1. Hi Elle! Please introduce yourself to those who might not know you. 
Hi! I’m Elle Baez, a DominiRican singer-songwriter from New York who just recently moved to Los Angeles! I make pop-soul music with a focus on women empowerment, self-love and body positivity. My ethos is simple: be you, be sexy, and above all, be confident.
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2. How did your connection with Shira and Gritty In Pink come about? 
My connection with Gritty in Pink started with their Virtual Tour in 2021 for Sweet Relief at the NYC Stop. I was interviewed and performed a song! I really loved the virtual connection and from then on, attended any events I could! Now that I’m officially in LA the community of bad-a** women is absolutely incredible. 
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3. What’s it like being part of a movement that creates space for diverse women in the music industry? 
This movement is so important and I feel honored to be helping bring representation in the music industry, especially for plus-size Latina women. As a little girl, I never saw a girl who looked like me as a pop star. I am breaking stereotypes and showing the world that yes, a plus size Latina girl, a daughter of an immigrant, CAN be a popstar!!! There needs to be a seat at the table for everyone who deserves to be seen and heard. I hope other little girls can see me and feel inspired.
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4. When did you first realize music was your path? Was there a specific moment or influence that solidified being an artist as your dream? 
I have been singing since I was 3 years old. Music was a huge part of my upbringing because my Dad was a DJ in the ‘70s and I grew up in a very musical household. I heard disco, pop, funk, jazz, broadway, latin, soul, r&b and more! I would perform in school talent shows and get such big reactions! I realized how much being on stage made me feel free and happy. I was a more shy and reserved child since I was often bullied for being different. Music and theatre really saved my life. Writing my songs was definitely therapy for me and I started to take myself seriously as an artist towards the end of college when I met a music producer who really believed in me. I didn’t even know you could be an indie artist! I thought you needed a label! Once I started writing about my own struggles and making anthemic songs I wish I had growing up, it all made sense and came together. 
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5. You recently moved from NYC to LA—how has the transition been for you, both personally and musically?
I am so excited to finally be in LA!! I have been dreaming of this for years but it seemed so difficult financially but I was finally able to make it happen. I was accepted into LAAMP School of Music in Los Angeles to develop as a music artist for 2024-2025 to study under Stargate (Rihanna, Beyonce) and Chris Anokute (Katy Perry, Bebe Rexha). I was so honored to be accepted and given this incredible opportunity. It finally gave me the full push to make the move happen at any cost possible. I feel the transition has been smoother than expected but also hard at times. I miss my family so much but I feel like I’m finally where I’m supposed to be in life pursuing my dreams!
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6. As someone that champions body positivity within your music, how do you find that balance of vulnerability and empowerment in your songwriting?
Every song I write has to have a journey and tell a true authentic story. It isn’t 100% real to be positive all the time. But it is possible to go through hardships and come out on the other side much stronger. I always share my vulnerable struggles to show that no one is alone in feeling the way we all do, but then I use an affirmation as my chorus/hook to help people know they can overcome it. Honestly, sometimes I even need to hear that chorus to help me through the bad day I’m having. It all stems from the same place. I love that my listeners can use my songs to get them through it and feel empowered.
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7.  Your visuals and style are so bold—how do you use fashion as a form of self-expression?
Thank you sooo much! I love fashion SO MUCH! It is one of the reasons I really love being a performer. I have so much fun picking out big bold pieces and making them my own on stage. I think of my outfits as also telling my story as an artist. Yes, I’m a big girl up here on stage and I’m unafraid to show off my curves and perform for you all! I really love big colors like pinks, oranges, reds, purples and specifically gold. I love having lots of gold jewelry because it reminds me of my abuela who used to always be adorned in lots of beautiful big gold pieces. I think it honors the diva she was and I’m channeling all that energy in my looks.

8. You recently had a performance at the iconic Viper Room, how was your experience doing the show and do you have a pre- show routine to prepare you for a big performance? 
It was so cool to play at the iconic Viper Room! I definitely had lots of prep for that show because I sang brand new songs I’ve been writing this year at LAAMP. I also got to have background dancers for the first time ever! SO EPIC! It made me really envision what my stadium tour will look like one day! Pre-show I always steam my voice with both my Purmist and Vocalmist. I also drink lots of tea, do my vocal warmups with my voice teacher (if she’s free) and then I try to stretch out my body too to practice my choreography. I prefer to stay to myself pre-show and find a quiet spot backstage to stay centered. After the show is when I celebrate with friends and fans!
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9. Are there any artists who have shaped your sound? 
Most definitely! I grew up singing along to all the vocal DIVAS! Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson, Beyonce, Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande, Adele, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Barbara Streisand and Donna Summer just to name a few :) 

I would sing along to all their records and learn how to riff, do whistle tones, belt - you name it! I also really loved how much drama they had in their voice. Big and unapologetic!
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10. If you could collab with any artist, past or present, who would it be? 
Oh wow, I would have to say Demi Lovato. She meant a lot to me growing up sharing her struggles with her body image. I just feel very connected to her emotionally and artistically.
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11. If your life were a movie, what would the title be, and who would play you? 
My debut EP was called “Bold Soul” and it would be a great title for a movie about me. “Bold Soul: The Elle Baez Story”I think for a younger version of me I’d want to cast an upcoming curvy latina actress who I could give an opportunity to shine! And I would play myself from late teens to now <3
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12. If you could pick one album as the soundtrack to your life, what would it be? “
Tell Me You Love Me” by Demi Lovato. I just literally will never get over this album. It has the perfect combination of pop, soul, gospel, r&b and dance. I also just love every song’s concept and writing. It has the big pop anthems and then the big ballads. The versatility is EVERYTHING! Her vocals do not play around!!!
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13. What’s a personal achievement from this past year that you’re especially proud of? 
I’m really proud of having two of my songs, “Fuego” and “I Love My Body” featured in Rolling Stone’s “Songs You Need To Know”. To be recognized by such a big publication is something that I could only ever dream about and is such an honor. It makes me realize that yes I have something to say in this industry and that people are really listening. My hard work is paying off.

14. What’s next for you?
I have BRAND NEW music dropping starting this summer! I literally cannot wait. And look out for me on your TV screens - you might see a familiar face ;) (no spoilers yet)
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