For those of you that know Elka, they will know she is a workaholic. Nevertheless when she wants to take a little R&R the only way she’ll like to spend it is writing songs.
Songwriting has been a love of Elka’s since forever and if she could this would be the only way she would spend her time.
Elka is a Singer/Songwriter of R&B, Hip-hop Soul and pop music.
She writes creative, clever lyrics, which are thought driven, very catchy and have great hooks. Elka is Open to Collaborating with other Artists. Her audience tend to be from 16 years and older. Her Music is emotional and inviting.
She is a platinum member of The Song Writing Academy which is founder by Platinum sell songwriter Martin Sutton who has written for such artists like Celine Dion, The Backstreet Boys, LeAnn Rimes, Olivia Newton John, Mike & The Mechanics, K-pop and J-pop stars and many X-Factor/Idol winners around the world. Also he has written with Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Pixie Lott, Mike Rutherford and many of the world’s best songwriters.
As well as being a singer songwriter Elka is also a published Author and has written titles such as The Company She Keeps, Heaven Knows and Taboo. In addition to this, Elka is also the CEO/Fonder of the successful Celebrity Hair Extensions Brand Virgin Manes.
Virgin Manes has been established since 2011 which is one of the top hair extensions brands in the UK.
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Elka: I heard about Exposed Vocals through a close friend and they advised me to sign up.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Elka: I grew up in South Croydon a small suburban town on the out skirts of London in England. I decide to become a singer from a young age and in high school I discovered I could write, not just short stories but also songs too.
I own a Record Label and Publishing Company called Sizzling Records & Publishing Ltd. Along with that, I am the CEO/Founder of Virgin Manes Celebrity Hair Extensions and Last but not least I’m a Published Author.I’ve never been one to shy away from hard work and I’m definitely not afraid of a challenge.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Elka: Elka is the name I was born with and I felt it was original enough to stay. Sadly there aren’t any quirky stories to go with that.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Elka: I think online music sharing is a good thing. Everything evolves. If you don’t like it then I suppose you’ll have to learn to live with it, cause let’s face it, it’s here to stay.
And yes, for my Fan I am obliged to give away a songs every so often.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Elka: Just keep going, don’t ever stop your hustle. If you believe what you do is good enough to stand alongside those who are already success in this industry. Then with a lot a drive and determination. Your success will be inevitable.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Elka: I tend to give my best performances when I’m nervous. And yes I’ve made mistakes when performing but you simply smile and get on with it.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Elka: I am a songwriter. I do not tour.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Elka: My inspiration come from listening to other artists that I love and in everyday life experience. Like they say write about what you know and that’s what I do.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Elka: Yes my official website is www.elkapaquette.com. I also share my music on Spotify, Sound cloud and many other music sharing platforms.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Elka: I love cheesy 80s/90s pop music like Rick Ashley, Wham, Culture Club, Bjork. And many, many more.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Elka: I would possibly take A couple of sunny holidays with my family and a big Vegas holiday with my Sisters and close Girlfriends. The rest I would invest.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Elka: No studio upgrades at present. I currently work using Cubase and I find it works beautifully.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Elka: Online media and print media and also keeping a steady stream of social media interaction with likes, fans and followers.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Elka: I would have loved to have done a ballad duet with Michael Jackson in London Wembley Arena. Because to me he was simply the greatest artist ever.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Elka: My team and I have a few prospect unfolding currently and I expect to be collaborating with a few talented Artists this years.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Elka: As I’m the CEO and founder of Virgin Manes celebrity hair extensions and also a Published Author, I suppose I would be spending even more time with those businesses.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Elka: I definitely remember buying my first album. It was actually Bob Marley (Legend) which I still have, packed away somewhere. I loved and Listened to every track over and over, very loudly. I felt very spiritually connected whenever I listened to him and actually I still feel that way whenever I hear his music.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Elka: I do it with great support from my husband, family and friends. They keep me grounded, happy and motivated.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Elka: I will be giving my fans the best of me and my aim is to release 5 singles this years and 3 promotional tracks.
I also want to say thank you very much for having me.
All the Best
