Vanessa Conde

THE PURE VOICE NEED NOT WHISPER--In life, The sweetest dreams are made of what one desires most. Laughter, love and living among the blessings of the universe. It is the one true balance and essentials needed to grow, develop and progress. In a world where money fame and vanity enters and exit’s a stage faster than a flash of a paparazzo’s bulb, it is these dreams and desires that become a reality and a living antidote to the trails and tests of life. Although an average artist gets 15 minutes on stage in the spotlight to create an impact, it takes a lifetime to cultivate a legacy. To cultivate a legacy one needs to nurture oneself, evolve and let destiny take its course. At times, patience is the true virtue and in return life becomes a cocoon getting ready to burst , spread its wings and prepares to fly. These words are simple and could be used for encouragement, but simply reflect the life of a rising icon. Vanessa Conde.Born to Dominican American parents in Washington Heights New York City, by the tender age of five, Vanessa Conde took singing lessons under much encouragement from her mom. Dr. Maredia Warren, an accomplished organist and music teacher who also was another source of Vanessa's personal and professional development. At age 17, Vanessa had been accepted into Westminster Choir College as a Vocal Performance Major, a prestigious music school in Princeton New Jersey. There she encountered exceptional teachers but faced many challenges. Her counselor discouraged her from becoming an opera singer, as the industry contained minimal representation of Hispanic American artists. This made Vanessa even more determined to succeed despite the odds. She participated in the New Jersey State (National Association of Teachers of Singing) and placed 8th in the state as a Sophomore (1992) and 6th as a Senior Undergraduate (1997). She founded the Black and Hispanic Alliance Support Group for students. Its purpose was to support the dreams of the minority musician not discourage them. Before transferring to Montclair State, she was awarded the 1993 Campus Leadership Award. At Montclair State University, she majored in Vocal Performance and studied voice under former New York City Opera baritone Edward Pierson. She performed stage versions of Hansel & Gretel as the mother, George Bizet’s Carmen as Carmen and Menotti’s The Old Maid & A Thief as Miss Todd. As a classical vocalist, Vanessa's voice has no limitations performing Italian arias and operatic roles such as: Delilah from Samson and Delilah, and as Carmen in Bizet's Carmen. Vanessa was featured in the January 2007 Issue of SKOPE National Music Magazine: “From the Opera Stage to the Dance Floor” by Jason McNeil available at Barnes and Noble book stores. Although Vanessa Conde was trained in the finer arts, as a child growing up in Washington Heights in New York , she also grew up on a musical diet of Latinhiphop/Freestyle/Dance and underground House music. Due to her personal social experiences and obstacles in her educational and professional life; she felt represented by pioneering American Hispanics opening new doors in uncharted musical markets for second generation 80’s Latin artist; such as Joey Kid, George LaMond, Safire, Sandee, and Expose. In the process, making it her life dedication to also follow in those footsteps and continue to keep that legacy alive. Jump forward to 2008 and Vanessa can be heard in International Dance clubs and radio stations with her House club hit “Let The Music Play” with distribution through Shake Italy/Warner Brothers International . At the same time breaking new ground with another dance club release , also written by her, “Peace and Love” (Soundgroove records) with production by Midnight Society and Alma Matriz ( of Tribal Circuit anthem fame “Rapido” and “Music Electrica”). Already having cultivated a following from her previous Freestyle/Trance song “For You” on Detour records, she also has on her past belt several on stage cameo appearances and impromptu performances with fellow artist such as Amber, George Lamond and known for taking part in massive community events as the Jersey City Puerto Rican Festival, The Community Fair For Children and New Jersey City Gay Pride; just to name a few. By late March 2008 Ms. Conde would wrap up her Winter Music Conference week tour in Miami and appeared a line of showcases in Venues like Voodoo Lounge, Score, The world famous La Bodegita del Medio, Club BOOM and add them to her list of venues such as Heaven New York, Serena Night Club New York, the now defunct OZONE Miami, and even her performance on Telemundo “Despierta America” Channel 41 New York/Tri state area. In the Summer of 2008 she gears up to release a line of new self written material on Miami’s DESTUNE records; with original traditional and Neo-Freestyle versions and remixes provided by a line of DJ/Producers including DJ Jorge Ojeda, DJ Connie Cassarole, DJ Vidal , Maximus 3000 , Josh Riptide and many more. In addition, Vanessa also will be debuting material with projects with Safire, Joey Kid, Alma Matris and can also be found having label mates like CORONA (Shake/Warner) and SANDEE (DESTUNE). Praised by international producer Johnny Vicious as a “GRAND VOICE”, Vanessa is ready to bring her songwriting into another realm! As she continues to get club and radio play, including play on XM and Sirrius Satellite Radio, she will be making history in May 2008 as the first new generation NEO- Freestyle vocal artist to perform on the Downshift radio float during the New York Dance Music Parade. A step not taken before, especially for a predominant “house” music event, but a reflection of the changing times and musical switch due to the “ELECTRO” awareness and preference of the current day. She is aware of the positive influence she is now having on a new generation of independent freelance dance artist is what keeps her motivated, humble and well grounded. Vocal artist, BMI songwriter, Business Woman; It is her inner Love for Dance music she shares with her family and friends, the laughter she brings people and the joy of life which keeps her in balance as her dreams become real life blessings as she spread her wings from her cocoon.--JON PITO