We recently caught up with YouTube starlet, Priscilla Renea, as she prepares for her debut release, “Jukebox” on Capitol Records/ Power Entertainment, which drops on Dec. 1st.

“I never in a million years thought I would end up where I am right now, “ Priscilla revealed. 

Now at the age of 21, Priscilla is traveling the country, visiting radio stations, performing and making special appearances to promote her upcoming album.
 
Priscilla’s story of discovery is becoming more common with the success of fellow YouTube classmates, Souljah Boy Tell Em, Dondria, Justin Bieber and others.  With so many artists seeking discovery through the same avenue, Priscilla stood out by demonstrating more than just her obvious vocal ability.  In one of her most popular videos, she covered Drake’s, “Best I Ever Had,” in an acoustic guitar arrangement. 

Popularity of her talent for rearranging covers began to spread beyond the Internet, causing the original artists, including Drake, Fantasia and Ryan Leslie, to take notice. 

“Fantasia was the first to actually post something after I covered ‘When I See You.’ She posted the video on her Myspace with the caption, ‘You betta SANG Priscilla Renea!” 

Drake and Ryan Leslie, unbeknownst to Priscilla, had also been monitoring her YouTube activity and eventually reached out to her in acknowledgement. 

“I met Ryan about two years ago and had no idea that he was watching my videos, until he invited me to meet him.  I hope he still peeks at my channel from time to time”, admits Priscilla. 
 
We asked Priscilla about her recent comparison to Rihanna and how a song called “Emergency Room,” a demo recorded by Priscilla, was leaked to the Internet and believed to have been recorded by Rihanna.  Priscilla explained that she was invited to write and record a few songs.  “Emergency Room” was a song that was near completion, intended for Rihanna, and she was asked to sing it like Rihanna.  Fast forward a month later, though the song was passed by Rihanna, it was leaked to the Internet, sparking a debate between Rihanna and Priscilla fans as to who was actually on the recording.
 
Now with Priscilla’s upcoming release of “Jukebox” album set to release, Priscilla will definitely differentiate herself from such comparisons by demonstrating her unique sound.  Drawing from her diverse influences and military-brat upbringing, Priscilla sound has been described as uplifting, unique and refreshing.

For the songs that she penned on her album, she drew inspiration from trailblazers including, Lauryn Hill, Lily Allen and Michael Jackson. 

“I’m inspired by anyone who has the courage to get up and be themselves for the entire world to see,” affirms Priscilla. 
 
“Dollhouse,” the lead single, is a catchy women’s relationship anthem that empowers women to speak up and to stop living out the expectations of others.  In “Mr. Workabee,” Priscilla illustrates the discontent of a woman whose significant others leaves at home while he out running the streets.  While adults will appreciate the sharp similes, children, in a state of naiveté, will like this simple song about worker bees.  Priscilla uses the same formula of a nursery rhyme-influenced theme, a beguiling hook and witty metaphors in “Rockabye Baby,” a clever song that addresses teenage pregnancy through the use of whimsical nursery rhyme characters is quickly becoming a crowd favorite among parents and young children during her live shows. “Lovesick,” a mid-tempo song about forbidden love, engages you from the beginning with the heavy instrumentation. By the time of the chorus, the tune has already been branded in your memory.  “City Love” is an easy-going tune about a small-town country girl adjusting to big city life.  “Fixing My Hair,” a cute musical narrative of how women like to dress up and do their hair for their men.  Then there is “Pretty Girl,” which inspires girls to embrace who they see in their reflection, ignoring the world’s perception of pretty. 

The rest of the album includes another relaxing ballad about love (“Soundgarden”),  a vulnerable composition, titled “Baby Please,” which shows off Priscilla’s vocal range and a mid-tempo motivational ode to women who enjoy catering to their men, even if that means making “Bacon –N- Eggs.”
 
Collectively, “Jukebox” has something for everyone.  From love, to heartbreak, to contentment, to hardship, Priscilla Renea’s album is a colorful palette of emotion and soul.  The lyrics within each song paint vivid pictures for the purest of music fans to appreciate.

Check out more of Priscilla here.