We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Plea. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with PLEA below.

PLEA, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had started sooner?

I wish I had started my creative career with confidence sooner. My problem was that I kept thinking I had to be “better” before releasing myself as an independent artist into the world. When I saw people cry to my music, it created an imposter syndrome in me that took me years to work through. I thought good artists came from big cities or people with money, not from a young girl from little, border-town, Imperial Valley, California. I couldn’t believe my music touched hearts the way music has the power to magically do.

I was also stuck in a moral dilemma. I was raised in a super conservative, religious household that was very strict in all respects; even music. I was trying to break free from a mindset that kept me bound to believing I could not express my art fully and it be acceptable. I also used to work in ministry so it was sort of against the rules to release music that was not religious. It wasn’t until I went into the regular workforce for a couple years, then college, that I began to find my place in the world and the courage to release the art that was circling in my brain dying to come out. I have had so much fun, it has amazed me what I can create, and the divine inspiration that comes with the writing process through completion of composition.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m PLEA; new sound, a new beat, with lyricism that feeds. I am an artist, an academic, and a proud chicana raised by Mexican parents and my Spanish-speaking abuelitos who gave my family the opportunity of leaving behind poverty by coming to the U.S.. I was raised being taught the importance of faith, resilience, and integrity; especially as the eldest daughter of three. Music has been my solace, refuge, and purest source of dopamine since I can remember. I have always sang and took lessons to take my voice to a professional level by Fernando Vielma; an opera singer in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. He is so good and helped me expand my vocal range to the incredible volume it is today so crossing the border to be taught by him was absolutely worth it.

My dedication to my art and my profession has blessed me with immense opportunities in working and volunteering for several churches, politicians, working on legislation that passed into Texas state law, graduated college magna cum laude, completed graduate school, and have continued to make music throughout the years; doing my best to never lose touch with it through life’s up’s and down’s. Many times throughout life’s journey, I have felt close to losing my mind. Leaving behind different belief systems, going through a divorce, and living through a pandemic all brought out different emotions but music always brought me back to head-center, kept me grounded, and reminded me to keep my eyes above instead of the problems on sight. My name PLEA came from me finding myself constantly pleading with God about something. So, I’m PLEA; new sound, a new beat, with lyricism that feeds.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Inspiration and freedom. Music gave me both as a child and I want to pass that along. The lyrics of a song have the ability to take your mind places it has never gone before and opens doors of the soul that only the sound of music can open. I find it harder and harder to discover new music that feeds both my ears and my spirit; it feels like I have to pick between one or the other. Writing music that inspires and gives freedom to the minds that listen drives my creative journey; making me feel responsible for the creative process.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

The power of collaboration. A “do it yourself” mindset is what’s prevalently taught in our western society. Well, that will take you forever! When you collaborate with other artists, you get honest feedback, make friends, and meaningful memories that will last you a lifetime. There is also nothing like vibing with other artists and creating your own musical masterpiece. The process is exciting and even helps you finish songs more quickly because you each have different strengths that brought together help you complete your project more quickly while learning new things. Collaboration is key and you have to get over any fears of rejection. The worst thing they can say is “no”.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soyplea/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soyPLEA
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yiselcovarr/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/soyplea
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/soyPLEA
• Soundcloud: youtube.com/c/soyPLEA

Image Credits

First & second image PC: Martin Muñiz, @martyafterdarkness