Exposed Vocals Interviews Sistah Yah
Singer/Songwriter/Producer from Chicago, now residing in New York is a seasoned writer and vocalist who has rocked a variety of stages with her raspy, sultry, soulful vocals and exciting abstract lyrics. She goes by the name Sistah Yah and is now honing her skills as a producer and creating electronic dance beats with a funky futuristic edge. Sistah Yah has penned over a 100 songs to her credit in a variety of genres and has her own publishing company Hot Yahva Productions/ASCAP. You can download her current single ‘Circles’ from iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and Beatport. Check for her future performances at http://www.nimbitmusic.com/
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Sistah Yah
I grew up in a large family of three brothers and two sisters and a single mom on the south-side of Chicago, Life was not so easy and music became and outlet of expression for me. I started out writing lyrics as a kid around 10 or 11, if my memory serves me correctly. Later, I got really good at lyrical writing and began developing my melodic skills and arrangement. Once I could put a song together I new I could do something special. So I guess you say I was an artist back then. It was all about creating and I was good at it, and still at it.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Sistah Yah:
Hahaha,
My name Sistah Yah was finalized from some loving Serbian brothers I played in a band with called ZOZE. My birth name is Yvette but they would call me Yah for short and Sistah was later added out of respect, Sistah Yah. By the way, ZOZE was a really good band.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Sistah Yah:
My feelings about the online music sharing has always been positive and it allows the world to hear a variety of super talented artist. Yes I have always shared music for free until recently. I joined Tune Core as a distributor but I do have a Sound Cloud site where I post all new music or tracks I create. I love the community in that and I get to hear new music. Also it is a great way to stay inspired. In the same breath Indie artist should have a means to profit from their art.
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?
Sistah Yah:
OMG, keep your day job for now, hahahaha, rehearse, have a set list, pic, EPK, sign up with a booking agency, keep a presence online, play for free if you have too and most of all stay creative keep and play with other bands/artists. I find that working with other artist gives you a lot more exposure. Also depending on the state you live there are many venues you can book to play, easily. Just a matter of genre and material. As far as airplay, try college radio. Do some research and see who the contacts are and there are some underground stations that are dedicated to playing indie artist. Do all you can with what you have for now. You know the saying ‘The more you put in the more you get out’ and finally always be professional.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Sistah Yah:
My songwriting inspiration comes from many sources. a world event, a sound, to a comment someone just said, even a dream I had the night before. It usually comes with the melody or I could be messing around with a beat or a sound on my DAW system and boom, I got my idea and I develop it from there into a song.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
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Sistah yah:
Yes, I do have a website https://www.nimbitmusic.com/
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Sistah Yah:
Great question,
I would take care of some debts, upgrade my studio, continue to write songs, and go on a world tour to expose my music and work with other artist around the world. Also create a foundation with other indie artist to provided resources for serious up and coming indie artist.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Sistah Yah:
I promote my music through a variety of online sites, TuneCore, SoundCloud, FaceBook, Bandcamp, Digital DJ Pool, Intellectual
Radio for airplay, posters in area I will be performing, Twitter, and emails to friends family of shows and latest songs posted. I find that Twitter and Facebook are the best ways to promote for me. You can always network with Twitter with similar artist and DJ’s that are looking for new music to play. Also Facebook friends will re post my shows and latest music so that it is shared with their FB threads.
Radio for airplay, posters in area I will be performing, Twitter, and emails to friends family of shows and latest songs posted. I find that Twitter and Facebook are the best ways to promote for me. You can always network with Twitter with similar artist and DJ’s that are looking for new music to play. Also Facebook friends will re post my shows and latest music so that it is shared with their FB threads.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Sistah Yah:
Yes, I have been learning audio/production the last 4 years and produced a number of tracks that I am loving right now. So my next self produced single called, ‘Where is the Love’ dropping May 2016. You can go to my websitehttps://www.nimbitmusic.com/
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Sistah Yah:
Well,
A Forensic Psychiatrist, I have always been fascinated with the workings of the human mind when it came to criminology. I have an investigative drive…LOL
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Sistah Yah:
It can be quite challenging but I try to stay organized as much as possible and focused.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Sistah Yah:
More music and more shows.