Interview with Telsy Carolla-“Little Queen is a gift for all young people here” |20 August 2005

The teenage girl of English River Secondary School has just released an 11-track album entitled Little Queen which features songs like You are everything, In a family (featuring Sushine), Bouze Zenes, Papa, Sa Soley and Living Values (composed and sang by Sylvie).

Arts Page caught up with Telsy, the daughter of Telly’s Modelling Agency’s managing director Terry Carolla, to know more about her debut album.

Arts Page: Who inspired you to produce the new album?
 
Telsy Carolla: I would like to thank my father and other members of my family as well as my friends for inspiring me. They have been very supportive since the beginning of my young music career. My interest for music started at the age of six when I performed my first song Pike Leren. From then on the desire to continue doing music developed and I joined the Children’s Choir where I had the opportunity to fine-tune my voice. And this was also another driving force.

Arts Page: Can you talk more about the songs on your new album?

Telsy Carolla: My entire album is about family values. I want to promote the good concept of the family. Most of the songs have been written by my father except for Living Values done by my school friend Sylvie. I would also like to thank the featuring artistes – Sushine, Dr Madmun and Ras Ricky – as well as Mina Tamboo and Sylvie. The album is also a gift from me to the young people here.

Arts Page: What was it like to be in a studio and working with other experienced musicians?

Telsy Carolla: It is not the first time that I’ve worked with famous and experienced musicians in a studio. Actually at the age of six, I recorded my first song Pike Leren and I enjoyed every moment. But this time it was tough since I had to work on 11 songs. After spending a day at school I had to go straight to the studio to work on the songs. After leaving the studio, I had to go home and do my homework. But though it was not easy, I persevered and succeeded. You have to love what you’re doing to succeed and that’s what I do.   

Arts Page: How do you plan to promote your album?
 
Telsy Carolla: Wherever I go many people ask me to sing for them. And when I do they praise me for my beautiful voice and I persuade them to buy a copy of Little Queen so that they can take time to really enjoy my voice.
I’ve also had the opportunity to perform two of my songs during the Miss Regatta Beauty contest and this was kind of a promotion. I will be making special appearances in different shows at district and national level.

Arts Page: Do you have a favourite track from the album?

Telsy Carolla: I have a preference for Little Queen which is also the title of my album. I like the music arrangement and the lyrics. The song is about young people and I’m sure they too will appreciate the song. It talks about youths and enjoyment.

Arts Page: You are also a member of the Children’s Choir and the School of Dance. Does this have any influence on your music and dance talent?

Telsy Carolla: Being a member of the Children’s Choir has boosted my confidence to perform in front of a crowd and I have also received coaching on how to improve my voice and sound pitch. At the School of Dance I’ve learned different dance styles because when I perform I also like to dance. So the dance part spices up my singing.

Arts Page: What message or advice have you got for other youngsters?

Telsy Carolla: I would like to call on all young people who are gifted in any form of art or in any other kind of activity to come forward and show what they have. It is only by coming forward that they will be known.

Arts Page: Finally, what are your plans for the future?

Telsy Carolla: I wish to continue doing music and why not go international. Since I will be spending my holidays in the United Kingdom I will also perform for the Seychellois community staying there. And this will be a good start. 
“I’m looking forward to record another CD and this will depend on how good the sale of the Little Queen album is. If the sale turns out to be good then this will encourage and motivate me to do a second album.

Interview conducted by S. A.