Member Since: 4/14/2011
Posts: 48,397
|
Era Istrefi Billboard Interview, Signs with Ultra
Quote:
Albanian Kosovar singer-songwriter Era Istrefi is the latest act to catch Patrick Moxey’s attention. The Ultra Music founder and president says he first came across Istrefi’s work on YouTube, where he watched the music video for her new single, "Bonbon."
The record was originally released under Neser, an independent label founded by her manager, Faton Shoshi. "As soon as the YouTube posting started to pop, we were basically enthralled with this new artist," Moxey says.
"I think it’s great that Rihanna and Sia are reference points, but what I think is so unique about the track is its Eastern European feel, almost oriental," Moxey notes. "Her delivery, when going back and forth between English and Albanian, is seamless…it’s really special. You can’t really compare it with anything else."
When reflecting on the song’s organic success, Istrefi says, "I believed that one day the world was going to listen to my music, but didn’t expect "Bonbon" to be that song, especially since the lyrics are in Albanian."
"I was very encouraged when speaking with her," says Moxey. "All of her questions had to do with songs, production, choreography, styling, improving her show, where she could record, etc. I realized that her outlook was very much to be a world-class artist and an international artist."
|
Quote:
|
They inked the deal later that day. When asked why she chose Ultra over other labels competing for her, the viral act playfully states, "Law of attraction, I guess."
|
Source: http://www.billboard.com/articles/ne...fi-rihanna-sia
|
|
|
|
I want to say yes but nothing that lasts can come out of the same label that gave us Omi, can it? All she needs is a big hit though, really. That helps a lot (see Carly).
