Yoruba M. Chillus-Harris brings a wealth of theater experience as artistic director and writer of her own production company, Auntsong Productions. Yoruba has also worked with the UJAAMA Black Theater in Harlem, starring in the lead role of Mary in the Gospel of the Harlem Renaissance. She is also an accomplished singer/songwriter with three singles to be released on CDBaby this spring.
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Yoruba: I saw EV on Twitter and decided to give it a go. As an indie, you are in charge of your own exposure and I though it would be a useful vehicle.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Yoruba: My story is a bit long. Let’s just say I started in the choir at age 11, been in several groups, been in the studio on numerous occasions so music is my mission. It’s what I do.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Yoruba: Love’s Revolution was simply divinely inspired! I heard the melody and then the lyrics followed and amazingly this occurred just before the recent racial upheaval in this nation.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Yoruba: I’m not too familiar with online sharing as I have just gotten started, so I’m still navigating the waters.
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?
Yoruba: The only thing I can say is prepare (avail yourself of what’s out there), take the risks, and don’t quit…don’t give up.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Yoruba: Of course I have! Even major artists do. Just look at some of the award shows. I simple keep it moving and laugh it off. It’s not that deep.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Yoruba: I haven’t had an opportunity to tour, but would love to. I find that there is a real appreciation for indie artist overseas. There is just something about the way they receive your artistry. It’s awesome.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Yoruba: As I said before, my music is divinely inspired. I could be minding my business, in a store, in my truck, and even in bathroom and boom here comes a download. It’s amazing. I find when I try to do it, it’s more of a struggle as opposed to just letting that divine flow operate in my spirit.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Yoruba: I’m working on my website now and my only platform is CDbaby.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Yoruba: Actually, I don’t have any real embarrassing songs. Maybe “Big and Chunky” by Will.I.am from the movie Madagascar. Truth is, I’m a big kid.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Yoruba: If that were entrusted to me, I would first give to my church then I would build a studio and began work on a film studio.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Yoruba: I don’t have a studio so there are no upgrades needed right now. I work with my producer who has his own set up. I must say I’m intrigued by today’s process of making music.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Yoruba: I’m still finding ways to do so. Right now social media has been my go to place.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Yoruba: There are several of them and all for the same reasons, they are tremendous vocalists. They would be Luther Vandross, Michael McDonald, Kem, Tyrese, Gladys Knight, and Blake Shelton.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Yoruba: Actually, I will be releasing another single shortly and I’m looking forward to that. It’s a ballad.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Yoruba: That’s a hard one because music just makes itself in me, but I would always write; not just music, but film scripts.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Yoruba: That was so long ago. I think the first album I can recall purchasing was Dreamgirls from the original Broadway play, and I wore it out.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Yoruba: I tend to be a very organized individual anyway. I guess its my legal background, but I plan and don’t stress. Never sweat the small stuff.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
Yoruba: Fans should look for a couple of more singles and hopefully some more theatre work. I just completed a 13 show run with the Red Mountain Theatre Company in its production of The Wiz. I was Aunt Em. So, we’ll see what the rest of year holds.
