Published: 12:00 AM, Thu Sep 02, 2010
Music notes: New talent Dondria feels a mix of R&B love
Showcasing her singing abilities on YouTube may have been the best move that R&B singer Dondria Nicole Fields could make in her fledgling career.
She posted videos of her singing on her YouTube channel with the screen name "Phatfffat," which caught the attention of So So Def Records founder Jermaine Dupri. Dupri was impressed enough to sign Fields.
Now the 23-year-old songstress is celebrating the release of her debut, "Dondria vs. Phatfffat" and her opening act position on the Passion, Pain and Pleasure tour with singer Trey Songz and Monica.
One of the greatest aspects of her newfound success is "receiving the love from the fans when I do the shows and when they know the words from beginning to end," she said. "This is who I'm doing it for. If they love it, it's like a sense of accomplishment. I must be doing something right."
She started releasing music with Dupri in November 2009, with her first mix tape, "Dondria Duets." That record featured the singer covering male R&B songs with a female twist.
Later, her radio-friendly singles, "You're the One" and "Shawty Wus Up," from the debut album hit the airwaves and helped place the album at No. 9 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Album charts in August.
Dondria chatted with Weekender about her rise to fame and her new album.
Weekender: What is up with the name "Phatfffat"?
Fields: The origin of that name is actually from my freshman year of college (at Tarleton State University in Texas). My roommate gave it to me because I eat so much, but I'm so small.
Weekender: You were signed by Jermaine Dupri. What it's like working with him?
Fields: He's just hard. (laughs) He wants the best and that's it, which is fine because I'm definitely appreciative with how we created the album and how well it's doing. But you got to develop some skin and learn how to work with him.
Weekender: Did you write on your album?
Fields: I kind of wanted to leave it up to the team, so they can set the tone for me on this album. But I did write a little on my album, and you're definitely going to see more of my writing in the future.
Weekender: What was your vision for "Dondria vs. Phatfffat?"
Fields: My initial goal for it was to actually produce real music that I know will be appreciated and not be really trendy, no gimmicks, no R&B/pop or R&B/hip-hop, just real R&B. And I think that I definitely accomplished that goal. So we're just going to be working on it and exposing it to more people and getting it out there so people can witness it.
Weekender: Now let's go back to the "Dondria Duets" mix tape. How did that come about and which songs are your favorites?
Fields: J.D and I both contributed songs. We kind of wanted to pick the songs at the time that were at the left side of the radio charts. So I knew they were songs that people were listening to. I also did an oldie - well, not oldie - but Usher's, "Lovers and Friends." And I did "Pretty Wings" by Maxwell, "Beautiful" by Musiq Soulchild and "Last Chance" by Ginuwine, just to name a few.
Weekender: What's it's been like to work with Trey Songz and Monica?
Fields: He's like my big brother. He's always looking out for me. And it was he and his management that put me on the tour. So he gave a new girl a chance. I'm especially close to him. And Monica, I still look up to her and watch her and try to see what I can pull from all of the greats. I guess the best form of flattery is imitation, but not copying. And it's a good vibe on the tour.
Weekender: What have been some of the challenges you've faced with coming into the music industry?
Fields: The biggest obstacle is that a lot of people don't want to give the new person a chance. They find anything and everything to say about you. I don't really have any dirt, so they make up stuff. So you got to show them, because they won't welcome you automatically.
Weekender: What tips can you offer other aspiring, undiscovered singers?
Fields: I definitely would tell them to use YouTube as an avenue. It's definitely the way of the times right now. But also use more traditional routes as well, because they still work.
Staff writer Jessica De Vault can be reached at devaultj@fayobserver.com or 609-0649.