Las Vegas resident Toscha Comeaux is a excellent example of a blues artist that elegantly leverages her vocal talent and the songwriting talent of her colleague Ann Parenti to the service of modern entertainment. Her new single ‘Manhuntin' Blues’ demonstrates blazing musical stylings that are sure to appeal to mainstream audiences. This stunning singer with a performance flair has the right look and the right attitude to become a proper blues-magnet and audiences around the world are beginning to acknowledge the fact that a new creative force has arisen. Where will she take it from here? One critic wrote of her award-winning work: ‘There's no denying the genius of this bawdy, bluesy shuffle - a gleaming trophy piece for Toscha Comeaux, and great therapy for the lovelorn everywhere.’ We suspect this artist will navigate the future on her own terms, given her obvious passion and musical skills. Independent reporter Alexis Adams recently caught up with Toscha Comeaux to discuss her music and the interesting path by which she came to it.
ALEXIS: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
TOSCHA COMEAUX: The craziest thing that happened to me in my music career was when Diana Ross gave me the mic to ad-lib and then had to "discretely" hug me in order to get the mic back. Hahaaaaaa! She took the mic from me y'all! What an honor! LOL
ALEXIS: Your song ’Manhuntin' Blues’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
TOSCHA COMEAUX: My first initial response when I heard "Manhuntin' Blues" was "O! … M! …G!!! I think when artists hears themselves on radio, it is a bit surreal because you can't believe that you've actually "made it," and people from other places/countries are taking part in your dream.
ALEXIS: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
TOSCHA COMEAUX: I cannot take credit for the inspiration behind "Manhuntin' Blues” because I did not compose it. However, I can definitely relate! This song was written by my dear friend, Ann Parenti, curator of Forgotten Song Music. She told me about a project she was doing and a song that she wanted me to sing for her CD. When I got to the studio and read the lyrics, I told her, "Man, I can relate to this song right now! This is me right now!" Ann told me that she had written that song 20 years earlier...proof of how music/lyrics are timeless and how people can relate to an individual's personal experience whether they know the source or not. It is simply music; besides, everybody can relate to the blues!
ALEXIS: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
TOSCHA COMEAUX: I believe that energy behind great art that is expressed through difficult times can also be expressed at the same level and intensity as when one is at a positive or joyous "peak" in their life.
Is there a ‘catalyst' or 'fuel' for my desire to create music? I believe that music is the only language that all mankind can relate to and holds no boundaries. It is the only art form, in my opinion, that can make you feel all forms of emotions, collectively or individually. I believe that God blessed me with the gift of song to touch people who are going through some kind of pivotal change in their life (positive or challenging) to give them a sense of hope/joy/peace. When someone comes up to me and tells me how they've been touched by my singing, then I know I am on the right track. Whatever your gift, we all must realize that "it ain't all about you." As cliché as it sounds, we are given gifts to share with one another. When we do that, we are just as blessed as the receiver.
ALEXIS: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
TOSCHA COMEAUX: I'm a lot of things. I'm very much down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, a “wanna be” comedian and probably whatever other adjective you can come up with. I’m real and authentic. When you see and hear me, you're getting me, Toscha. Sure, I've got layers just like the next person, but I ain't “dressin'em up.” You get what you see. I've tried to be something/someone I'm not and it ain't for me. I always resort back to Toscha Comeaux.
ALEXIS: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
TOSCHA COMEAUX: Working with Ann Parenti and her Forgotten Song Music project is always a treat! She is definitely a “go-getter” and someone who makes IT happen. If you want something done, anything, call Ann Parenti. She is also a beautiful person and her songwriting skills are extraordinary, as you've heard for yourself with “Manhuntin’ Blues.” Shoot, one minute Ann is writing a nitty-gritty, low-down stankin' (yeah,that's what I said) blues song about tryin' to find a man, and the next minute she's talkin' light heartedly about “Polka Dot Shoes”… aaand then she gets all lovey-dovey and sentimental with a beautiful ballad.
