R&B singer, Davina was introduced to the world more than ten years ago when her mesmerizing single, ‘So Good’ was included as part of the soundtrack of the film, Hoodlum.  A year later, Loud Records released her debut album, Best of Both Worlds which ultimately made its way up Billboard’s chart.  There was buzz and a few videos in rotation that led the underground soul music world to truly embrace Davina’s sound.  Folks were eager to support her.  However, with little promotional backing from her label, Davina quickly faded into the abyss of one hit album makers.  Throughout the years, her name would continue to appear around the web on variety of music message boards with inquiries into random sightings or updated news.  In 2007, she quietly released ‘Return to Soul v. 1,’ a collection of songs with the same mellow but jazzy groove as ‘Best of Both Worlds.’

Davina is back and anticipates releasing a new album at some point this year.  I was absolutely delighted to speak with Davina before a recent performance in Harlem about where she’s been, what’s kept her busy over the years and when we can expect new music from her.

Detrel Howell: I have to tell you that I’m a fan first and foremost; ‘Give Me Love’ was and still is in constant rotation.

Davina: Alright! (sings ‘Give Me Love’) You know I wrote that song just to show my nephew a quick lesson on how to write a beat; first, you do this, then you start with that and then after I finished everything I was about to throw it away.  He said, ‘Auntie, what are you doing with that song?’ I said, “I don’t know; I’m about to throw it away!” He said, ‘Well, can you put it on your album?’ So I put it on my album.

DH: Welcome back to NY.

Davina: feigns applause

DH: So, tell us where you’ve been?

Davina: I was in Berlin for quite some time working with artists over there, working with production and some cartoons. A Disney director who is going to design my next album [cover], instead of an autobiography, I’ll have it in a cartoon. My life is the cartoon, the music is the soundtrack.

DH: Wonderful!

Davina: I’m getting that in motion now, I have six songs finished. And he’s worked with really good people already, like “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” and the “Panda” movie. Finally, I think I have the right team.

DH: Are you going to stay independent this time around?

Davina: Well I’ve been reaching out to some really good majors, people I know. If I do go with them, they’ll take care of me right instead of just like turning their heads towards money like the others did. Some of them are into it because they really love music. Those who we find, I’ll work with them; otherwise I’m building a team and going full speed. I have the voice and I’m supposed to do it. Which is my new song by the way, it’s called, ‘Do it!’

DH: When should we look for the new album?

Davina: Well, I was trying to push for March but it might be a couple of months later.

DH: But, definitely this year?

Davina: Oh yes, definitely this year! For sure, for sure.

DH: Do you have a title? Or is that a work in progress?

Davina: It is a work in progress. I don’t want to tell you one title now and then change. But what I’m doing now is making the whole label thing. I’m working with all independent artists and they keep their independence. They just happen to be coming with me because we’re a good crew, like let’s help each other.

DH: So what can we expect from this album? A little bit of the old sound or have you changed it up with a new vibe, new style?

Davina: Well, I’m sticking with the ‘Return to Soul’ which I put out digitally and is basically what I’m trying to say. If I were to return to soul, I’m going through each thing I love.  Music, faith; I was into them. I actually pushed records and had my own record label and toured the country before I got with Loud [Records].  The thing is electro, techno and dance music so I’m going to get back a little into that like when I was in Europe. That’s the biggest thing over there with Lady GaGa and everybody, so why shouldn’t I do this. It’s what I started with back in 1994, (laughs) I’ve been in this for quite some time.  It will be like a bit of all that I want to express on my next album.  My dream is to put out a jazz album, but I’m meticulous so I’m waiting on the right jazz producer so when I find him, he can give me like six standards and then six originals.

DH: That’s good because you had some jazzy stuff on Best of Both Worlds.

Davina: Well I’m just letting people know. You know that Loud [Records] took some of the jazzy stuff off. They were pushing more of the hip hop. But I’m like no I’m going to slide in a little more jazz because later on, this is what I want to do.

DH: So, are you home for good now or are you just going wherever the music takes you?

Davina: I was told that I’m sort of a nomad because I travel from place to place. But I do love traveling. I think I actually want to go to every place on the planet and put my name and my record there to sort of say, “We were here, yo!” (laughs) That would be nice.

DH: Did you work with anyone on this album or is it primarily you?

Davina: It’s primarily me, but like I said I’m interchanging the people that I work with.  There are some artists from Berlin, very eclectic music kind of like Bjork and Erykah Badu.  Then there are some here that I’m working with, trying to keep it worldwide. I’m working with an artist that sort of reminds you of Sean Kingston and he raps also. We’re doing the promotion ourselves.

DH: Who do you listen to these days?

Davina: I’ve been consumed by so many working projects that I purposely haven’t been listening to music. I don’t even listen to the radio. It helps me to continue to sound like myself. But I do like Mario and Jaheim.  Mary J [Blige] has reached her pinnacle. To look at where she’s come from with Real Love to where she is now with her image and everything.  There’s been a total progression with why she fits into this business so hard.

DH: Do you play any instruments?

Davina: I play the keyboard, the bass and do some drum programming.

DH: Is there anything you would like for your fans to know, the ones that have been wondering, waiting and watching?

Davina: Well, you always look for me and I appreciate that. The biggest thing I ever wanted was for someone to listen to me.  They can reach me at idavinamusic and myspace where I personalize things a little more.  The website was built for me to be able to connect with the people. I read all of the comments.  My cd, Return to Soul v. 1 can be purchased on cd baby and iTunes.  I’d like thank everyone for their support.

Davina & Her Team

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