Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Denise Battle. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Denise, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Starting a program off the ground that hasn’t been done before in the Hampton Roads for my business, Opera For Us, LLC. I didn’t know all of what this process entailed but I know it needed to be done. So I pitched the idea to a colleague and fellow creative who provided the space and resources for me to launch this program/business on World Opera Day.
Denise, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m an opera singer from Portsmouth, VA, which is in the Hampton Roads/Tidewater area of Virginia. To make things cooler, Missy Elliott and I are from the same hometown! I got into opera from being a part of the magnet program at my high school, Churchland High School, and went on to continue studying music and taking voice lessons at Norfolk State University. I’ve sang with the Virginia Opera Chorus, Bronx Opera Chorus, opened up for Stevie Wonder, and sang opera in train stations for NYC commuters. I’ve sang background for Lalah Hathaway, directed a gospel choir during my graduate studies at West Virginia University, sang in jazz restaurants, and even helped lead worship at church for most of my life. I’ve released one holiday song and recently an R&B track, available on all streaming platforms.
Although I’m a versatile singer and flexible in my talent, opera has always set me apart. I took things a step further with my organization, Opera For Us recently on October 25th , on World Opera Day. I feel as though the BI{POC community suffers a huge disconnect with the art form. Not just because some programs aren’t as accessible, but we need more of our stories told. A major portion of the libretto (text) in opera is coming from outdated stories and perspectives. Times have changed and so has our culture. My mission is to tell stories and experiences from the community and perform original opera songs and scenes with these experiences. This way the community is a part of the performance and art, versus just spectating.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I definitely wish Business Management and Marketing was taught to singers in the undergraduate degrees. Being a freelance artist or artist is a business in itself because You are Your Brand! No one taught me or my colleagues about learning how to pivot and marketing yourself as an entrepreneur while being an artist. In addition to performing, we have to learn to pivot in other areas and gifts we’re talented in.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn what it means to be successful. I always thought being a star, gracing the red carpet, and having guest appearances on shows while touring in my opera career was the pinnacle of success for me. It wasn’t until last year honestly where I redefined what that looks like for me. I had to be honest and evaluate where my life was currently (working full time, gigging on the side, moving into my own space), and reasess what was important to me from this point moving forward. Success for me is doing what I want, when I want, how I want, where I want, without overhead or someone telling me. That involves my finances, relationships, career and artistry. Just having the flexibility to be all of what I’m created to do and how God gives me those areas to thrive in my own way, is the start of my success. I can honestly say I’m well on my way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.denisebattlesings.com
- Instagram: denise_nicoleb and @operaforus
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW6f3EFdGZNxTpqe3Yok7Ew
- Other: Opera For Us Programming Series Campaign Link https://givebutter.com/6hIctD
Image Credits
Photo credit: Angelique Winnfield of @ _bacreative and angiebwinn.com Photo credit : Brenten Sims @brentenjomar