ALEXIS: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
TOSCHA COMEAUX: My mother sings, and is a contralto. When she was younger, she had an opportunity to travel but because she was so young, her mother did not allow her to go. However, in college, besides playing basketball, she sang in school plays and events. Although my father loved music and loved to sing, he was not a great singer. He would play all types of music (not classical, that was my mother) and I got a lot of my music tastes from him. He played anything from Sarah Vaughan, Barbara Streisand, and The Temptations to B.B. King, Bobby Blue Bland (two of his favorites), Nat King Cole to Frank Sinatra and Larnell Harris and so on, giving me the opportunity to hear all types of music and styles of singers. I have 3 siblings (2 brothers, and 1 sister). We all love our music but my sister is the only other one to perform. I was the one who wanted to pursue this full time. Boy! What was I thinking? LOL
ALEXIS: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
TOSCHA COMEAUX: What I find most rewarding about being an artist is being told that my gift has touched someone. It's nice when people let you know that you have made a difference, no matter how small, in their lives by just sharing your gift. The most challenging thing is a lot of people think that what I do is not a "real job" or that I shouldn't get paid for what I do. I don't mind donating my talent at times but I sho' can't feed myself and my kids or pay my bills with "exposure." To tell you the truth, at times I feel over-exposed -pretty much butt naked! I'm good at what I do and sincere with what I give. My job is no different than anyone else's in the sense that I have worked hard to achieve and be one of the best at what I do, so why expect anything less when nothing but the best is expected from me when I step on that stage/platform to perform?
ALEXIS: Who are your role models in music?
TOSCHA COMEAUX: I have a loooooong list of role models, pretty much anyone who truly sings with heart and from the soul. However, if you need names, I have to say Sarah Vaughan, Stevie Wonder, Lalah Hathaway, Celine Dion, Dianne Reeves, Bob Marley and the list goes on.
ALEXIS: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
TOSCHA COMEAUX: I was a performer at a well-known Theme park in Orlando, Florida (hint: The happiest place on earth), and when we started the show, we would come out and sing by the audience in our section. The theatre was designed to be a theatre in the round. One day, when I got to my section, there was a woman sitting with a girl in a wheel chair who was I believe severely autistic and either partially or completely blind. The woman immediately got my attention and passed me a bracelet and yelled "she wants you to have this!" I took the bracelet before the singers headed back through the curtains while the next act was performing. When we came back out, I had the bracelet on and as I headed to the center of the stage when it was time for me to sing, I raised my arm with the bracelet on and I could see the woman telling the girl that I was wearing it. The girl began clapping excitedly and smiling from ear to ear. I almost lost it - and so did one of the other singers. I couldn't believe that something as little as wearing a bracelet that was given to me could mean so much to someone else. Little things truly do mean a lot...After that, the two visited another time and I was given another bracelet. I still have both of those bracelets to this day and always smile when I look at them or wear them.
ALEXIS: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
TOSCHA COMEAUX: The advice that I would give to young, aspiring artists is to always be true to yourself. Strive to be a change agent in this business, in this life. Don't do what you do solely for the sake of "becoming famous" or getting rich. Don't let anyone, whether it is friends, family members, acquaintances, strangers, and yes, even your parents, deter you from YOUR dream or what you are passionate about. Just with any aspect of relationships, surround yourself around positive, encouraging folks who are actually working at their craft and not just talking about working at it. Realize that every experience you go through is a learning experience, so learn from them ALL -good or bad. When you become seasoned at what you do, pass all that knowledge onto to others just as it was passed down and shared with you.
ALEXIS: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
TOSCHA COMEAUX: What is next for me as an artist? Well, let's see. I am currently singing throughout the Las Vegas Valley doing solo work and collaborations. I have started a series of celebrating singers (male and female) though mainly women regardless of the genre they come from. I am not trying to sound like the artists, but rather celebrate and acknowledge their contribution to the music world. The venue where I perform most of my work is called Baobab Stage and is also a boutique. Both entities are run by the designer of the clothes in the boutique, my dear friend, Wassa Coulibaly. It is an eclectic space that exudes creativity and freedom of expression. Whenever you're in Las Vegas, stop by and experience her designs and her theatre! (www.baobabstage.com). I am also in a band called "DT and the Soul Juice Band." We perform funk covers and originals and we are pretty darn good! I will probably continue to audition for shows/companies and then work on getting another album (Oopsie! did I just date myself?) completed and out there for my fans.
ALEXIS: I can't wait to see what comes of it all. Thank you so much for sharing such wonderful stories and insights into yourself as an artist. I wish you continued success in your career.
http://www.forgottensongmusic.com
