Ester Dean is the mastermind behind some of 2009’s memorable R&B songs: “The One” (Mary J. Blige), “Never Ever” (Ciara), “Make Me Over” (Keyshia Cole), and “Make Love” (Keri Hilson). And as she transitioned into becoming a performer in her own right, her debut video, “Drop It Low,” generated over one million views on YouTube. The energetic, care-free party track features an introduction from Lebron James, due to its inclusion on the More Than a Game soundtrack, as well as cameos from Chris Brown, Keri Hilson. SouljaBoy Tell 'Em, Nelly and a host of other artists.
As the protégé of super-producer Polow da Don, expectations are running high for Ester Dean, whose debut album is set for release in 2010 under the Zone 4 imprint. During a promotional radio tour for More Than a Game, Ester Dean managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry—reflecting on Mary J. Blige, “Stronger,” and her humble beginnings in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
According to your bio, you were born in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Yes, in the country! [laughing]
Since you're a country girl at heart, is there a saying or philosophy from your neck of the woods that has helped you navigate the glitz and glamour of the music industry?
Well, I follow a lot of things. My mama, she could talk your ear off and tell you everything that you need to know. She always told me, “Never go backwards. Only go forward.” And then my dad helped me a lot because I refused to ever go in reverse, so anything that I do has to be better. I have to get greater. My body won't allow me to go backwards.
In the early years, you were influenced by your mother’s blues music and her church singing. Is there a particular moment that inspired you to pursue music?
Oh, my whole family can sing. When I was growing up, I said I was going to be a chef. And my cousin was like, “No you aren't. You're going to sing.” And I'm like, “No, I'm not. I'm going to be a chef. And that's it.” And they're like, “No, you're going to sing.” And I said, “Okay, well I'll sing and get the money and set-up a restaurant.” My mom, she used to do gospel plays. And we used to go on the road with her and perform in the choir, so I grew up watching her star in these gospel plays. And it just showed, like, “Oh my God, I want to do this or do something like this.” I noticed how I started to get jealous when they used to pick other little girls to sing certain parts. And I'd be like, “Well, I can sing that better.” Or we'd be in their studio and I'm like, “I want to sing in a studio.” When I was really young, that childhood jealousy and seeing what I really wanted – I used to sing into anything I could hear myself back on. That's what I'd do. Even if it was karaoke, I just wanted to be heard, you know? I believe my mom wanted me to be a star and an artist. I think it trickles down. Sometimes it takes them to want it for you to do it.
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