I am back on a new edition of IT'S A DONALD THING. I haven't been on a while. Now, with unforeseen circumstances taking place within the next couple of months, this blog will come back to life in a new direction.
Couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by DC Coles, a music veteran, video director, and film producer, who wanted me to profile an artist of his. I was flattered because I profiled Kay'Vion Sire on IT'S A DONALD THING around the same time. When I read the story behind Miss Silawett The Latina Empress, something told me not to pass the opportunity up. I am glad I did not. I contacted DC to see if Miss Silawett was still interested in being profiled for the blog. When he replied that she was, I knew I had to research her by listening to her music and learning a little more about her. I saw her music videos, listened to her songs, and read a few online bios and articles about her. She gained a new fan in me. When I read how Latina Magazine considered her an up-and-coming Latina indie filmmaker in the March 2009 issue, I was more in awe of her. She is definitely one to look out for in the not-too-distant future.
Below is my exclusive interview with Miss Silawett The Latina Empress:
How did you get started in music?
My 1st real attempt at music was during early high school. During that time I met another artist whom was the 1st person ever that I told my dreams to. I always kept it a big secret because I never wanted anyone to crush them so we formed a duet. He already had his own style. I was still developing mine and it was a blend of hip hop, soul and rock. Things didn't go quite the way we dreamed of so we decided we would just pursue solo careers and here I am years later "MISS SILAWETT" (still in effect- with my style intact and moving forward in a direction which best fits Me).. It wasn't at all easy but God placed people in my life that believed in me and during that time I was still focused on my acting career. Music was always on my mind. However, deep inside I knew that I needed guidance. By happenstance I met DC Coles, a music veteran, video director, and film producer, who is now my manager and who continues to be a major influence on my career.
Was the name Miss Silawett The Latina Empress of your own creation or was it chosen for you?
When I was part of the duet I was "SILAWETT". The name was created during that period. After so many different names, I chose to keep that one. I felt back then that name suited me. I knew one day I would make it a household name. The name "Silawett" comes from the original word "SILHOUETTE" which means a representation of an outline, usually filled in with black, but I spell it differently and the name just took on a whole different meaning for me. One of mystery and simply that I'm that outline but I'm filled with so many different colors. The name "MISS" made me feel more empowered and my manager always called me the Empress which represents what I am, which is: I am the woman ruler of my empire, a woman with great power and influence. This is the woman who I am building and who I aspire to become. You just can't be great overnight. You have to work really hard for it. I'm still working very hard and will continue to do so daily and every second of the day and night.
What is your cultural background and how it has helped you to become the person you are today?
I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, but I have no memories and know very little of my birthplace. Both my parents are from Bolivia and I was raised both in New York and La Paz, Bolivia. I have to say that both cultures have really influenced me and who I am today. Matter of fact, I'm beginning to incorporate more folkloric music and dance which are part of the traditional Bolivian culture, combined with my New York energy, spunk and style! A combination of both worlds continues to shape who I am.
Latina Magazine had selected you in its March 2009 issue as an up-an-coming Latina indie filmmaker. What film or films do you hold under your credit?
Yes! That was definitely the highlight of that year. I feel so proud and so grateful for that opportunity. That was around the time that I produced, starred in and co-funded my 1st Latino indie feature film "KNUCKLEZ" (originally called "BARE KNUCKLEZ" ). I learned so much from that project and the amount of work that goes into production and behind the scenes. This film is in its final stages of post production. I can't wait to share it with the world. You can also YouTube "BARE KNUCKLEZ" to see the trailer. I also served as producer on other indie feature films , i.e., "IN MY FATHER'S EYE", "THE WAX SEAL" (another Latin feature film of which we are seeking funding), and I just wrapped up a Latin film short titled "A TORTURED LIFE", which is based on a true story and I produced and starred in it as well.
What influenced you to become a filmmaker?
