While on myspace I had the distinct pleasure in meeting a young lady by the name of Neici. She is also known as “The Southern Songbird”. The American Heritage Dictionary defines a songbird as follows:

song·bird (sông bûrd , s ng -)

NOUN:

A bird, especially one of the suborder Oscines of passerine birds, having a melodious song or call.

They should amend the definition to include Neici’s name. Her voice transcends melody and her music carries a powerful message. Her song Don’t Say Anything is what she calls “The Ladies Anthem”.

Begin Hook

Let me let you know, you can pack your bags and go. Cause I’m not

gonna stand for the disrespect that I’ve been shown. Having me don’t mean it’s

a guarantee its gone last an eternity. Baby you gotta show me.

End Hook.

And a true ladies anthem it is. Neici’s incredible voice will send chills down your spine. I had the honor of doing an interview with Neici in an attempt to explore a little more about this artist. Here is what she had to say:

1. At what age did you start singing? You wouldn’t believe it, but around age 3! I wouldn’t have believed it myself if my mother hadn’t let me hear a cassette tape of me at that age, while she played the piano for me. I was singing the church song “Running for Jesus a long time”, I laugh every time I think of it.

2. Where does the inspiration for you music come from? The inspiration for my music comes from life. Something that every person can relate to is life and the lessons it teaches.

3. Who were your biggest musical influences? If I have to choose…Patti Labelle, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Kirk Franklin and BB King. I definitely say Kirk Franklin because I was in one of his choirs as a pre-teen.

4. What do you love most about performing in front of a crowd? What I love the most is being able to be my true self while connecting with the audience. Off stage I’m naturally shy so when I step on the stage it’s a total 180. The shyness goes out the window and I become Neici “The Southern Songbird”.

5. Where have you performed in the past? Well, I have performed at a plethora of events. Tennessee, Dallas, New Orleans, Las Vegas, California, Atlanta, Waco, Mansfield, Marshall, etc.

6. What are your favorite and least favorite venues? I love performing everywhere because it’s about the fans that make the artist. The only thing that makes it difficult is when a venue is not prepared technically.

7. Tell me about your upcoming show in June, how did that come together? I’m performing at the TX International Hair & Trade Show at the Dallas Convention Center June 14-15, 2009. This will be my second year performing at the hair show. One of my sponsors is Girl Talk Hair, which is a partner with the TX International Hair & Trade Show. This is the 8th year for the trade show. It incorporates vendors, sponsors, stylists, competitions, as well as entertainment. People come from all over the world which makes it interesting to see different styles and techniques of fashion, networking, and promotion. For more information about the show, visit www.texashairshows.com.

8. Do you write your songs, or do you have a co-author? I write my own songs as well as co-author any song that I am on. Adapting my voice to each melody is a task simply because my sound is so unique and powerful. At times you don’t want to overpower the beat and technical influence, so all this must be a consideration when writing/composing a song for myself.

9. What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time? This almost takes me back to question #2. My song topics are about life experiences. The good, the bad, what I like and don’t like, a quality man vs. a façade; but not only that, it’s also about being able to relax and enjoy life as well. I’m pretty sure these topics won’t change over time because life has so many different things to offer. You can never run out of material!

10. How has your music evolved since you first began playing music? I would say that my music has evolved in a way of showing my maturity. Earlier music I was young and very impressionable, so what I heard others do was what I tried to do and sing about. Now, I’ve come into my own. My mind frame is different and it shows in my style.

11. What has been your biggest challenge? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? My biggest challenge I must say has been financial. It takes a lot of money to begin to start your own entity. However, I’ve been able to overcome this through networking, perseverance, sacrifice, hard work, and prayer. “Wish won’t, work will!”

12. What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands? The best advice that I can give is to RESEARCH! Research each and every entity if the music industry because it’s not a joke when industry professionals say “the game is to be sold, not told!”

13. Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support? I must thank Renaissance Entertainment Group, Girl Talk Hair, RCE/Konvict Muzik, my family, and last but not least my fans!

Neici is one of the most genuine artist I have ever met. Her career is on the rise. I invite you to join along in the journey. It’s going to be an exciting ride!

Neici’s music is available online worldwide. To download it to your MP3, computer, or listening device, add the New Ladies Anthem "Don't Say Anything" on Rhapsody, eMusic, Sony Connect, MusicNet, Napster, Shock-hound, La La, Groupie Tunes, iTunes USA-Canada-Australia-UK-Japan and on My Myspace page! Feed your musical soul with Southern Bred Vol 1-EP and Neici “The Southern Songbird.”

MYSPACE

http://www.myspace.com/southernbredvol1

STORE LINKS

http://www.apple.com/search/store/?q=Southern+Bred+Vol+I

You can also find Neice and Renaissance Entertainment Group on Youtube.