Exclusive interview con Ilyssa
Saenz, 2012
Cchwnn.
somewhere in dusty Hebbronville, Texas. Hi my name is
SantaCecilia la que te canta con this great and exciting interview con
IllyssaSaenz. Now for that interview.
Sc; hello Ilyssa can you do me a favor and help me off this bicycle?
IS; Sure!
SC: let me start, how in the world does a young woman from Hebronville,
a tiny community in south Texas, accomplish so much in such little time. Let me
deliberate, first off, can you tell us a little bit about that contest that you
won at the age of 12 and what it did to your musical career ina yearly order?
Is: I competed in the contest called “Buscando La Doble De
Selena” when I was 19 years old. It was a contest sponsored by Telefutura’s
Escandalo TV in Miami, Florida. Winning this contest is a huge honor for me and
I couldn’t be happier to have that title. But I do have to point out that no
one will ever replace Selena. She will always be number one and the Queen of
Tejano Music. I think that this contest was a great way to celebrate her and
the impact that her music had on young girls all over the world.
SC: how do you feel when they call you “ la Doble De Selena”and
how did that come about?
Is: It is amazing to have that title and it will always be one
of my most memorable accomplishments. But Selena is irreplaceable and will
always be recognized as the Queen of Tejano Music.
SC: working con la familia de Selena, I noted that you have a
recording contract con Q productions, how is that going?
IS: It is great! The entire Quintanilla Family has been so nice
to me and I am very thankful to them for giving me the opportunity to record a
cd with their label.
SC: how many Tejano awards have you been nominated to and what
is your feeling about being en la onda tejana?
IS: I love to sing Tejano Music. It has always been a passion of
mine. I feel something special with this music and I feel that since it is a
part of my heritage, it’s the perfect genre for me to sing. I have been
nominated twice for “Best New Female Artist of the Year.” Although, I have
never won, I consider myself to be very fortunate to be put into a category
with so many talented ladies who are the future of Tejano Music and I am so
thankful for that.
SC; how young were you when you first starting singing and did
you ever feel that you would have accomplished so much?
IS: I have been singing since I was 5 years old. I started off
singing Mariachi Music and then later on switched over to Tejano Music. Since
that age, I knew I wanted to sing for a living and as of now, I’m just so happy
that I am getting the chance to do that. Also, a big reason that I have been
able to fully commit to singing Tejano Music for a living is because of the
support of my family. I am very grateful that they have supported me throughout
all of the events that I have been to and all the decisions that I have made
regarding my career.
SC: on all the traveling you have done, has it taken time from
being Ilyssa Saenz from a small town?
IS: Not really, I try my best to stay as grounded as possible.
For example, I am still attending college because I think that it is important
to get an education. I know people say that all the time, but I really do
believe it.
SC; what is in the future for Ilyssa?
Is: I am beginning to start recording songs for my second cd. I
am excited to get back into the studio and hope to be able make an album that
many people will be able to relate to and that they will enjoy. Also, I plan to
do a lot more touring this coming year and I hope to be in as many cities as I
can. I am also looking forward to meeting as many people as I can. I would like to thank my fans who have
supported me and my music and I hope I get a chance to meet them as I travel.
SC: what part of the music business do you find very difficult?
Is: Being a new artist, it is sometimes difficult to be
accepted. But it’s just like any other thing in life, dues have to be paid and
in time recognition will come.
SC: how do the people in your home town think about your great
success?
Is: My hometown is wonderful. I always say that even though we
are small, we have a big heart, and it shows by their support of my career.
SC: can you tell us about your latest single “EstoyContigo” and
how is it doing?
Is: Estoy Contigo is probably my favorite song from the CD. It
was written by Mr. Quintanilla for Selena so I was extremely honored to have
the chance to do this song. In a way, I consider this song to be like my
tribute to her. She was and still is such an inspiration to me that I couldn’t
think of any better way to recognize her for that.
SC: base on your very young career do you see la onda taking a
down fall or do you see it getting better as you get more into la onda?
Is: I think that with all of the up and coming artists, la onda
will only continue to grow and influence people. Tejano Music isn’t going
anywhere and will be around for generations to come.
Sc; if given a chance to do all this again, what chances would
you do with your musical career?
Is: I most likely wouldn’t do anything different. I try to look
at all my experiences, both the good and the bad, as things to learn from. The
only thing I would tell myself is not to be so afraid to take risks. Sometimes
risks are needed to be able to see rewards.
Sc; if someone were to ask you to speak with a group of young
people wanting to get into la onda tejana,what encouraging words would you tell
them?
Is: I would tell them to make sure they gave it their all.
Performing all around the United States is the best way to introduce yourself
to Tejano Music. In my opinion, that is the best way to emerge yourself in
Tejano Music. Plus, you will meet so many new people a long the way, and that
is very exciting.
SC: and finally IIyssa what would you want to share with all the
fans you have from around the world?
Is: First, I would like to thank all of my fans. The only reason
I am able to sing and perform at so many events is because of them, and I
really do appreciate that. I also hope to be able to provide them with great
music and to be able to keep traveling to different areas to perform so I can
meet them.
SC: well girl it’s getting late and dark and I still have to ride
my bicycle back to Kingsville, can you give me a ride up Benavides and I will go
from there?
IS: lol I sure will!!! Huh,, its that way, no its that way.lol.
SC; pesse hejola, my god how young are our future Tejano artist for
the future doing, here is one perfect example que la onda is alive and well, I
am Santa Cecila la que te canta ,, good day.