So many people have influenced me for so many different reasons. Billie Holiday taught me that music is where you put your pain, your emotion. Ella Fitzgerald showed me the technical expertise and love of singing. Hiromi inspired my writing, the pure joy of music and to just be yourself when performing. And Prince inspired me to continually strive to be the best I can be, musically.
Band Name: Fiona Ross
Music bio: Vocalist/Pianist/Composer/Producer and Journalist
Fast becoming known as creating a new contemporary Jazz sound using fast paced Latin Jazz, a hint of vintage jazz club and, at times, a soul crossover feel. Fiona is an artist with “distinctive vocal prowess who has the ability to knock an audience sideways”. Fiona Ross is “the Jazz artist that gave Ed Sheeran his ‘first push’ ” (Daily Express) and has received rave reviews for both her recent album ‘Black, White and a Little Bit of Grey’ and recent performances in London. As Head of the British Academy of New Music, Fiona was responsible for the training of the likes of Ed Sheeran, Rita Ora and Jess Glynne, to name just a few, but now, it is her turn.
Song name: Touch Me, You Make Me Feel So
Music Genre:: Jazz
This song is about the strong physical chemistry between two people, that is almost dangerous. A woman who is passionately attracted to a man she can’t have and no matter how much she tries to stop, the physical attraction is too strong.
Who have been the most influential in your music and why : So many people have influenced me for so many different reasons. Billie Holiday taught me that music is where you put your pain, your emotion. Ella Fitzgerald showed me the technical expertise and love of singing. Hiromi inspired my writing, the pure joy of music and to just be yourself when performing. And Prince inspired me to continually strive to be the best I can be, musically.
I just go with the moment! I write on my own, just me, my piano, pencil and paper. Once songs are completed, I rehearse with my musicians to finalize the arrangements and put everything together – then it’s into the studio to record. I do tend to change things in the studio too though, and although I am always very clear on what I want to achieve and I am very open to changing things last minute – I think it’s a jazz thing!
Favorite quote: ‘Do one thing everyday that scares you’
What have you focused on this past month? Gigs, gigs and more gigs. My album tour starts on April 3rd in London so that has been and will continue to be the focus. I have also started working on my next album, and hope to release that before the end of the year. Having released two albums quit quickly, I am desperate to get out and play my material more, so this needed to be my focus.
What are 3 things you’ve learned this past year: Never give up
Life’s too short to just wait for things to happen
Value the people around you that truly care and support you.
What are you most looking forward to this next year? : Performing! Also excited about my next album. It’s very early stages, but I am excited to see what will come out of my head and end up in my music.
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