Etta James once said that, “I sing the songs that... • Vancouver's Hottest Music

Posted on Friday, 17 February 2012

Etta James once said that, “I sing the songs that people need to hear.” The same could and will be said for TONYE AGANABA.

Comparable to Aretha, Etta, and Lauryn Hill, TONYE stands on the shoulders of giants bringing her own unique style, spirit, and soul to the world of Hip Hop/R&B.

Having just released WHITE WIZARD, a 4-Song EP January 2nd 2012, TONYE sat down with VANCOUVER’S HOTTEST MUSIC, as she preps for the Commodore Ballroom’s Benefit for Randy Ponzio’s Children (Randy being a legendary local musician whom we recently lost to the house band in the sky).

VHM: New album, new beginning, what can people expect from your debut?

TONYE AGANABA: An EP chocked full of musical experimentation and positive subliminal messaging! I have come to a point in life, where I am realizing that music is a powerful weapon. As artists we can either use it for the good of mankind or for the good of self! With that in mind, I wrote from the heart and shared messages that would encourage, motivate, and inspire my listeners!

VHM: What sparked the inspiration for your song, “Thought of You?”

TONYE AGANABA: Unrequited love! I was absolutely head over heels in love with this wonderful man and due to circumstances beyond our control, a relationship was just not in the cards for us. I took all those feelings, the love, the disappointment, and the desire, letting it loose on this track. Produced by my sweethearts The Sol Starz, the music was so inspiring to work with! I banged this song out in an afternoon, and remember running downstairs after I recorded the first rough version and dragging my manager and the rest of the Live Vision crew upstairs to listen to it. I was proud, as it really captured the state my heart was in.

VHM: Of anyone in the world, who would you like to work with next?

TONYE AGANABA: Astrological, 22Tape, Flying Lotus, Daedelus, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Busta Rhymes, Fredwreck, and many more!

VHM: Where do you see herself in the next two years?

TONYE AGANABA: Developing my companies The Living Society and Living Society Productions. I will be utilizing my education in Entertainment Business Management to help develop other artists and create socially responsible and enlightening entertainment properties. I’ll also be back on the road, finishing up my projects in Los Angeles, and hopefully adding more countries to my passport through music!

VHM: Any words of advice for upcoming vocalists out there?

TONYE AGANABA: Sing! Sing from your guts, and sing like you’re not afraid to screw up…because then you won’t. It’s easy to try and emulate your heroes, but so much harder to find your own voice and love it. The fact of the matter is, there is already a Mariah, a Lauryn, a Madonna…you have to wander out into the musical wilderness and have searched your soul to find out who YOU want to be!

Thanks TONYE!

Check TONYE AGANABA out tonight @ The Commodore Ballroom or download her new EP @

http://tonyeaganaba.bandcamp.com/

More essential TONYE @