So a few weeks ago I woke up hip to Imani Coppola, a multi talented musician who is 10 years deep in the game. Her sound crosses every style imaginable; Alternative, Rock, Classical, Hip Hop, R & B – you name it! I never heard of her until I heard her song “Woke Up Hwite” on somebody’s myspace profile, and fell in love with her sound immediately. After listening to a few of her other songs, it affirmed the best things come unexpectedly. Imani’s put out nine albums, her first being Chupacabra, released in 1997 on Columbia Records. Her most recent disc, The Black and White Album, was released this past January on her own label, having songs showing the authentic, soulful strength of this now independent artist.

The whole Black and White Album is a musical journey in self exploration. The melodies and lyrics are unpredictable, but still allow the listener to follow Imani on her journey, as they tap into their own being. The irony hits you like “damn,” like in “The Black and White Jingle #1” when she says “Sometimes life may feel like it’s sucking you up/but it’s not, it may just be you sucking . . .” All around, this CD should be ranked among the classics. Pick it up and get ready for the ride! If you still need convincing check out some tracks on her MySpace Page.

When doing the phone interview I was on a local college campus – a place where people learn new ideas, and attempt to find their place in the real world. Respectively, in the school of the entertainment industry, Imani learned many lessons, knows her place in the “music world,” and expresses a style all of her own. “When I first got signed I was confused by the business conflicting with creating musical art,” Imani explained. “An up and coming artist with a message can break in the mainstream, but they’ll have to make a single where they’ll more likely be saying something they don’t want to. It sucks, that if the major label you are on doesn’t like what you say in a song, you are screwed.”

There were certain songs she couldn’t put out when signed because her label didn’t think they had enough commercial, mainstream appeal. Determined to get her musical message out, she released Little Red Fighting Mood independently in 2001. This CD was made up of songs not picked for her first two albums. Making positive of any situation and a strong will are not only reflected in her music, but her personality as well. Despite being under the weather, she schooled me on her experience in the industry, and was just as witty and insightful as her songs.

As a businesswoman she wears multiple hats, acting as her own manager, and promoter. She personally answers all business emails, and sends CDs herself to the online sites that sell them. “Every artist will need outside help eventually, but being independent helps boost one’s self worth as an artist. You make goals, achieve them, and celebrate – it’s like playing an instrument, and getting better as you practice.” That she has experience with as she writes, composes, and arranges all the music she does.

Her goal for this current album is to get it out to the masses, and start working on another CD. She also wants to continue composing and branch off into composing music scores, and even voiceover work.

People can buy her music and find out more about her at www.imanicoppola.net.

–Copyright 2007 Keneteph Entertainment

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