Meet Neela- In Perpetual Celebration of Women in Music
By Maddy Cristall
The inspiring Music BC is a not for profit BC-based organization dedicated to empowering musicians. The small team is paticularly focused on amplifying marginalized and emerging artists across our province. They just aired the latest digital performance showcase “Let’s Hear it! Live” which illuminates the depth and skill women in music in BC.
This is the second showcase of this innovative seven-part series that honours underground talent. One of the performers is the truly gifted Neela. Neela is a multi-talented R&B-pop singer-songwriter, actor and dancer. Her music bears raw honesty, marrying her soulful voice with sensuous indie-R&B musicality. We had the chance to interview this insightful young artist.-check out our interview below.
““I WANT YOUNG GIRLS, AND WOMAN OF COLOUR TO KNOW THAT YOU DO BELONG, LIKE YOURSELF. EVERYTHING THAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT IS WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE, HONOUR THAT AND TRUST YOURSELF. TAKE UP SPACE AND LET YOURSELF BE SEEN, YOU BELONG. “”
Citrus Magazine: You grew up in Toronto, How does Vancouver compare?
Neela: I love Vancouver. I haven't had the chance to really get to know the music scene here, but I hope to connect with more artists here as well. If your reading this and are an artist in Vancouver hit me up :)
The natural landscape and beauty of the unceded Coast Salish Territories are breathtaking.
Citrus Magazine: You’ve written some club anthems yet you’ve got this earnest, bashfulness about you. How does this dichotomy inform your songwriting?
Neela: Haha I love this observation. I feel like some of the greatest entertainers I admire, have that dichotomy including MJ, and Beyonce. Also, I am a Gemini... In terms of songwriting, I would say it helps to be grounded and internal to write the songs and connect deeper with my truth. I guess the extraverted part of me brings the song to life on stage.
Citrus Magazine: The iconic Beatchild has been a frequent collaborator. Have you always worked together? How did that come about?
Neela: Beatchild is my mentor. I respect him so much, he was tough on me. Before we even worked together he sent me off with a dozen songwriting books expecting to not hear from me. But of course, this is my passion and I want to be the best I can be. I finished all those books and assignments, went back and that was the start of our collaboration for my EP, Lovers in Danger.
Citrus Magazine: Lastly, any words of encouragement for other female-identifying emerging artists out there?
Neela: I didn't see myself reflected in the mainstream music industry, thankfully there was
MIA, but in so many ways initially I felt like I needed to be someone else to belong in this industry. I want young girls, and woman of colour to know that you do belong, like yourself. Everything that makes you different is what makes you unique, honour that and trust yourself. Take up space and let yourself be seen, you belong.
Check out Neela’s brilliant performance here.