We had the good fortune of connecting with Elaina Yvonne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elaina, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic career because nothing else made sense for me. I grew up with music surrounding me. I’ve played instruments and sang in church since I was very young. As an adult I pursued other things but everything lead back to music. It is my most honest and vulnerable form of communication and I’m happiest when I’m creating. Life doesn’t make sense to me without music and creativity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m Elaina Yvonne, a recording artist from Fayetteville, NC. I am an artist who creates all my own beats and melodies. I have played piano and violin since I was young. Music has always surrounded me as I come from a musical family. During the pandemic in 2020, I started making beats on garage band. I realized music was my escape from the monotony of reality, this matrix we’ve become so used to. In November 2022, I dropped my first single “Let You Kno”, which was produced and recorded on garage band. In March of 2024, I started pursuing music as a career. Since then I released a second single, “Soul Partna”, and an 6 song EP called “A Cozy Tape”. I created all of my own beats and concepts for the project. The most difficult part of pursuing a music career has been finding balance. Being a mom, business owner, and recording artist at once is sometimes overwhelming, but I try to keep myself organized so that I can get my tasks completed. I would describe my sound as jazzy Neo-soul with a hip hop influence. Since I make all my own beats, I’m very intentional with where I place certain sounds to evoke certain feelings. I incorporate an orchestral approach to arranging music as I have been a part of many orchestras in my lifetime as a violinist and percussionist. Since March 2024, I have collaborated with many incredible artists both as a featured artist and violinist. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow as an artist and continue finding my audience. My goal with music is to be timeless and impactful. I pray my music reaches people deeper than just the ears. I hope they feel it, resonate with it, and make it a part of their stories too.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m from Fayetteville, NC. The most interesting place there in my opinion is this zip lining place we have. I’m big on doing memorable things out of the norm so I’d likely take them there for a good adventure. It’s also a great way to break the ice! Next, I’d take them downtown to see all of the murals and artwork throughout the Ville. As an artist I love admiring art especially street art. Last but not least, I’d take them down to one of our old staple restaurants like Sandpipers or Vicky’s Biscuits. We used to have this good ole country spot called Vick’s Drive In but it’s gone now. They sold things like sausage dogs, biscuits with gravy, and fried chicken. I might even take them to the spot it once stood in loving memory cause that’s just how good their food was. Real Fayettevillians know all about Vick’s.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my daughter. Since her birth, she has motivated me to pursue my most authentic self, and to express myself more freely. She inspires me to pursue bigger and better and never settle. She is creative, artistic, musical, and simply incredible. She is truly my greatest creation in life and one of my best teachers. I’m grateful to have been chosen as her mother.

Website: http://www.elainayvonne.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elainayvonnemusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elainayvonnemusicofficial

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elainayvonne

Image Credits
CHRISTOPHER PARNTHER
VANDELL JACKSON
KATHERINE GOMEZ VAQUERO
SHAWNS.VIEW

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