From YouTube sensation to being discovered by Justin Timberlake, Esmee Denters has already scored a top 10 hit with her debut single Outta Here. Now preparing to follow it up with a new song Admit It and an album, Esmee talks JT, Oprah and Dappy from N-Dubz...
Q: Justin Timberlake was the executive producer on your album, Outta Here. What was he like to work with?
A: He was very involved, actually. I told him that I wanted to write my own songs so he hooked me up with some amazing writers and producers and helped me develop my writing skills. Then me and Justin went into the studio together to work on some of the songs. We eventually wrote some songs together, including a song on the album called Casanova. It's a duet that we wrote one-on-one in the studio.
Q: Besides Justin, who else inspired you when making the album?
A: I grew up with a lot of soul when I was younger and my dad always used to play Steve Wonder, so he's definitely a big influence on me as a song writer. Nowadays, I'm a big fan of artists like Beyonce and Alicia Keys.
Q: How would you describe the sound of the album?
A: It's a pop-R'n'B record and I'm very lucky to have worked with incredible producers and writers on it. I got to write on almost every song. I grew up in Europe and was definitely influenced by American music so it's a mixture of different sounds. Some of it is a bit more dancey like my first single Outta Here whereas my new single Admit It is more funky and live-sounding, so it's a mix of those two together.
Q: You were discovered by posting cover versions on Youtube. Did you think it would lead to you getting a record contract?
A: Oh no, definitely not. I had no clue! I just thought it would be a great way for people to see the videos and give me feedback on my voice and what I could do better. That's how all it started and then they started telling their friends and it became this massive thing that I could never have dreamed of.
Q: You've been touring with N-Dubz. Have you enjoyed it?
A: Today is the last date with them and I'm sad, and I wish the tour could have been longer! They're really cool guys. I actually met Dappy while he was getting a tattoo! They're great guys and I really enjoyed being on tour with them
Q: Since you've been signed, what has been the highlight so far?
A: Being signed to Justin's label has been a highlight. I'm very proud to be the first artist on his label and I hope to make him very, very proud. Another thing that was just incredible was being invited onto the Oprah Winfrey Show. It was just crazy. Ever since I was little I wanted to be on that show. She was so nice and I was totally nervous!
Q: And what are you most looking forward to for 2010?
A: The record being out in the UK. I can't wait to see the reaction and for the second single to come out. You never know how people are going to respond but I love this record and I can't wait for the UK to hear it.
Interview by Colin Gentry
The single Admit It is released on December 28. The new album Outta Here is released on Jan 11.
