Exposed Vocals interviews Csilla Elam

Csilla Elam is originally from Romania. Her love for music really started with her father, who is Hungarian and who has taught her sing Hungarian folk songs. Her musical influence comes from Hungarian, Romanian, Serbian, and other styles of music.She learned to play guitar on a piece of wood that served as a guitar fret board until she received as a gift a guitar which led her to start out singing while playing more.

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

I grew up in Romania, but because my dad is Hungarian I grew up singing Hungarian folk songs. I think I liked singing since I was very young, but a major impact had on me the church I starting attending around age 15. I loved the worship songs and the music. I was poor and had no money to buy a guitar, but I wanted to learn to play it so bad. So I found a piece of wood and drew on it strings with a pretty ugly green colored pencil and I pretended that piece of wood was the fretboard. I figured by the time I have a guitar I will be ready, know the chords and I will know where to place my fingers. I asked a guy who played guitar to give me a few tips and he gave me a sheet with the chords and I tried to learn on that piece of wood. Eventually someone from the USA has sent me a guitar when they heard about my story. I decided to be an artist long time ago, but right now I am putting more effort into it. I want to move people’s hearts with my songs.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Our band name is just Csilla and Emily.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
I don’t mind sharing my music online. I have given away CDs before for free because some people cannot afford a CD or I just want to do something for them, to bless them.

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?
I believe the main thing is: do not give up. You have to have passion for music to make it. Passion and consistency is key. Also prayer. Jesus helps me with inspiration. Being grateful for the little things and just have fun.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

Lol. Yes. I forget my lyrics sometimes even on the songs I wrote. Haha. But I just keep singing. Sometimes I make up words as I go..or mumble..not many notice. It is embarrassing though when it happened and fear creeps in of looking like a fool. But only because I believe in singing and playing your best. I hate bad performances.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

Not right now. But I have traveled before to go sing. I think my most memorable one was at a youth group, church setting, where I shared something personal from my life and it was kind of sad and at the end a person came and told me that she was so glad I shared that because she was experiencing the same thing, but I think she said she felt bad about sharing it with other people because she felt bad for feeling that way.
I want to make a difference with my songs.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

Jesus and my guitar are my inspiration. I know everyone is different and get their inspiration differently, but I am a very emotional person. I have to feel the song in order to express it. My guitar helps. I pick it up and start strumming and I play something and if I hear a melody I start thinking about words to add, but the song has to be something I experience or feel. Songs have meaning I think when one can get the emotion across to the crowd.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Right now I use www.facebook.com/csillandemily and www.reverbnation.com/csillaelam
I also am on soundcloud, sonicbids, Spotify;instagram
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

Probably none there, but I have written some embarrassing songs before. I don’t sing them to anyone really.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

I think I would pay my debt off first. I would invest in something and help my family, and people. I would want to do something for some fans that need help. I would definitely make more music videos.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

Not really. I go to a studio of a great friend of mine who helped me before and now again.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

I promote my music best through Facebook and Instagram. But also I have business cards I give out to people and I do go and play live just about every week.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

Lifehouse. I like their style. I like the main guy’s voice. I like the song BROKEN. I have sung it as a cover and it is great. I feel that song. But I also like Selena Gomez’ style of songs and I like Taylor Swift’s attitude towards the fans. I would also like to sing with Keri Jobe. She is a Christian singer, but has amazing songs. I like songs that are melodic and not just ..lol…lots of noise. My former piano teacher said that instruments should always back up the voice. The voice is really the main attraction in a song. At least that is what I think.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Well, we are planning on making a new music video and record more songs. I want to write a hit song, but I am working on that inspiration thing.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

I have a BS in Biology. So, I would probably just focus on biology..or have my own business.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

I don’t remember my first album, but I remember my first concert live: DC TALK. That was a while back. It was front row tickets we won on radio and yes, it was very loud and amazing. I like loud music. I want to feel the music in every fiber of my body.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

It is a bit complicated. I am a mom and I also work full time and more. But I love music and I want to do what I can to sing. About 7 years ago I lost my voice for a year due to come illness and it was horrible. It is like losing part of who I am. Eventually it came back and I thank God that He helped me get my voice back. So, there is no backing out. I am moving forward.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

I think they should look forward to more songs and music videos and I hope to meet them in their town so we can have fun.