T. Ana Cole

From war-torn beginnings to first-world riches; Freddy Will talks hip-hop

BY: Melissa Bessey

Although she's only been in the industry for three years, emerging artist T. Ana Cole has developed a resume that would make any music veteran proud. With a win at the 2006 Honey Jam contest and songs in hot rotation across the airwaves, Cole has made an impact with both fans and insiders looking for Canada's next big thing. Sway hooked up with the diva-in-training while recording in Toronto.

When did you get the feeling that music was going to be a big part of your life?
In high school, a friend of mine who went to church invited me to visit. I was really interested in going because I hadn't been in a while. She asked if I could sing because her choir was entered in a competition. I joined the choir and we won the competition and ended up going to Indiana to perform. I realized that music could take me places and that's when I began to get serious.

What's it like being an indie R&B singer in Canada?
No lie, it's sometimes tough. I have a show on Youtube called "A Day In The Life Of An Indie Artist" and it shows how things are in my day to day life. There are times it is a struggle. In 2006, I was going to school, recording and working full-time hours on the weekend. I worked myself sick and ended up losing my voice and was in the hospital just a few weeks before Honey Jam. As soon as I got out, I went to the gym to get my weight up and prayed for my voice to come back — that period wasn't easy.

Which artists have influenced your sound and character as an artist?
I like that '90s soul vibe. My favourite group of all-time is SWV. Their voices are so strong and clear. I also like Boyz II Men because they are so classic, they never did anything cheesy. In terms of character influences, I know people like Jully Black and Deborah Cox have put in mad work to open doors, and I'm willing to put in that type of work to open doors for someone else.

Artists like Rihanna and Beyoncé are known for their sexually provocative stage shows. Do you ever feel any pressure to inject more sex appeal into your music?

I won't do anything that compromises my beliefs. My style is always changing but at the end of the day, I know who I am. I never want anything to take away from the vocals. I like the fact that people are fans of my music and not sexy pictures. You don't have to be trashy to look good.

- Check out T. Ana Cole's touring schedule, upcoming appearances and the video for her most recent release "Wait and See" at myspace.com/tanacole