It's easy to forget how young some of our favorite performers are when they enter the music world. From Michael Jackson's Jack 5 debut at the age of 11, to Lorde's chart-topping single "Royals" at the age of 16, it doesn't take much life experience to make a splash in the music industry. Tuesdays Under 21 is a Music Times feature dedicated to bringing attention to talented musicians and performers under the age of 21. Who knows? They just might be the next big thing. This week we introduce you to...
WHO: Arlissa (Ruppert)
AGE: 21
WHERE: London
WHY: This R&B singer was first recognized after collaborating with Nas on "Hard To Love Somebody." She made BBC's longlist for Sound of 2013, and most recently her soulful cover of Olive's "You're Not Alone" was featured on the new BBC drama What Remains.
Arlissa was signed to London Records (now Capitol Records UK) at 19 years old and then Jay Z's Roc Nation management label after its president Joe Brown overheard her song "Sticks & Stones." In an interview with the London Evening Standard, she said, "The label were playing my music to some people at Roc Nation in New York. Joe Brown walked past, heard the music and said on the spot, 'I want her'. I flew out the next week, met Joe and signed a management deal."
Her debut album Battles was released on November 11, 2013 via Capitol Records UK. "Into the Light" was the lead single off the effort. Check it out here, and let us know what you think in the comments section below!
