The "Music Goes On" for Florelie Escano
The life of an unsigned artist is far from easy. Paid work is hard to come across, so it is often only the love of music that keeps the dream of sharing their artistry with the world alive. For Melbourne singer/songwriter Florelie Escano, it has been that love and passion for music that has kept her going.
True talent is hard to come by in today's highly manufactured world of music. Florelie, however, dispels any notion of doubt when one listens to her music, skillfully crafted from pen and paper to the production of hip hop beats and powerful vocals reminiscent of world-class divas such as Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Christina Aguilera.
It is Mariah Carey in fact who Escano credits as being her greatest influence. "When I started singing, I didn't sing any other songs but Mariah's," she says with great admiration. "Even now when I do ballads, I still sing Without You and Hero."
The big question though, is how do you go from admiring one of the world's greatest singers, to being paid to record just like her. Escano is still searching for the answer. Like so many talented artists across the world, she too does not have a record deal. Escano is not concerned though. "I'm not worried yet because I know my music will shine and sooner than later the world will know what Florelie is all about."
Not having a recording contract has not stopped this ambitious woman from recording. Thanks to modern technology, she has already tasted great success through the internet. Some of that success came in the form of staying atop MP3.com.au's R&B chart for an amazing 30 weeks! She has also been featured on InTheMix.com.au as well as on U.S sites, StationMP3.com and IUMA.com. It is this type of exposure that unsigned artists rely on to make a name for themselves in the industry. The buzz surrounding Escano definitely illustrates that it is working to her advantage.
She has worked and co-worked with many producers including Travis King and Robert Sedkey of Standard Records, as well Andrew de Silva, best known for his work with CDB. Michael "Gomez" Pearson, who recently worked with hot Australian R&B duo Shakaya, is currently working his magic on one of Escano's tracks. Gomez is so taken with her talent that he honestly believes that Flo won't remain unsigned for long. Other collaborations include work with 1ovthafew and Detect.
Performing at Crown Entertainment Complex and supporting American R&B outfit, Koffee Brown at Metro in Melbourne have been career highlights. Most recently Flo, as she is known to her friends, has begun a collaboration with LA rapper B Down and released via her website - www.florelie.com - the disco remix of "Music Goes On", a funky tune to set dance floors ablaze. In fact, all Florelie's material is available through her website and MP3.com.au.
Showing her true versatility as an artist, Florelie also offers an array of amazing covers. From the sultry vocals of Groove Theory's "Tell Me" to the stunning "Open Arms", originally by Mariah Carey. Escano's material ranges from soul, R&B, funk, house, dance and jazz. Don't be disillusioned by the covers though, because all original material has been written by Escano herself.
"I'm so excited yet the hard work is taxing, and I haven't even scratched the surface yet." The determination Flo exudes is nothing short of extraordinary. What is even more amazing is the fact that while she's been singing all her life, she has only been recording for little over 12 months.
So how did it all get started? "I started going to singing lessons, then the school introduced me to producers. I recorded my first song around early February 2001 and posted it up for fun on MP3.com.au." She could never have known the incredible response that would soon follow. "People were emailing me from all over the world. I was even invited to perform at the Gay Pride week in San Francisco so I'm going there later this year."
Flo concedes though that the financial burden placed on unsigned artists can be difficult to deal with. Balancing a full-time job while at the same time establishing herself as an artist was not easy. "I held a job in I.T. so I used that to pay for all my expenses." She knew that success was not going to be handed to her. "I used my initiative... I called and emailed everyone!"
Prior to that, it took immense courage for Flo to leave the stability of a good job behind, and head out as a novice into a new and exciting industry. "I thought, 'I can keep going with the corporate world', but my gut feeling was saying 'this is not it'. My love for singing never ever died, however I was scared to do it because it wasn't a stable career. For a while I hid behind what was comfortable and safe."
Her first taste of the industry has been an eye-opening experience. "People are skeptical with new and local acts. The industry is full of so many people - all wanting a slice of the pie." From very early on it was clear that talent alone would not get Flo to the top. "I found first hand that this industry is more business oriented than talent. I believe that it was very important to accept that, then deal with its complexities with a business mindset." But does she feel any animosity towards those corporate heavyweights that may doubt local talent? "They do what they have to do. I don't really think they're as tyrannical as many sour musicians make them out to be."
Apart from her incredible vocal range, what makes this diva stand out from the rest is her ability to write - a talent that is often overlooked and under-appreciated. "Ideas come different times of the day. I love staying home and just thinking." Writing a song comes from the heart. Many writers even describe it as baring their soul, and an almost therapeutic experience. "I think what stopped me before was my timidness. I was very shy but now I'm cool with it. The words just flow." No pun intended.
When asked where she sees herself in five years time, Flo has no doubts at all. "I'll have made a name for myself in the industry and still be singing, but also hopefully writing or even producing for others. I'm looking at setting up my own label down the line too."
There is no reason why this talented young lady's dreams shouldn't come true. She definitely has the talent, and I suspect it will only be a matter of time before we're hearing a lot more from Florelie Escano. "I need all the support I can get. I want everyone to support me because they think I'm good, not just because they feel sorry for me. I believe in what I have to offer."
For now, you can help Flo by requesting her latest song, "Music Goes On" at Nova100. Send email requests for "Music Goes On" by Florelie Escano to music@nova100.com.au, and visit Florelie.com for all continuing developments as well as great music from Australia's most exciting new musical prospect. Many thankt to Neil from the Australian Mariah Carey Fanclub.
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