thing (laughs). My voice doesn’t struggle with gospel, but right now I’m doing the R&B/Soul music. I’ve recorded all genres. I’ve even recorded a pop song.
Are you really hard on yourself? Like when you’re critiquing your voice or your music?
Yes, I am but, you know, I’m still growing and I’m realizing that my sound three years ago is nothing like my sound today. I can definitely see growth but I’m still like, “I want to get better, I want to get better, I want to get better.” So that’s where I am now and I probably am hard on myself. This is real. I want to be that person who’s not ashamed of telling some things, not everything, but some of the things that happen behind closed doors. Like how I fall into heavy depression if I record a song and everybody else is like, “Oh my God, it’s amazing!” But when I hear it it’s just okay to me. It’s like, “That’s not what I hear.” When you’re really trying to set goals and make a career, it’s not a game. What I’m doing right now is working on artistic development, so four times a week I have vocal coaching and performance practice. I also exercise and eat right. To all upcoming artists: I suggest you get a good team behind you. Even if you’re going independent, it’s still imperative that you get a good team, because it gets really serious once you’re trying to make it your career.
Going back to R&B. Do you think R&B has died? Do you think it needs to be revived?
I don’t think it’s dead, but I think something new needs to be built on top of the old. It’s not dead but I think it’s close. Vivian has a new single, and it’s really da bomb, too. Jill Scott has a new album, and I think slowly but surely it’s being revived. However, for me, a year ago it was dying, but now I believe more people want to make music you can feel versus just hear.
Obviously a lot of your fans are loving your song “Bae.” I was on your Instagram last night and literally in all the comments people were asking when the official song is coming out. It seems you already predicted it was going to be a successful single. What are the key components for you to determine if a song is a hit or miss?
First of all, when you record in the studio everyone is different but I didn’t have a lot of people recording with me. Those that I did have, I paid attention to their reactions after I played the song. I also played it for like ten other people and half of them were not close to me, you know what I’m saying? I played it for a few people with connections or who are in the industry. I played it for people out in the streets, then I played it for a few people that I know are in love with music. Not just a certain type of music, but music in general, and that’s how I knew it was a hit. People make a song or album, even who we are as artists, so I wanted to share it with the people before releasing it. I knew in my heart though that it’d be a success, because I’m a music lover.
I really like that song, and I was searching for it on YouTube. I just continue to watch the last scene when you were performing it on Frankie and Neffe and Neffe’s crying in the audience.
(Laughing) Yeah, you won’t find it on YouTube, but I’m going to release “Bae.” Of course it’s my first time doing something this big, so it’s not like I wasn’t expecting us to have zero problems. Manny [Elite’s manager] is making sure everything is done in a professional manner and is taking care of things that I can’t see. I go back to saying there’s a lot more to the business than you really know unless you’re in it. Manny is tying up loose ends to make sure I am covered in the end. He’s definitely doing his job, and we’re going to release “Bae” soon. I don’t want to put a date out there because I don’t want to disappoint anyone. I already did that once because I thought it would be released the night of the performance [on Frankie and Neffe] but we couldn’t. The paperwork just wasn’t right with the producer and there were a few things we ran into, but it’s okay. I would rather the timing be perfect, and I’m also working on a video too. We’re going to try and get the song and video out around the same time. Also, BET now has Uncut back on the network so that starts, don’t quote me, I believe August 11 so that means videos will be back on BET. They’re going to premiere whatever I choose to put out there, so that’s a big thing. It’s perfect timing.
Who is the most important influence in your life?
I probably would have to say my son Kai. He will be ten on Tuesday. I wanted to give up so many times, you know what I mean? It’s easy to say you’re inspired by the people who’ve already made it, and that’s good. I can think of a lot of people and I’m so happy that they’ve made it, because now I can do it, but in a realistic sense it’s Kai. I wanted to give up so many times in the last couple of years, and he just wouldn’t let me. Just looking at him, I know why I started.
While recording, a lot of musicians prefer not to listen to music currently in rotation on the radio, because they don’t want their music to sound similar. Are you that way? And when you’re not in the studio, who do you enjoy listening to?
