Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to B. Elise. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
B., looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?
As a female colored LGBT artist being misunderstood is an understatement. Nevertheless a unique journey that I can say is building me more and more everyday. I am the triple NO NO NO. A woman, black and GAY!! Welcome to the world. Though it has its challenge. When each one I overcome (of course there are bigger issues that are over my head and out of my hands) it usually leaves a beautiful insight behind. That ease filled “oh” moment. Also it enriches an evolving compassion for those going through the same or anything close be it within the LGBT community or the world itself.
Being misunderstood can be a superpower if managed correctly. This isn’t to say don’t put up a fight. We must FIGHT! However ease in one self is necessary.
I look at it like this. All persons with true piety throughout history were misunderstood. Even against undeniable truths.
Being Misunderstood is incorporated by God and managed by Us. We are a strong set of folks within the creative community. We are the creative community and the adversity only strengthens our artistic displays.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Well I’ve done some things in the creative aspect. Played several hats. I’m growing still, learning still. I’m living. I’m a music artist first and foremost. Music has been the only thing I ever wanted to do. My memory of life goes back from 3 yrs old. I remember wanted to do music at the age with a certainty and didn’t know why then either.
My music aspiration feels like it has no inception. Though it probably does. To me it was just always there.
I made my first release in 2018 with my debut single “Boomin”. This along with my following releases “LeBron” and “Potential” I was able to gain several opportunities. From being placed in XXL magazine, IndieSource Magazine, Genius and so much more. To performing on the hot97 set in SXSW and being aired on BET with my music video “LeBron”.
In between my musical success, I came across more opportunities that landed me in the film industry. I started with tv production receiving my certification in 2019. Started a series with a local platform in Queens produced and edited by myself. It was called “Queens Underground 718”.
This also lead to me being a production manager for a film festival out in Queens with the same organization. Where I helped with media, team management, film viewing and selection. I was also honored by Senator Leroy Comrie 2x for my participation.
I’ve also directed 2 LGBT films and starred in some film work myself. I’m featured in the LGBT Christmas Movie “Coming Home for Christmas” now on Amazon Prime , Hulu, Tubi etc. I’ll also be apart for the upcoming film “The Grey Area” due to be released this year.
I also was apart of New York Girls Tv series: “For The Love Of Boop” as a contestant competing for her love. Which I can say was a very unique and fun experience!
I am also a 2x Grant recipient. Both in the field of music. The latest was the 2022 NYC Women’s Art Fund Grant. Which was a huge milestone. This grant is administered by the mayors office and I was the only urban musician to be given the award for that year.
Out of 1,198 applications, I was one of 89 who received the grant and 1 of 18 who received it for music. This grant is helping me put together my first EP “Steady Wins the Race” which I am excited for its release this summer 2023.
I’ve been around the block but I have so much more to do and so much more to share. I haven’t cracked anything; just gave a taste. Still waiting to take on more as the time goes. Still THRIVING!
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Whewww…this one!
Creatives are human. Also we are creatives that’s doesn’t mean we just create. It’s a role. It’s a life. It’s a sensitivity to life to be able to describe it, draw it, sing it, dance it or however with depth. That is a lot of energy.
We are humans, so along with being apart of a slightly more sensory axis of life. We have LIVES. We have jobs, we relationships, we have other goals, and I hope one day WE can all comfortably say WE have peace but never the less a lot of us have that too. Or in the pursuit of it.
The management is crazy. However I think it gets easier the more a creative is authentic with themselves. I would like to believe your true self isn’t going to let you burn out. Your pride and ego may, but not your true self.
With that being said, there needs to be more grace given to creatives. Not just in the indie world but mainstream too. I don’t mean the ones that are scamming!! Lol I mean the someone who may be in a Rihanna situation. Let her have her baby, or her life for a sec. All the questions alll the why and stuff. The demands are turning into commands and we are too sensitive about our ish to be bombarded for living.
I say that with my nose UP!
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I think there need to be more information around mental health in the creative community. The mental health systems should be more invested in the creative community and are way over due.
With the climate of today, mental health options are more of a need than maybe ever before. At least in this country. That’s across the board. However since the beginning of Hollywood, creatives have been cracking. Creatives have been headlined as suicidal or victims of suicide or other maladjustments that leads to their demise.
Can we imagine what it’s like now? With the continuous influx of drug usage in not only music or film but EVERYTHING, I think there is a serious need to revise the structure In place.
More than ever creatives are dying from drugs and violence and I can’t help but to see it as a huge cry out. A HYSTERICAL cry out through the arts. The arts has always been a reflection of the times.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.itsbelise.com
- Instagram: @itsb.elise
- Facebook: @itsb.elise
- Linkedin: @B.Elise
- Twitter: @itsb.elise
- Youtube: @b.elise
Image Credits
2nd pic: Casel Captures 3rd Pic: Harry Starlight 4th -6th pic: QueensAbstracter