ENISA Exclusive Interview / Fashion Story "Freedom" is now available!

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ENISA is bringing the heart and soul of Brooklyn to pop music. She curates a version of the calm, cool, and collected look, so it’s no surprise that her commanding vocals in a cover of Hozier’s “Take Me To Church” were met with astonishment and awe. Now, Enisa is recording her own music, all the while planning to graduate early from college. Her cat-style eyeliner is on par with Amy Winehouse, and at this pace, we will all soon be familiar with her signature slicked-back bun as Enisa takes the music world by storm. TWELV sat down with the rising young artist to discuss her style, inspiration, and most recent song “Freedom.”

Tell us a little more about yourself. You grew up in Brooklyn, right? How much have those roots influenced your sound?

I think Brooklyn– because it’s so unique and there’s so many different people from different cultures– Brooklyn has a lot of soul. And that’s a lot of what influences my sound. My sound is soul-pop. Growing up around all these different cultural influences was the sound of soul for me. 

Your cover of “Take Me To Church” by Hozier went viral—with millions of views in a matter of days. Were you ready for that?

No! I mean, I recorded two covers. The first was “Titanium” and my second was “Take Me To Church,” and I put the covers out hoping that maybe a producer or manager would hear them, because I didn’t know anyone in the industry. I hoped that would be a way to display my talent and maybe someone would contact me through it, but I did not expect for it to go viral. I just put little clips on Instagram and they kept getting shared and shared.

On top of your music career, you’re also in college?

Yes, I just finished my third year of school. I’m graduating a semester early!

How do you balance those two worlds?

It’s quite the task, but I make it work. I pack all my classes into two days of the week so I can be in the studio for the other days. I took all my credits and everything I needed to graduate, so now I’m going to graduate early and be done! I’m getting my degree in business.

That’s such an accomplishment! So on the music side of your life, you released a video for your song “Burn This Bridge” which was mostly filmed on the Brooklyn Bridge. Was there any significance behind the location?

When we shot the video, we strategically wanted to shoot at a lot of places that represent New York City. So, the Brooklyn Bridge and Grand Central Station kind of go along with the storyline. And for my first music video, I wanted people to know where I came from, my roots. It was just awesome to have it all come together. It was a great experience.

Was music also a big part of your life growing up?

Yes, definitely. I grew up in a family where my two brothers play basketball. My older brother plays college basketball and my younger brother plays in high school. So, no one in my family is musical at all. I was the only one with the musical bug. Since elementary school, I’ve been involved in musicals and concerts. I had a little rock band that used to perform in Brooklyn when I was in middle school. I’ve always been pursuing it. To have a career in music has always been my main goal.

Who are some musicians that inspire you?

Frank Sinatra is a huge one. Amy Winehouse. ColdPlay. Recently, Imagine Dragons. Justin Timberlake is my all-time favorite. I love him. 

Why Justin Timberlake?

His aesthetic, sound, quality. He’s what I want to be as an entertainer overall. My very first concert was to see him. Since then I just knew. I want to be like that. That’s what I want my career to be. He’s a true star.

What about your style– Are there any fashion icons whom you admire?

Victoria Beckham. I would love to meet her one day. She’s my favorite. I really look up to her style. Also, being from New York City influences my style– that New York City boyish chic kind of feel. That’s the look I go for. 

Do you let your style speak for you and represent your music? Or is it more the other way around?

I’m not trying to make some crazy statement. I’m just trying to be me and let my music do the talking when it comes to style. But I do pay attention to my look and how I want people to see me as an artist. 

How would you say your styles compares to the mainstream pop culture scene?

It’s more conservative. Rather than being flashy and all that. But it’s very New York City.

Do you enjoy being on set when you’re shooting music videos and doing photoshoots like this? 

Yes, I love it! I just shot one music video almost two weeks ago, and I’m shooting another one this Sunday for a new single that I’m really, really excited for. I love it because I’m so involved in the process. I’m literally seeing my vision come to life. There isn’t a greater feeling.

And this next song, can you tell us a little more about it?

The next song I have is called “Freedom.” I wrote it at three in the morning at my house on the piano, so it’s really close to me. It’s personal. But I feel like it’s a song everyone is going to relate to because it’s talking about how we need to fight for our freedom. That could be politically, it could be internally, anything. I just think it’s a feeling anyone can understand.

“Freedom” released on August 25th on iTunes and Spotify.

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