Daily Music Dose

PRE READING NOTE: I know you may find it fairly weird that this next artist is NOT an indie rock band, an emo band, or even a death metal band. But hey, that's what the Daily Music Dose program is for, being open minded, right?

Canadian singer Elise Estrada may seem like your average pop star, but really, she's one of a kind. She does sing pop music, yes, but she stays true to her roots and although she has had several top 10 hits in Canada, won several radio awards and accolades, she remains calm, composed, and ready. She is also a Filipino and I am too, and Asians rarely dominate the music industry. She shows that you have to be proud of where you came from.

Born on July 30th, 1987, she started performing at a very young age. She was known as a triple threat - singing, dancing, and modeling. She was very involved in local and national talent contests.

In early 2007, she entered the Beat 94.5 [the #1 listened to station in Vancouver] Music Awards, and showed everyone what she has to win a record deal with Rockstar Music Corp. Records, also an agency that helped produced tracks for acts like Britney, Janet Jackson, Beyonce, and Jennifer Lopez.

Last year she released her self-titled debut album, which received well to the audience, both digitally and physically (CD sales). Her single "Unlove You" was in the top 5 on iTunes.

Her newfound star power also got her to open for big name acts such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna, the Backstreet Boys, etc. She will also be on tour with rap legend LL Cool J this summer.

She also was nominated for (and won) a Juno Award (equivalent to a Grammy) for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year in early 2009.

What I like about her is that she has amazing stage presence without being too dramatic or over the top, appeals to almost anyone, has great catchy songs with a positive message behind the lyrics, and that she always takes the time to acknowledge her fans. I was very fortunate to attend a hometown gig yesterday (June 13th) and, although crowded, she greeted me, signed 2 autographs for me and I also got to take a picture with her. The most important thing is, the crowd and performance was very high energy! People were not let down.

So, my friends, I hope you realize that pop is not always monotonous and a bad thing (see pre-reading note). Prove me right by checking out these songs:

Unlove You http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScuATAwDrcU

Insatiable http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vlz6nQeyDg

Ix-Nay http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJP-TRO0h5g

Poison http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1fGRrqgypc

 OFFICIAL SITE:

http://www.eliseestrada.com/