“Don’t take him back” sound like fighting words! [Laughs]   

 

Oh gosh, No.  Not really, it is love.  You have the love songs out there, the songs to make the man feel good in the bedroom and all over.  It is rare that you find a song for the ladies.

 

I am going to let you get away with that this time. [laughs]

How long have you been working on your music?

 

I really got into recording and performing Soca in 2002.  .  Being from the Caribbean, and I always loved and embraced Caribbean culture.  I was more accustomed to smooth Rock, Gospel, and R & B.  I wanted to experiment with Soca.  People from the Caribbean identify with not only the music, rhythm, the base, but the lyrics.

 

You mentioned Rock and R & B. The Caribbean audience is well versed in different forms of music.  Did you perform R & B and Rock as well?

 

I did not perform the music; I grew up in the Church.  It was more the type of music I like.  My first opportunity to perform came with gospel.Being a church girl, I never saw my self telling the girls to back up wine and push back. [laughs] When I started to do Soca, I fell in love.

 

It is in your veins obviously, tunes like “All about me” is a powerful message to young ladies.

 

The song came about from band leader Dirk Walters. I never knew he would put it on that route.  I love the song because I could honestly identify with what the song was saying. I was going through some tough times myself. He left me with ideas and I added my verse.  It was filled with emotions and energy.  It is a song filled with love and hate, you know all those things which make music nice.

 

All those things help to stew de pot ehh?

 

Of course, too much ting never spoil a pot ehh. [laughs]

 

You are also doing Reggae in your song “every time we touch”.

 

It was a remake from a group in Germany.

 

Before I listen to the song I thought it was a soca tune.

 

It was produced by Alton Bertie.  He won Soca of the year with Shurwayne.  He heard that original song and sent it to me.  I love the original and he did the Reggae track.  It was really a touch and go thing.  My sole focus now is Soca and just reaching out to Caribbean people.  It was a nice experience to display my vocal abilities.  If the people want more Reggae, we can work something out.

 

So, you are giving the audience whatever they like?

 

Whatever they want Harella to sing, Harella is going to sing.  If they having a hard day and want to feel better.  I want my music to touch and move the hearts of Caribbean people.

 

Are you from Tortola or Dominica?

 

I am from Dominica! Large up Dominica massive!  I was born in Marigot.  My Family moved to BVI when I was small.  My heart lies in Dominica.

 

There are a lot of unique things to each Island, more notable the food.

 

Anyone who know me, know, I love food.  Tortola has a lot of mixture like anywhere else. Fish and fungi is our national dish.  With okra, butter, and potatoes, nothing sweeter than that.  There are a lot of fishermen on our many Islands.  The food is always excellent.

 

For those who would like to experience the full Carnival experience.  What time of the years is BVI Carnival?

 

To get the full BVI festival experience, it starts 20^th July to first week in August.  It is extended a little more every year because we are such cultural people, we are always adding on different things.  BVI music festival is at the end of May every year.  Last year Lucky Dube, Destra, Saucy baby, Alison Hinds performed.  

 

So it is a guaranteed good time?

 

A guaranteed safe and good time. The people come together as one.

 

What vision do you have for yourself 10 years from now?

 

Well, I have already mapped that out.  I want to have three great Soca albums under my belt. Above that I want my voice and songs to be known.  I want to also grow as an artist.  I want when people know Harella is performing.  It is not lord! I hear that song already, but that song make me feel so good.  I see some collaborate in the future.

 

Who would you like to collaborate with?  Can we get the exclusive?

 

I will collaborate with just about anybody! [Laughs]  I hope that does not sound too bad. I think every artist can add something to a track.  Every artist can add a different experience.  I have some which will be release soon.  You are not going to get the scoop on that yet. [Laughs]

 

You just knew I was going to ask?

 

There will be some powerhouse female collaborations.  It is great when women can get together and do great things.

 

We wish you luck on that I am sure DancehallSoca.com will be the first to get that track.

 

Most definitely!

 

Do you feel like you have the right team right now?

 

I feel comfortable right now.  The Black Roots promotions team is doing a good job.  I am working with Parry Jack who produced Bashment freaks by Jamesy P.  I try to give a hundred percent and they give the same back.

 

There are a lot of strong female voices in Soca music.  I am curious to know, how is Harella is involved in her music?

 

I write my own music.  Sometimes as a new writer, you get blocks.  That is when it is useful to use your team.  I have two new songs that will be release in the next two months.  I will also set up my home studio and eventually I want to have hands on experience in everything because knowledge is power.  I like to be in control [laughs]

 

 

What do you like to do outside of music?

 

I like to sleep, I love food, and I like to spend my time with my three year old.  He makes my days in life so rewarding.  I love to fish.  Yes! I love to fish.  I like to sit on the white sandy beach in Tortola and being thankful.

 

That is interesting; I know you mention before that a lot of people in Torotola fish.  How did you pick up fishing?

 

 

As a little girl, it was one of the things we would do on a Friday night with my dad.  I have one sister and four brothers.  We would throw out the line and catch our fish.  It was exciting.  Later on, as a teenager, you sometimes think you are too cute for these things.   I had a friend who fish on a whole different level.  It brought me back to what I would do with my father.

 

How do you prepare your fish?

 

I like it two ways.  Well, I just learned to make Johnny cake.  Excuse me, sorry if I took to long. [Laughs]  Once we come back in, I clean it up and season it up and leave it for the morning.  Then in the morning it is fried fish and Johnny cake.  I also like it grill in foil paper with onions, peppers, seasoning, and butter.

 

Oh man, I am getting hungry [laughs]

 

Me too! [laughs]

 

Well! I got not only our music lesson but our fishing lesson. I want to say thank you for the interview.

 

I want to say thank you to the Black Roots Management and Parry Jack.Thank you DancehallSoca.com for the opportunity.