Fallin Up: Elle Varner’s Return to R&B

Elle Varner joins Can We Talk R&B to share her musical journey, starting with her parents' influence in R&B. Elle reflects on her musical education, including her time at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, and how her 2012 debut propelled her into stardom. She opens up about the shifts in the music industry, her time away from the scene, and her powerful return as an independent artist. Elle also discusses her latest single, "Fallen Up," and the newfound freedom she feels in her music, along with the hunger to break through even further in her career. She shares her passion for mentoring new talent and guiding the next generation of artists. In a candid moment, Elle talks about the emotional loss of her father and former manager, revealing how these profound experiences have deeply influenced both her personal and professional growth. ✅ LISTEN, FOLLOW, AND RATE 🎙️ Hosted & Created by: Ian Von 🚀 Produced & Shot by: Launch Pod Studio 🎥 Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios 📲 Presented by: Revolt Podcast Network 00:00:00: Intro 00:02:01: Introducing Special Guest Elle Varner 00:02:50: Elle Varner's Background and Early Influences 00:04:09: Growing Up in the R&B Scene 00:06:02: Early Music Experiences and Talent Shows 00:08:48: Quaker Influence and Civil Rights Activism in Family 00:11:01: Transition from LA to East Coast Influence 00:12:01: Developing Her Own Music 00:13:27: Fusion of R&B and Jazz Influences 00:15:08: Guitar Playing Style and Musical Technique 00:16:28: Understanding the Special Element of Melody 00:16:53: Aspiring Artist and Family Influence 00:17:14: Starting to Record Music 00:18:18: First Experience as a Session Writer 00:19:13: The Art of Background Singing 00:19:57: Learning to Let the Song Fly 00:20:28: College Experience at NYU 00:22:02: Transition to Production and Engineering 00:24:27: Early Songwriting and Performance Experiences 00:25:09: Overcoming Industry Challenges 00:26:13: Releasing the First Album 00:29:43: Perseverance and Manifesting Success 00:30:16: Working with Linda Perry and Continuing to Prove Oneself 00:31:38: Changes in the Music Industry 00:33:43: Release of New Song "Falling Up" and Upholding Artistic Integrity 00:35:36: Admiration for Kanye and Artists' Personal Lives 00:37:03: Separating Art from the Artist 00:39:01: Hope for a Future of Grace and Equality 00:41:07: Challenges Faced by Black Women in the Industry 00:42:27: Jason, a Mutual Friend and Manager – Memories and Impact 00:48:01: El Varner as a Mentor and Inspiration 00:50:39: Importance of Clear Questions and Mentorship 00:52:00: Deep Dive: The Story Behind the Single "Refill" 00:54:17: Discussion on current inspiring R&B artists 00:55:39: Decades and their influence on R&B 00:56:39: Mount Rushmore of female R&B singers 00:58:02: Future music plans and upcoming releases 00:59:12: Introduction to the 212 label 01:01:27: Plans for signing and managing new artists 01:02:25: Closing remarks and gratitude toward the team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices