It is astounding to think how reality television has ruled the airwaves since the birth of Survivor more than a decade ago. And there are several types of reality from which viewers can choose: from those who are transformed by new wardrobe (What Not to Wear) to everyday people who are suffering with drama in the first degree (any of The Real Housewives series). The point is that viewers can temporarily escape their own personal issues for a short while and turn to others facing their day-to-day messy circumstances. Musical superstars like Monica and Nicki Manoj have carved out their own intense reality scenarios. Raised by parents who were anything but role models, singer/songwriter Havana was more than acquainted with daily drama. When she discovered Mary J. Blige’s landmark 1994 album What’s The 411?, Havana deeply related to the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul’s own personal crisis. The San Diego native recently spoke with Soul Tracks about her artistic journey, including why Mary J.’s music solidified the classically trained vocalist’s career choice: “She had this rawness and this rough side to her that paralleled my past. Her coming out and doing that just pushed me in the direction of doing contemporary music.”
Though Havana’s lyrical themes of overcoming life’s obstacles are similar to Blige, her musical style is more left of center. Signed to the San Diego based independent label Skoolcraft Music (whose motto is “Crafting Music for the Future” ) in 2004, Havana has shied away from mainstream R&B arrangements in favor of colorful electronic beats: “We do not want to make music that is trendy. We want to make music that will be classic; that you can still listen to years from now and that you can listen to now.” These tracks are anchored by some of today’s underground producers, including Trackademicks (Teedra Moses, Zero 7). Her debut, Life, sold 18,000-plus copies, respectable for an independent artist with a small but strong fan base. Though the 2005 release touched somewhat on her past, Havana held back from the heavier dramatic experiences: “I was kind of afraid of putting my business out there.”
As Havana grew in maturity, her confidence in sharing her vulnerability on her latest and sophomore project, Entervention, grew as well: “It really digs deep into the relationship with my parents.” Most of the songs touch on how she felt treated by her troubled parents, especially her father: “You can’t just wipe away the past and start over again.” To simply sum up Entervention, Havana defines these experiences as “dysfunction at its finest.” Despite the depressing themes on her sophomore project, Havana consciously chose to keep her music upbeat for a psychological purpose and to fit her vocal personality: “I don’t have to seem sad. Having more upbeat music, I’m dealing with this. I’m moving on, I’m still strong and I’m not going to let it weaken me. I’m not really a ballad singer and this is not my style.”
The mid-tempo, East Indian accented grooves of “It Ain’t New” presents a sarcastic yet entertaining view of the tired-of-the-same-old-runaround-story: “I bet you think that I did this for Hollywood; I ain’t no actress and this ain’t no film.” The thumping house beats of “Nitelife” fully accentuate the theme of the prostitutes who work hard for their money. “Shoulda Walked Away” possesses warm samba beats; but the biting sentiments are diametrically opposed. Slightly reminiscent of the Minneapolis Sound, “Daylight” breaks from the somber themes with an uplifting message about remembering the simple and little things. Havana relinquishes the lead on “Not Affected” to label mate Bennie Herron, who drops a compelling rap of empowerment; decorated with sweet funk pockets dripping with peculating percussion. “Repeat Offender” offers a contagious new wave groove while the lyrics warn of avoiding the pitfalls of frustrating: “My heart breaks each time I fall/I’d rather not see you at all.” The techno-induced “In Touch” speaks to being blamed by others undeservedly. And the jarring synthesizers and background voices behind “Journal” echo the sentiments of Havana’s stressful memories of the past: “I jot down everything what was said what you did to me or going to do.”
With the exception of “Higher,” which lacks the spark and imagination of the other pieces, on Entervention Havana provides a welcome alternative that mixes R&B attitude with inviting and invigorating club tracks. Led by Havana’s soulful zest and quiet spirit, Entervention is a fully engaging reality audio show in which all of the listeners can fully partake. Highly Recommended.
By Peggy Oliver