ESSOSA is making waves in the music industry with the release of her debut EP, Essie’s World, a project that not only showcases her unique sound but also reflects her journey as an artist.
In this interview, we dive deep into the inspiration behind her music, the impact of her viral single Waste My Time, and the influence of legendary RnB artists on her style.
Essosa also shares her excitement about working with top producers, her creative process, and what fans can expect from her in the future.
Congratulations on the release of your debut EP! What can listeners expect from this collection of songs, and how does it reflect your journey as an artist so far?
It’s a collection of songs I wrote inspired by Waste My Time, a coming-of-age project describing my uni experiences situationships, heartbreak, and at the end picking myself up again a lilt for the future ending on a happy note. This project helped me to define my sound…figuring out how I like to work. It was a process of learning the dynamic I like when it comes to being involved in production.
Your single Waste My Time went viral on TikTok, amassing over 500 million views. How did it feel to see your music resonate with such a large audience, and how has that experience influenced your career?
I knew it was gonna be good! It was a sound that people wanted to hear so it was just really nice to have my feelings affirmed that I was able to give the people what their missing, and showed me I know how to have my ear on the streets. Allowed me to trust myself and not be swayed to make different sounds and most of all trust my instincts.
You’ve cited 90s and 00s RnB legends like Justin Timberlake, Kelis, and Janet Jackson as influences. How do you incorporate elements of their music into your own sound while still keeping it fresh and unique?
All three of those artists Grew up around Jazz or around homes and cities where Jazz and soul were resonant, Kelis’s parents were jazz artists, so I just think were all heavily influenced by the same thing, I incorporate harmony stacks from Janet Jackson, Kelis’ melodies and infuse those with modern elements and alternative sounds. Charli Xcx, Caroline Polachek, and Kelela are some of the alternative artists I love which I combine with jazz and soul elements to create my sound.
The visuals for Waste My Time received praise from none other than Missy Elliott. What was your reaction to getting recognition from such an iconic artist, and how does Missy’s work inspire your own creative process?
I wanted to throw up, I was so excited! Music videos are my heart and soul and I love the art that goes behind video direction. I love that my vision for the video was so clearly executed. Shout out to Monica and the team in Mexico. I was so grateful that legend Missy acknowledged me and my work! I love how Missy seems to think big at all times when it comes to her videos and I would love to incorporate that into my own.
Working with producers like Kaytranada and Tay Keith is a huge milestone. Can you tell us more about how those collaborations came about and what it was like working with them on your EP?
I dm’d Kay and thought he would never respond. I went to LA and met him for a session. He was such good vibes. Genuine heart and is so funny. We worked on a bunch of beats and made some amazing stuff. Taykeith, someone on his team, reached out and sent over beats and then invited us to Nashville to work on them. It was such familiar energy and love during my time there and the team was so hospitable and genuine I really cherish the time I spent there!
Your sound is deeply rooted in RnB, but you’ve also been inspired by artists like Gwen Stefani and Erykah Badu. How do you blend these diverse influences to create something that’s uniquely yours?
I mix alternative sounds with R&B chord progressions, I grew up in Church so gospel and jazz-influenced melodies and harmony are a constant throughout my music. My taste is very varied and unique and elements of that are heard in my music. I try to make Essosa music its own genre rather than fitting into any box.
You started playing the piano at just three years old and began songwriting at eight. How did your early exposure to music shape your development as an artist, and how do you think it influences your work today?
I grew up in Canada and a lot of what I heard on the radio influenced my artistry. Really good pop music – Maroon 5, Nelly Furtado. It taught me how to make a good song. Hearing Kiss from a Rose by Seal inspired my harmony stacks, but I think over time, songwriting-wise, all my experiences have shaped who I am as an artist.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for 2024 and beyond? Are there any new sounds or collaborations you’re excited to explore in the future?
Expand the brand, more visibility, more reach, more music. Working in LA to explore more funk sounds, edgier sounds, and alternative stuff! The Kaytranada collab needs to come out and I just can’t wait to tour and perform all the songs I’ve been working on so stay tuned for that!
Stream Essosa’s debut EP Essie’s World here.
