An Interview With PORCELAN On Her Latest Music, Biggest Inspirations and More!

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Porcelan was instantly recognized for her musical gifts by some of the world’s most successful artists, producers and critics, having been approached for work with some of the greats including Timberland, as well as the producers of 106 & Park for BET. With her performance tour in China several years ago, she left an international audience wishing she would stay. Legendary STAX songwriter, producer, and executive David Porter recognized all of this early on, and the world will soon come to know… Porcelan is truly the next big female voice in American music. Soulful with emotion that’s piercing as an artist, Porcelan embraces what she calls “that magic” of early STAX recordings, and the raw Soul that gripped both the musicians and the singers during those ‘straight-take’ recordings in the world famous STAX Studios.

She’s serious about her songwriting, and gifted with a versatile vocal range that’s been inspired by all of the greats of soul music. Porcelan is the essence of contemporary music, creating her own signature of soulfulness, deeply rooted in the traditions (and the vibe) of Memphis. Porcelan’s music on this project, always comes from that space.

Lear more about Porclan in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! So where does this interview find you?

This interview finds me in a space packed with a crazy schedule but I’m always fortunate to spend time with good folks at All Access. It’s been a magical few weeks giving the world my second single, “Lois Lane.”

What’s on tap for the rest of your day? 

After this interview, it’s back to the grind. Heading back into the Studio to record, I have choreography and rehearsals for my upcoming live shows.

Overall, how do you think 2017 was for you and your career?

2017 was an amazing year for me, I was blessed with the opportunity to release my single “The Real Thing Don’t Change” along with an incredible music video!

I charted as well and did a radio tour promoting my new music, so it was an epic year.

What is one big goal you have for 2018?

My goal for 2018 is having my new single in the top 10 on the charts. I can’t wait to tour, that’s one of my goals for this year, but to have my song in the top 10 is my biggest goal.

Growing up, did you ever think that this would be the kind of life that you would have? 

I didn’t actually, I knew that I wanted to work hard, and continue to grow within my craft, but I would have never imagined, I would have moved in this direction in such a short period of time.  Can you recall your earliest musical memory? Yes! My earliest musical memory would have to be recording my first song inside of a church basement at 16. I went to this church studio with my aunt to record something I had written for the first time. I had the beat from my uncle who was a producer at that time, and I used it to create my own song, it was my first piece of original work, and at that moment, I knew this is what I wanted to spend my life doing.

How do you think your hometown has influenced the kind of artist that you are today and the kind of music that you make?

In my home town, Stax was and still is the inspiration for so many young artists, including myself, it’s what my parents grew up listening to as well their parents. So many influential artists came out of Memphis. It made me feel proud that I have come from a city so deeply rooted in musical history, and it’s inspired me to believe that I could be the next influential artist.

What is the music scene like there today in the Memphis area?

It’s very diverse. It’s growing tremendously, artists are working together rebuilding our cities legacy more and more every day.

What does it mean to you, to be one of the first recording artists to sign at Memphis’s new record label founded by Stax music legend David Porter?

I’m more than honored to be the first artist. It has been a lot of work and a lot of late hours, but worth every minute. I have learned so much about myself artistically it has been an amazing journey and I feel as though I’m a part of his legacy.

You have an incredibly warm tone to your voice. What voices do you look up to?

I love Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Whitney Houston. I grew up listening to them all, along with so many others.

How do you maintain your voice over the years?

Proper diet, vocal warm ups and lots of rest.

Let’s talk about your single “The Real Thing Don’t Change.” What was the inspiration for this track?

People want something that is real and conditional.  A love that last throughout their lives that they don’t have to question, no matter their age. Every person can relate to having a love that never leaves their side.  That was the inspiration behind the song.

What is one real thing in your life that never seems to change?

The love of my family never changes. I don’t have to be a star with them, and they have unconditional love for me regardless of what I am or what I’m not. The love of your family is the realest thing I could ever ask for.

How do you think this song prepares listeners for more music from you?

I think that it introduces me vocally in a soulful and fresh new way as well as an artist with a realness(authentic) and a relatable feel which is something they can look forward to hearing in all of my music. So, my single was definitely a great introduction into my artistry.

Speaking of more music, when do you hope to release more of a full collection of your new material?

Later this year I will be releasing new music, I can’t wait for everyone to hear!

What was it like performing at SXSW this year?

It was a different experience for me, the crowd was very diverse, so many different talents from all over the world and I truly enjoyed myself. It was great to bring a different flavor and vibe. It was a wonderful experience. Was it your first time playing there? Yes, it was. I didn’t know what to expect but it was so much fun and I’m glad I had the opportunity to perform there.

What has been your favorite performance so far?

My favorite performance was the night I performed with Stevie Wonder, getting the opportunity to perform a duet with him was probably one of the most epic moments of my life. I would never have imagined that I will be sharing the stage with him. Something that I will truly never forget.

What do you think makes an ideal show for you?

I think the production is very important. My ideal show would have great production lights, and a great band, the works!

Do you have any upcoming live shows you would like to tell our readers about?

Yes! I will be performing for the Essence Festival! I’m very excited and cannot wait to grace the stage. Seeing so many black women showing love to one another and doing positive things is going to be truly amazing. I’m happy to be a part of that experience.

We are living through a very trying and politically charged time right now. I’m curious how do you think being a musician gives you the most joy in life today?

Being an artist brings me joy because it’s a powerful universal language. I’m happy to have an outlet to express myself to people who are going through the same things and being the voice for so many people out there. Music is therapy for me, and I’m happy to have the opportunity to share it. I enjoy being able to bring people into a positive place.

How do you think that music is going to reflect these challenging times?

I think that it will encourage and inspire people to stand up for things they believe in, as well as motivate and unify people.

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music?

I listened to a lot of old school music, but I love Beyoncé’s work, she creates amazing stories on her projects and I truly enjoy the art of her work. What musicians would you absolutely still love to work with in the future? I would love to work with Kendrick Lamer or Drake on a project they are extremely talented and lyrical, I love the fact that they actually have messages in their music.

At the end of the day, what do you hope your fans take away from your music? 

I hope they take away that I am a real person and I experience the same things they do. Whether it’s through my personal life or other relationship, I want them to know, they are not the only ones who deal with tough situations. I go through many things as well. I want them to know my life isn’t always perfect.

Would you like to share anything else with our readers about yourself or your music?

They can check out all the latest info and tour dates on my website www.PorcelanMusic.com and follow me on all my social platforms my handle is PorcelanMusic