Artistpreneur Spotlight: Darlette Gayle, Singer

Darlette Gayle was asked to sing at the BET Honors Award show taping, where she sung before Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah, Trey Songz, Neyo and other celebrities at the Warner Theater in Washington, DC on January 16, 2010. Darlette sang a snippet of Beyonce’s Deja Vu and everyone loved her rendition of the song!

This rising star Darlette Gayle also known as “Whyte Chocolate,” is the founder/owner of her independent company “Ettelrad Music Company”.

She released/co-wrote ‘Got Me Crazy’ in 2009 produced by the same Producer who produced Beautiful Ones with Christina Aguilera on the Burlesque movie soundtrack. This single is available at www.cdbaby.com/darelttegayle3 as well as her single ‘I Know U Want It’, which reached #1 on Jammin 95.5 FM’s top 25 hot spins list for six consecutive weeks! This single is available at www.cdbaby.com/cd/darlettegayle2. Darlette Gayle also produced a music video for her hit song ‘So Good 2 U’ from her debut CD titled ‘Whyte Chocolate’! The CD is also available online at www.cdbaby.com/cd/darlettegayle.

Darlette’s music has been aired at radio stations 93.9 FM (WKYS), 95.5 FM (WPGC), 96.3 FM, (WHUR) and Majic 102.3 FM, in Washington, DC and rotation at World Space Satellite radio airing in Europe, China, South Africa, India, etc. She’s received honors from the ASCAPLUS awards panel for three consecutive years, a three-time nominee for the 2008 Velocity Magazine Award as well as a nominee for the DMV Music Awards as Best R&B Female Artist for 2007. Darlette has also collaborated with the same hot producers who laid down tracks for R. Kelly, Destiny’s Child, Kelly Price, Britney Spears and others. She’s one of the hottest women in the independent industry now! She has her own individual style being soulful, sexy and mellow with a touch of jazz.

Interview

1.) When did you start making music?

I officially started making music professionally in 2004. I started writiing lyrics in the 80s.

2.) Where are you from?

I’m originally from Washington, DC.

3.) Who are your influences/heroes/role models?

Mariah Carey, Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, Mary J. Blige, Beyonce, Phyllis Hyman, so many…

4.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why?

I really can’t compare myself to any other artist. I really feel I have my own sound.
But if you were to ask what type of Artist do I want to see myself being like, I would say Anita Baker or Sade.

5.) Who are your favorite artists?

I can’t say that I really have a favorite but … that’s tough… but I’ll say Whitney Houston.

6.) What do you think your listeners will get out of your music?

My passion and the messages that I’m singing about.

7.) What is your honest opinion about today’s R&B in comparison to (old school) R&B back in the day?

R&B music, I believe still has the same messages today as compared to back in the day.

8.) Do you think that music is enjoyed more for the beat or the lyrics, and why?

I think the beat can definitely capture a person who doesn’t pay attention to the lyrics. Production is a key element. But I think mature people listen to what is being said and will also like a nice beat. Good music is about the collaboration of both elements. It all depends on who you are targeting.

9.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs?

Well, if I’m writing to music – I tend to get inspired by the music. If I’m not writing to music – it usually just hits me, I will hear the melody first, then the words.

10.) What was the first song you ever sung?

That’s a good question… hmmm… at the repast after my grandmother’s funeral I remember singing for family members and I was singing ‘You Got the Best of My Love’ by the Emotions. I was around 7.

11.) What made you want to get into the music business?

I’m passionate about singing – I feel like it’s what I’m meant to do. I had no idea that I’d be doing it to this extent though as far as the business side of it.

12.) What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in life and has that had any effect on your music and if so, why?

The loss of my cousin. I guess it helped me to realize how short life can be and to do what you love to do, be happy and be good to others.

13.) What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in the music industry?

Rejection, schemes, road blocks, etc.

14.) How do you feel when you see that people enjoy your music and are affected by it?

It feels amazing! This is a huge part of the reasons that can keep you going forward.

15.) What was the best advice given to you in regards to your music and pursuing a career in the music industry?

I would say the best advise I’ve been given is to know that it’s a business and to copyright my stuff.

16.) What do you hope to do with your music?

I hope to be able to share it with the world.

17.) Do you plan to branch off and pursue other endeavors outside of music when you make it big?

Absolutely, there so many other things I’d like to do. Other business ventures and challenges.

18.) How do you plan to help change the world?

I think my purpose is to spread positivity to others who may not see that in themselves. I love inspiring people and giving people hope.

19.) What is your ‘vision’ for your songs and music overall? If your music has a message, what message are you trying to send and why?

My vision is to make my brand appealing in several market areas and to be able to expand my brand nationally as well as internationally. I have a positive message to share and it’s love. Because the same energy you put out is the same energy you will get in return.