Estelle, a musician and singer, talks about strip clubs, looking for love in LA, gives Questlove a crash course on the UK music scene, and discusses the resilience of black culture and artists. They also share funny stories about accents and strip club experiences, and talk about their experiences at different clubs and restaurants in different cities.
Estelle secured distribution deals and recognition as an underground artist with the help of John Legend.
As a black female artist, Estelle faced doubts but relied on her own talent and perseverance to prove herself.
Estelle reflects on the unexpected success and impact of her hit single 'American Boy' featuring Kanye West.
Deep dives
The journey from underground artist to breakout star
Estelle recounts her experiences as an underground artist, taking the initiative to secure distribution deals and gain recognition in the industry. She highlights the support she received from John Legend, who believed in her talent and helped her get signed to a label.
Overcoming challenges and misconceptions in the music industry
Estelle discusses the obstacles she faced as a black female artist in the music industry. She recalls the doubts and skepticism she encountered and how she relied on her own drive, talent, and perseverance to prove herself. She also expresses gratitude for the support she received from John Legend and others who believed in her artistry.
The success and impact of 'American Boy'
Estelle reflects on the unexpected success of her hit single 'American Boy' featuring Kanye West. She recounts the positive reception the song received and how it continues to resonate with audiences. Despite the pressure to replicate that success, she remains grateful for the opportunity and proud of the impact the song has made.
Navigating fame and personal growth
Estelle discusses the challenges and personal growth she experienced as her career took off. She mentions the importance of staying grounded and true to herself amidst the demands of fame. She also touches on the effect fame had on her relationships and the need for self-care and reflection throughout the journey.
Summary Title 1
The podcast episode covers a wide range of topics, including the speaker's experiences growing up and dealing with fame. They discuss the challenges of navigating the music industry and the importance of having a supportive family. The speaker also shares their thoughts on immigration and the current political climate, expressing concerns about travel restrictions and the impact on their career. Additionally, they talk about love and dating in LA, revealing some humorous anecdotes from their own experiences.
Summary Title 2
The speaker mentions their plans for the future, specifically focusing on their record label and their intention to mentor and support other artists. They highlight the importance of artists learning the business side of the industry and becoming sustainable on their own. The speaker also shares their excitement about upcoming projects, such as TV films and documentaries, as well as their involvement with Essence festival. They emphasize the celebration of black culture and the diverse genres of music within the diaspora. Finally, they mention the release of new music and express their gratitude for the support they have received from their fans.