I listen to a lot of Jazmine Sullivan. I listen to a lot of gospel music. Actually, I listen to a lot of Kim Burrell, Karen Clark-Sheard, and Dorinda Clark. I listen to a lot of gospel. I listen to Brandy and I buy a lot of old albums. I’m not really up-to-date when it comes to current singers. I’m ashamed to say it but I’m influenced by old albums. It really helps me a lot with my music because I can’t think of a song that I haven’t incorporated old school into. Not one. Even down to the club joints, I still kind of put an old-school flavor into them.
You’re a phenomenal singer, we don’t have to state that, but what else do you like to do?
Actually, we do production. My company, Futuristic Soul Productions, is located in my home. I have a studio for recording, then I have a business area, and we have mirrors set up like a practice area. I have a stripper pole in the middle because I’m trying to get my body right. I was absolutely bored with the gym thing, so I put a stripper pole in the studio. Then I have all my stripper friends come and we work out. It’s fun. So we have that, and in the back of the studio there’s a green screen. There’s a whole rack of church dresses. It’s like a real-life photo and video shoot scene right there, so whenever I’m not recording I’m still in touch with music production. That’s how I survive on the side. Music doesn’t pay me right now. Production is my livelihood.
Going back to your son, how do you balance your career and motherhood?
It’s easier because I have help now. When I began there wasn’t a balance because I had to handle mommy duties more than anything. Now that I have people taking me more seriously and I’m taking my career more seriously, I have the support. I have people I can call on now and say, “Hey, I can’t take Kai with me.” I have help now and they’re willing to compromise. It’s getting easier and easier because I have a team. I have a few good people in my corner.
For women who are just beginning their journey with their passion but have become pregnant, what advice would you give?
I actually have a friend who just had her second child. We were just having this conversation. In the beginning, when she first started having sex she was young; she was fifteen. A few years later, she had her first child and to this day she takes the baby everywhere. Whatever budget she’s given, she makes sure she takes out of that budget money to take care of the baby. Just watching her, I would say if you get pregnant just keep going. (Laughs while knocking on the table.) Knock on wood, because I don’t want it to happen right now. I would still record and would still accept certain appearances. I mean, I don’t think you should let pregnancy stop you. Lauryn Hill sat onstage with a huge stomach, you know what I mean? I could name a few more. I mean, look at Beyoncé! You’re going to let nine months set you back? Absolutely not, but it boils down to a good support system. I’ve watched people do it. I mean, [my friend] was still going to dance rehearsals. It’s about determination.
Can your fans look forward to any collaborations with Keyshia Cole?
Um, I’m working on it. Right now Keyshia is trying to find her next single. Right now, she’s really hard on herself as well. She wants the perfect song especially since she’s independent now. She’s working on an album, so I’m allowing her to find that single. I wouldn’t say anytime soon but I can say I know it’s going to happen.
Overall, what projects do you have going on now? What projects are you working on for the future? I know you mentioned your video and BET’s Uncut.
BET is trying to see if they want to do another Frankie and Neffe show. It’s not official yet. I have an EP coming out titled Genesis. I changed the name about a week ago, because this is the beginning of something brand new. I’m also doing major features right now. You guys are going to hear me on a lot of people’s songs. I’m like bodying features right now. More reality television. I’m working on some videos and I’m just building the production company.
My team is working on The End Foundation, which represents closing a chapter in your life, and starting new. We target young women, well, women of all ages actually, who are troubled, possibly in foster care, in the system, who have been abused and raped. I just want to share my story because there are a lot of things I haven’t shared. There are some things people don’t know about me. Things I went through when I was younger and dealing with the circumstances of being adopted, and knowing that my biological mother was a drug addict and prostitute. I want to be more open with my story and hopefully this will allow the girls to be more open. We want to bring in women and talk to these girls, and I think that’s what the team is working on right now.
Virgo Girl 5 Things to Ask:
What would you tell your 21-year-old self?
Be patient, young grasshopper. There’s a lot more of adulthood to come. I was in a rush to turn twenty-one and now that I’m 30, I want to be twenty-one again. Stay young as long as you can.
I start my day with . . .
Prayer.
If you could invite any woman to dinner, who would it be?
Michelle Obama. I would love to sit with the First Lady and we wouldn’t talk about anything relating to the presidency. I want to get personal with Michelle.
Best advice you’ve received?
The best advice I’ve received is not to take advice. Opinions are all right, but it’s better to live and learn.
What is your life motto?
God first, family first, and the rest will follow.