Today I have the pleasure of interviewing my friend and up and coming Reggae, R’n’B and Dancehall artist, Petraa. With links to the UK, Canada and the Caribbean, she is set to be an international superstar making her mark in the industry within the coming year. Multi-faceted and vocally talented, Petraa’s musical style ranges from sweet and sensual to raw, real talk, story telling. A singer, song writer and outgoing performer, Petraa has grown as an artist with a passion for singing since a tender age. Petraa re-started her musical journey anew in 2015 in Jamaica, the land of the great and the glorious in the music scene. Here we share her story and get an insight into what she is all about and what you can expect from her in 2016 and beyond.
Petraa’s Interview with ‘Sweet Jamaica Jules’
Hi and welcome to ‘Sweet Jamaica’ Petraa, it’s great to get a chance to sit down and have a chat so that we can introduce you and your newly released single to our readers. So without further ado, let’s get started!
Please introduce yourself…
Hi Readers and Fans! My name is Petraa. I am an Up and coming Reggae, R’n’B and Dancehall artist currently living in Jamaica but originating from Leeds, in the U.K. I moved to Canada after growing up in England but due to my love and passion for music I recently moved to Jamaica to pursue my music career.
What brought you to Jamaica specifically?
Music! My love, passion and drive for it. I like to compare myself to a hungry Rottweiler waiting to be let off my leash lol. I love music, especially Reggae and Dancehall, and because I am an artist practising the craft, it only seemed fit that I do this in the land of where it originated, Jamaica.
What do you most like about living in Jamaica?
Waking up to sunshine, fresh air, green trees and happy people. I love to just be immersed in Jamaican culture, especially when it comes to the music. I love how serious people take the craft of music in Jamaica. To be an artist in Jamaica, is to be very well respected. You can’t be an artist here and not take it seriously. I’ve also found that when it comes to the music scene here, as long as you have the talent, passion and drive, you will meet like -minded individuals to share and grow your music with.
What have you been up to in Jamaica in 2015?
This year has been a great year for me, jumping into the Jamaican music scene. Prior to this year, I had taken some time out of the music industry to pursue other non musical ventures. Being back on the scene this year and in Jamaica, I have had the opportunity to meet and perform with a lot of great artists such as Lady Saw, D’ Angel, Producers, Radio hosts and DJs and had the chance to perform in a few shows.
While here I have also been going to the studio. I recently recorded my single ‘Love is Eternal’ with ‘Di Lab Records’, a studio based in Exchange, St. Ann. While there, I also recorded a number of dub plates and jingles. Due to its success, ‘Love is Eternal’ has been featured on a variety of mix-tapes throughout Jamaica. Currently, ‘Love is Eternal’ is playing on radio stations in Jamaica, including Irie FM. The song has also been getting air play in the UK and I recently did an interview with VRL Radio to promote the single.
How much creative control do you have over your music?
As an unsigned artist, I have full control over my music and sound, especially when it comes to style, lyrics, rhythms and direction. I think it’s important for an artist to be able to exercise this right because it’s that freedom that allows a person’s artistry to show and can be related to by their fans. When it comes to my music, I work with producers to custom make sounds that represent and showcases the many sides of Petraa. Also because I write my own songs, it allows me to be able to discuss topics and issues close to me and my fans.
What sort of image does your music portray?
My music portrays a sweet, sexy, rude gyal style. Because I grew up experiencing both sides of the track. I’ve experienced struggle and success and my style, sound, and swag is a representation of that. When it comes to my image, how I am is a true representation of who I am.
As an Artist, is there anything special you would like to accomplish?
Yea, there is a lot I would love to accomplish, just wanna make sure there is enough time lol… Honestly, I would love to accomplish and create a great body of musical works, with the type of sound that can be played and enjoyed by people in years to come. Also I want to use my artistry to do some philanthropic pursuits, starting with giving back and making donations to schools and educational institutions in Jamaica.
What can people expect to see at your live performances?
Well, fans can expect to see an energetic, lively stage show. I’m an artist that likes to go hard with my performances. I want my fans to not only hear me, but feel me. Whether I’m accompanied by a live band or backing track, you’re gonna see an artist that isn’t afraid to bring it and be immersed in the music. When I go on stage I try to put myself in the shoes of my audience and bring them the kind of performance I would go and pay money to see myself.
Tell us about your single?
‘Love is Eternal’ is a R’n’B and Reggae song influenced by the genre of Lovers rock. It talks about the innocence of meeting someone and enjoying that real connection.
What was your inspiration for the track?
Lol, Mmmm, it’s based on a past relationship. It was written at a time when I was very much in love. Even though the relationship didn’t last, at least I have a song capturing what it was.
Why did you choose to record this track in Jamaica?
I felt Jamaica was the best place to record because nowhere in the world knows reggae music and its sound like Jamaica. Because my music is heavily influenced by Reggae and Dancehall, it only seemed fitting that I recorded my music in the land of where it originated. Not to mention, the Sound quality is amazing in Jamaica. When it comes to making sound recordings, the engineers are great at creating that live sound using various music programmes.
Where did you record the track and who are you currently working with?
I recorded the track with Christopher Coombs at ‘Di Lab Records’ in Exchange, St. Ann, Jamaica. I am currently working with Raymond Dizzle from ‘Dizzle Entertainment’ to set the wheels in motion to promote ‘Love is Eternal’ and other up and coming ‘Petraa’ releases.
What do you have planned for 2016?
I would like to travel with my music, and hopefully get a chance to do performances and shows in other countries. My aim is to release my singles and do a few collaborations with more established artists in Jamaica, allowing me to showcase my versatility. By the end of the year, I would like to be able to look back and see my accomplishments for the year. I also would like to increase my fan support online and on road, to be able to build a relationship with them so they can go on this musical journey with me.
When and where can we buy the Song?
Well, the song is currently available for listening on YouTube. Type in ‘Petraa ‘Love is Eternal’ (new reggae 2016)’ and it will pop up. The single will be available for download on iTunes and other musical distribution sites in the next few weeks.
What artists do you enjoy listening to?
That’s like one of the hardest questions to ask me, I listen to such a variety of artists. Let me see… I enjoy listening to Marcia Griffiths, Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, Chronixx, Aidonia, Popcaan, Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Nikki Minaj, Drake, Rihanna, Future. I also love eras of music like the jazz, rhythm and blues era of the 1930s in America like Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, Motown, Reggae from the 50s to 70s and R’n’B from the 90s.
If you could perform with 10 artists dead or alive who would it be?
- Marcia Griffiths
- Bob Marley
- Jah Cure
- Mavado
- Aidonia
- Popcaan
- Chronixx
- Erykah Badu
- Nikki Minaj
- Drake
Name your Top 10 favourite tracks of all time?
- Marcia Griffiths – Dreamland
- Stevie Wonder – Ribbon in the sky
- Lauryn Hill – Zion
- Bob Marley – Forever loving Jah
- Erykah Badu – Tyrone
- Floetry – Say Yes
- Mary J Blige – Share my World
- Maxwell – This Woman’s Work
- Luther Vandross – If Only for One Night
- Minnie Riperton – Loving You
How can fans keep up to date with what you are doing next?
Well, my fans are welcome to stay in touch through social media to keep up to date with everything I am doing, be it shows, single releases or Petraa News in general. They can do this by following me on:
Official Website: www.petraamusic.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/petraamusic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/petraamusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/petraamusic
