One busy lady
By Maya Haidar
Just looking at Keisha Chanté’s day planner is evidence enough that this is one busy lady. After ringing in the New Year with a slammin’ performance at City TV’s Annual bash in Toronto, we had a chance to catch up and dish on music, life and, of course, shopping!
vervegirl: How does it feel to have the new album [2U] released?
Keshia: I am really excited, phew! I have really grown since my first album and I found a whole new passion for this. There was some time after the first album’s Canadian tour that I wasn’t doing anything and the feeling of something missing just took hold. I woke up every single morning with that feeling. Sometimes you are doing something and wonder: Is this what I want to be doing with my life? I knew the answer was to get back to making music soon. I wanted to live and breathe music, and a new respect grew from that. I became more business savvy, becoming more involved in every decision. My artistic instinct has kicked in and it’s amazing! This album is also going to the US and that feels like such an accomplishment.
vervegirl: What was one major decision you made for this album?
Keshia: I really wanted to work with, what I call, ‘hungry’ artists. People who are truly driven, not necessarily huge commercial names, but underdogs who have more to prove to themselves. It’s a compliment to have the opportunity to work with big names, but it’s also as exciting to create something that is yours with equally passionate people. I am really proud
of this record.
vervegirl: Speaking of big names, who would you like to work with one day?
Keshia: I would love to work with a rock artist or a classic rock producer. They would bring a different perspective to music making.
vervegirl: Are there any causes you are involved with?
Keshia: Warchild. I contributed a song to Keep the Beat 2004.
(check out vervegirl’s Love Music Tour on the contest page!)
vervegirl: I hear you are a total goal-setter. What’s next on your to-do list?
Keshia: True! I have a goal for every single year of my life. Promoting this album across North America is tops right now. I’m also excited to develop as an artist and to get to work on another project as soon as I can. I would love to get involved with fashion one day. Also would love to write and produce a movie.
vervegirl: Genre?
Keshia: Action, with a splash of romantic comedy.
vervegirl: Would you ever try other genres of music?
Keshia: I’d love to do a rock record one day, and an R-n-B record.
Each would come out on the same day… I would so do that!
vervegirl: Anything you’ve read recently that you would recommend?
Keshia: Tao Te Ching, which is a Chinese classic text. It’s my go-to read when I have moments that are filled with nervousness, anxiety or when
I get really angry about something. It’s written in such a profound way and has taught me a lot about myself and how to just let life be life.
vervegirl: When you hit the shops, is it hard to find things for your
tiny frame?
Keshia: It’s hard sometimes because I’m like an itsy bitsy spider… I’m really small-boned. My stylist is always getting me great things for video and photo shoots, but I have to get things taken in and altered. Not because I don’t eat, I love to eat. This is my lunch! (She holds up a baby pink duffel bag that appears to weigh a ton)
*Mom-ager Teresa Agnelo is her stylist. Echo Red, Karv, Nike, Valentino and Lady Dutch are all clothing sponsors of Keshia’s.
vervegirl: Ahh, I thought that massive bag was for your puppy?!
Keshia: Oh, no! My dog would never sit still in a dog carrier; he’s just way too excited to play with everyone around him.
vervegirl: Being spiritual, have you had any recent epiphanies?
Keshia: I finally realized how my mother is right. I was so shy for so long and my mom would always encourage me to put myself out there. I had a moment not too long ago and I thought: Wow, this woman is so right!
vervegirl: If the music industry had a potluck, what would you bring
to the table?
Keshia: Sweet potato pie. It’s good enough to skip the meal for, but it’s still a meal in itself. My mama makes one with marshmallows and cinnamon on it, and it’s sooo good!
Photos courtesy of Sony/BMG, Raphael Mazzuco
