During her career, Canadian singer Elise LeGrow had to listen to older male colleagues about being a “diva”.
Elise LeGrow (34) is back with her new album “Grateful”. In an interview with spot on news, the Canadian soul singer with the exceptional voice chats about her haircut, her love of vintage fashion and disadvantages as a woman in the music industry. “What you can do about it is stand up for yourself,” says the confident artist. The 34-year-old also reveals whether she is annoyed by being compared to Amy Winehouse (1983-2011) again and again.
You have an extraordinary voice. How did this develop for you?
Elise LeGrow: Thank you! I worked really hard on it. I started singing at a very young age, imitating some of the greatest singers of our time – Patsy Cline, Etta James, Martha Reeves and Whitney Houston to name a few. And then it took me decades to discover my own unique voice, which it turns out is still evolving by the day.
Tired of being compared to Amy Winehouse?
LeGrow: Not at all. That’s a big compliment.
Do you see Amy Winehouse as a role model?
LeGrow: Yes, absolutely. I still can’t believe she’s dead.
You have a very iconic haircut. Do you cut your own bangs?
LeGrow: Until the pandemic, I never cut my own bangs! Those were desperate times as hair salons were closed. But I think I did pretty well. If you want to laugh again, watch my time-lapse video on TikTok running to the theme song of “Mission Impossible”.
How would you describe your style? What do you value in fashion?
LeGrow: My street style is very 1960s Parisian with short skirts and long jackets. My stage style tends towards 1980s New York, with broad shoulders and sequins.
What do you like about vintage music and fashion?
LeGrow: I like that with both vintage music and vintage fashion, what you see is what you get. The singers had to do incredible things because they didn’t have the luxury of sound editing technology that we have today. And back then, leather was still leather and lasted forever! It’s amazing that designers today can get away with selling cruelty-free garments made out of faux leather — also known as plastic — that dissolve and fall apart.
Your song “Forever” is about long bonds. As a child of divorce, how do you face this?
LeGrow: Well… Valentine’s Day was just around the corner this week and I’m single. But I’m optimistic!
Her song “Evan” is very personal and sad. What is the story behind it?
LeGrow: That song was by far the hardest to write, that’s why it took a decade. It is a tribute to my dear friend who was shot when he was just 22 years old. The song is my attempt to mourn his loss but also celebrate the happy memories, like driving around in his little VW when he was stoned.
Her new album is entitled “Grateful”. What are you thankful for?
LeGrow: The title track “Grateful” has a special meaning for me. When we wrote the song in February 2020, it was a continuation of the story in “Evan”. Losing my boyfriend made me appreciate my own life in a new way. I am now much more grateful to be alive. These days I’m so thankful for the simple joy of making music. Especially in the midst of pandemics, natural disasters, and widespread political unrest, to be safe and healthy, learning to write, sing, and play guitar in my little corner of the world is a great privilege.
You’ve been singing since you were a little kid. Did you always know that you wanted to be a singer one day?
LeGrow: I don’t remember that, but my mother says that when I was four I said, “When I grow up, I’ll be a singer”. I had my first concert performance in kindergarten and now, 30 years later, I’m still doing my thing!
Women are still disadvantaged in the music business. To what extent have you experienced this yourself? What can be done about it?
LeGrow: On several occasions, older male colleagues have admonished me for being “difficult” or a “diva,” even though my requests were reasonable and polite. I assume these kinds of admonitions are reserved for strong women who strive for excellence. However, I can’t comment on the experience of male artists – perhaps they too are treated in a condescending manner. What you can do about it is stand up for yourself. Whatever your gender, don’t let them push you around.
What private and professional plans do you still have for 2022?
LeGrow: Personally, I try to go out as much as possible – sporting events, restaurants, concerts, parties, raves, anything that’s not in the house! We’ve had the longest lockdowns here in Canada and I plan to make up for lost time. There’s a lot going on on the professional front right now. The new album is now also available physically and in limited edition merch. Also, there will soon be a cross-genre track with an artist from the Netherlands.