I honestly never thought of becoming a filmmaker but my manager "DC", a Video Director in his own right, taught me the importance of working behind the scenes. He encourages me to take my career and destiny under my control and constantly tells me how important it is to empower yourself and having more control of your projects and career choices. He invited me to come on a film set he was working on and let me tell you that I really fell in love with that. I am one of those people that love working under pressure and I was fascinated by the process of filmmaking. I also fell in love with the idea that I can create films and tell stories not only through my music but also through films. I'm now developing a film script called "HER-STORY" which I'm co-writing. This is a female action-drama film.
What are your perspectives on the images of Latinos in film? How are you changing or adding to the images?
Well, my interest is to work on projects that really hold truth in them, to showcase how Latinos and how our parents and ancestors struggled to come to America chasing their dreams. What each individual went through, how it affected them, and what drove them here. We see a lot of that in indie films, but we don't really see that in Hollywood. Latinos are not just sexy but we are talented , we are smart, we are strong, and we are who we are.
Your song "Bounce" is a hit on iTunes and YouTube. How does it make you feel?
I am overwhelmed by the response I have received from my new single "Bounce". This song was produced and mixed in Sweden and to know that my music is reaching other countries is the greatest feeling. This just makes me want to work even harder. It makes me not want to give up on my dreams and it makes me want to pack my bags up and head to Europe and start performing out there. Let the world know that "MISS SILAWETT" is in town. LOL.
Who are your musical influences?
Music overall has influenced me, different genres as well, but to name a few I would have to say Madonna, Lady Gaga, Tupac, Gwen Stefani, Selena, and Tina Turner to name the ones that stand out for me.
Given that you are seen with your trademark blue wig, are you compared with Lady GaGa or Rihanna?
Yes I get compared to Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Kesha. We all are pop artists so it makes sense. However, I feel that soon people will begin to see me as an individual and see what I'm bringing to the music scene. About the blue wig, well, the blue wig is the new look I created because of my new songs, so my fans see a new side of me. Hence, my next album will be titled "SCHIZOPHRENIA".
Your songs "Bounce", "Effect On Me", "Funky Diva" and "Rockstar" are very innovative, entertaining, empowering, and excellent. Do these songs represent the strength of women?
It sure does. I love powerful women, look up to strong women, and think it is important that women empower each other and to be a great influence on other women as well. As Beyonce said, girls rule the world. LOL! Females ROCK!! It's paramount that we as women dig deep and embrace our strengths we all have within us.
It seems that Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, and Selena Gomez seem to be the only Latinas making mainstream music. What are your thoughts of the current state of Latinas in the music industry?
I feel that we need more Latinas in the industry. That is what I'm working on because I want to use my films and what I'm doing as a recording artist as a global outlet to expose other talented people as well. I also feel that there has not been a Latina from Bolivia (South America) making mainstream music and thats why I'm here to change that .
Do you have a gay and lesbian fan base yet? If so, how are you received in the LGBT community?
I do and I'm really grateful in how they have accepted my music. I was invited to perform at a lesbian party at the club Bar 13 (NYC) on July 4th and it was awesome! I also was invited to be a part of the gay pride event and was happy to come out and support the LGBT community! Hopefully next year, I'll be invited to perform!
Which artists are you listening to now on your iPod?
Lately I've been listening to Amy Winehouse, Adele, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Tupac, and Nneka. It all depends what mood I'm in.
What do you see Miss Silawett doing in the next five years?
Making more music, more films, performing out of New York and overseas, writing more, and exposing my art form to the world through my expanding empire (clothing line, makeup, etc.) Like I mentioned before,"MISS SILAWETT" will be a household name!
In order for people who would love to hear your music, where can they go?
FACEBOOK/MISS SILAWETT
TWITTER/MISS_SILAWETT
ITUNES/REVERBNATION/MYSPACE
GOOGLE "MISS SILAWETT"
The interview was fun, insightful and interesting. I want to thank Miss Silawett for sharing with IT'S A DONALD THING. I enjoyed getting to know her as an artist, filmmaker, visionary, and a person. She is definitely a force to be reckoned with. She knows who she is and what she wants out of her life and career. Miss Silawett The Latina Empress is someone to look out for in 2011 and 2012. She is not to be slept on.
IT'S A DONALD THING
Saturday, August 6, 2011
2:49 AM
