Started with growing listening to latin jazz, salsa & mambo. I loved to listen to hiphop in the late 80s and lots of dancehall and reggae in the early nineties. I was obsessed with Michael, Janet & Madonna's Dance moves. THe Eighties was the most creative time in music ( in my eyes) Now mainstream wants to jump on it. Leggings are still not cool! Even if they're hot pink.
I played Bongos and other percussion growing up. (My papa taught me) My dad used to make songs up about anything. In my eyes he was the most incredible singer beating out Frankie Ruiz and all the other legends.
The First time I hit any notes was on a piano when I was about 5 or 6 years old. I was at my godfather's house. When all the kids went upstairs to play video games and were listening to freestyle I stayed downstairs and started jamming away on what I felt. One woman came in and asked " is that you playing?" I got scared and stopped playing. She said, "that is really beautiful!" From that moment I wanted to play music.
I practiced at radio shack. :) My mom bought me a keyboard when I turned 10. I taught myself how to play. I wrote my first song when I was about 9. It was a freestyle joint! My sister and cousin were surprised that I came up with something. I played flute as well and was able to write out my music. I haven't stopped ever since.
I used to hate my voice and I've come to embrace it.
I've created a genre I can call my own which combines my love for latin percussion boleros that remind me of my grandmother, maybe not the words per say but the feeling is there. I love crunchy electronic sounds and effects and strings that are layered make me lose myself.
I hope you enjoy it my friends!
~ La Váne
