Aleshea is a perfect example of “big things come in small packages”. Big voice. Big ideas. Her presence is much bigger than she lets on. Her sound is a jack-hammer approach, equal parts beatnik-fused spoken word and hip-hop. Imagine Erykah Badu during the “Tyrone” era or Lauren Hill before her Mis-Education. Her voice is pleasant, her tone invigorating, her words occasionally damning, but always weighted in truth. If you’re looking for a sweet tone with a deep message, Aleshea Harris is music to your ears.

Aleshea granted me an interview recently. Without further adeiu, here we go:
.hmmessage P { margin:0px; padding:0px } body.hmmessage { font-size: 10pt; font-family:Verdana } You have a very unique vocal delivery. What influences do you have musically?

I like a wide variety of music…so this is a tough one. I would consider Lauryn Hill, Ella Fitzgerald, Jimi Hendrix, Freddie Mercury, Chavela Vargas, Smokey Robinson, Nina Simone and Fiona Apple among the artists whose sound influenced me greatly. I also sang a lot of spirituals in school choirs and I have to say that was a huge influence.

How did you get to this point in your life, and in your career as a performer?

I’ve managed to make a few cool friends who appreciate my work. Lately I’ve gotten wiser about not doing as much for free because unfortunately a lot of people will take advantage of you if they can. I’m still paying my dues, as they say, but my goal is to make my living as a performer.

Do you think your message is political? If so, what’s political about it?

It is often very political. A lot of the work I do is a response to the world as I see it. I don’t shy away from anything that vexes me: racism, sexism, war, poverty, bigotry wrapped in the guise of religion…I’m aware that what I have to say sometimes offends people but I don’t let that stop me from fussing.

What’s your favorite place in Tampa to perform?

I can’t honestly say that I have a favorite. There are different things to like about different venues.

What upcoming gigs are you looking forward to?

On Friday Feb. 13th I’ll be performing at ArtPool (an art gallery in St. Pete) for “The Muse” show. They’ll be showcasing work inspired by love, sex, the nude and St. Valentine. I’m doing a song I wrote for the event and a poem. Then there’s the reading of “God’s Trombones” which will take place at the Studio@620 (in St. Pete) on Feb. 16th. It’s reading of James Weldon’s Johnson’s group of sermons by myself and other actors/poets. Buster Cooper will be playing the trombone…free and open to the public.

What has been your best on-stage experience?

Wow. I’ve had a lot. But my favorite in the realm of poetry and music was a few months ago at a feature I did in St. Petersburg. I actually had musicians and everything kind of fell into place. I usually perform a capella (since it’s easiest) but that was the one time I felt like my vision for my work was fully and completely realized. Right now I’m working on forming a band so it can happen more often.

I know you have a new album out. What’s your favorite piece and why?

That’s kind of like asking a person to choose between their children…but I’ll try…probably “Backroads”. It’s a song about war and our inhumanity to one another. It managed to harness my feelings on the subject really well.

Any collaborations you’d like to do?

I very recently discussed doing a collabo with Reggie, another local poet whose talent I respect greatly.

Where do you see yourself in a year? 5 years?

In a year I will have figured out how to make being an artist my main source of income. In five years I’ll be a real pro at it.

What brings you to, or keeps you in, the Tampa Bay Area?

I came here for a job after college. I like the weather here but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I would leave with ease if an opportunity elsewhere presented itself. I don’t feel I’ve put down any roots yet.

If you could cover any song, what would it be?

“Ne Me Quitte Pas” which was performed by Jacques Brel and Nina Simone. Absolutely gorgeous.

Why do they call you the “Daughter of Noise”?

I swear I never told anyone to call me that! It’s the title of a song I wrote. I can’t say I mind the nickname, though.

If you were to describe your performing style in a word, what would it be?

Honest.

If you were to describe your fashion sense in a word, what would it be?

Lacking.

Anything you’d love to tell all of your fans that might read this?

I can’t believe you exist! Spread the word!

16. Aside from your myspace, do you have a webpage or other ways fans and promoters and potential record labels can reach you?

Yeah, they could check out www.bagofbeans.net and witness the ninja attack I’m planning on the arts in the Tampa Bay…bearing in mind that it is under construction.

To see her website and listen to some of her work, please check out her Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/alesheasangs