Follow Eleeza Silva

Produced by Ondrcs

On Eleeza Silva’s latest record, “PALETERA,” listeners are instantly taken back to one of hip-hop’s most revolutionary eras. 

While throwback production serves as the foundation of this early-2000’s-inspired joint, Eleeza’s melodic talking and high pitched and ad-libs further amplify the feel and swagger of “PALETERA” (similar to the effect a fresh pair of shoes —let’s say, Air Force Ones —have on completing a fit), creating an invigorating style she can call her own. The nonchalant attitude she initially lays down soon builds to a bold and boisterous tone. Eleeza’s talent is to be taken seriously, and she lets listeners know through our favorite verse of the track:

“OH FUCK NO, hunny these boys DON’T wanna fuck with a real bad bitch NAH, kick you in the face with my NEW ONES - sweet like candy but I ain’t DUMB.”

We briefly caught up with the Chicana artist just after she released “PALETERA”. Read our Q&A with Eleeza Silva below.

**Q&A by Melissa Ortiz**

Do you think the music industry is more inclusive/welcoming with women artists in today's landscape?

For the most part, I do think there are a lot more women coming into the music industry, especially here in Chicago. The sad part is that I think there is far less support for women than for guys in our music scene. While It's a shame that women are underestimated, this just causes us to go above and beyond… The reason we are finally seeing more opportunities for women artists is not that the industry is more welcoming, but because we are creating spaces for ourselves.

In what moment do you find yourself most inspired to create music? Or does creativity hit you randomly?

I find myself most inspired when I’m going through the different motions of life. Music is my healthy way of expressing what I’m feeling. I’m always talking a lot and especially before I get together with my team in the studio. I guess it’s just when the energy is right and we’re vibing that I have this total engagement with my life and music. I draw inspiration from almost everything around me, but I'm low-key also in my own world most of the time.

We really enjoyed “PALETERA”! How would you describe this style of music now that almost every genre of music is mixed with another genre?

Paletera is a track that displays my bossy, high energy, bad bitch alter ego: EZA. I drew inspiration for “Paletera” from early 2000s bounce, Missy Elliot/Timbaland, and Shygirl. When people hear this track I hope they feel on top of the world, unstoppable, and motivated to kick anybody in the face with their Air Force 1s.