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{{short description|American singer-songwriter}}
{{short description |American singer-songwriter}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2017}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2017}}
{{BLP sources|date=October 2011}}
{{BLP sources|date = October 2011}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Elle Varner
| name = Elle Varner
| image = ElleVarner2019.png
| image = ElleVarner2019.png
| caption = Varner in 2019
| caption = Varner in 2019.
| birth_name = Gabrielle Varner<ref name="allmusic">[http://www.allmusic.com/artist/elle-varner-mn0002795896 All Music Elle Varner Bio]. [[AllMusic]], Retrieved on August 3, 2012</ref>
| birth_name = Gabrielle Varner<ref name="allmusic">[http://www.allmusic.com/artist/elle-varner-mn0002795896 All Music Elle Varner Bio]. [[AllMusic]], Retrieved on August 3, 2012</ref>
| alias =
| alias =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1989|2|12}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1989|2|12}}
| birth_place = [[Brooklyn]], [[New York (state)|New York]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Brooklyn]], [[New York (state)|New York]], U.S.
| origin = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]]
| origin = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]]
| genre = <!--Primary genres reliable sources use to classify artist. Aim for generality and use two to four genres: [[Template:Infobox_musical_artist/doc#genre]]-->
| genre = {{hlist|R&B|soul|pop}}
| occupation = Singer-songwriter
| occupation = Singer-songwriter
| years_active = 2009–present
| years_active = 2009–present
| associated_acts = {{flatlist|
| associated_acts = {{flatlist|
* [[By All Means]]
* [[By All Means]]
* [[Dexter Wansel]]
* [[Dexter Wansel]]
* [[J. Brown (American singer)|J. Brown]]
* [[J. Brown (American singer)|J. Brown]]
* [[Pop & Oak]]
* [[Pop & Oak]]
}}
}}
| label = {{hlist|[[Entertainment One Music|E1]]|MBK|[[RCA Records|RCA]]|[[J Records|J]]}}
| label = {{hlist|[[Entertainment One Music|E1]]| MBK|[[RCA Records|RCA]]|[[J Records|J]]}}
| website = {{URL|http://www.ElleVarner.com/}}
| website = {{URL|http://www.ElleVarner.com/}}
}}
}}


'''Gabrielle Serene Varner''' (born February 12, 1989)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://guestlist.net/article/3970/one-to-watch-elle-varner|title=One to Watch: Elle Varner|first=Osh|last=Okomilo|date=July 19, 2012|website=Guestlist.net|access-date=2020-03-26}}</ref><ref>California Births, 1905–1995, [http://www.familytreelegends.com/records/39461?c=search&first=Gabrielle&last=Varner Gabrielle Serene Varner], Familytreelegends.com</ref> is an American singer-songwriter. Born into a musical family in [[Brooklyn]], New York, and raised in [[Los Angeles]], Varner studied at [[New York University]]'s [[Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music]]. In October 2009, she signed with [[RCA Records]] and entered a co-publishing agreement with Sony Music.<ref>[http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/rca-s-peter-edge-tom-corson-on-the-shuttering-1005394732.story RCA's Peter Edge, Tom Corson on the Shuttering of Jive, J and Arista]. ''Billboard.biz''. Retrieved May 24, 2012.</ref>
'''Gabrielle Serene Varner''' (born February 12, 1989)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://guestlist.net/article/3970/one-to-watch-elle-varner|title=One to Watch: Elle Varner|first=Osh|last=Okomilo|date=July 19, 2012|website=Guestlist.net|access-date=2020-03-26}}</ref><ref>California Births, 1905&nbsp;– 1995, [http://www.familytreelegends.com/records/39461?c=search&first=Gabrielle&last=Varner Gabrielle Serene Varner], Familytreelegends.com</ref> is an American singer-songwriter. Born into a musical family in [[Brooklyn]], New York and raised in [[Los Angeles]], Varner studied at [[New York University]]'s [[Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music]]. In October 2009, she signed with [[RCA Records]] along with a co-publishing agreement with Sony Music.<ref>[http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/rca-s-peter-edge-tom-corson-on-the-shuttering-1005394732.story RCA's Peter Edge, Tom Corson on the Shuttering of Jive, J and Arista]. Billboard.biz (October 7, 2011). Retrieved on 2012-05-24.</ref>


Varner released her debut album, ''[[Perfectly Imperfect]]'', in August 2012, featuring the hit single "[[Only Wanna Give It to You]]". The album debuted at number four on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]. Her sophomore album, ''Ellevation'', followed in 2019. In November 2024, Varner released her latest single, "Fallin Up," showcasing her ongoing evolution as an artist.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2024/11/elle-varner-new-song-fallin-up/|title=Elle Varner Releases New Song "Fallin Up"|website=Rated R&B|date=November 27, 2024|access-date=November 27, 2024}}</ref>
Varner released her debut album, ''[[Perfectly Imperfect]]'', in August 2012, preceded by the release of the single "[[Only Wanna Give It to You]]". The album debuted at number four on the US [[Billboard Hot 200|'' Billboard'' Hot 200]].


== Early Life ==
==Early life==
Varner is of [[Cape Verdeans|Cape Verdean]], [[African American]], and [[Swedes|Swedish]] descent. Elle herself has stated, "my father is half Swedish and half black, and my mother is 100% Cape Verdean."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://elle-varner.com/?page_id=7 |title=Elle Varner « Elle Varner Website |publisher=Elle-varner.com |access-date=September 8, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112064712/http://elle-varner.com/?page_id=7 |archive-date=November 12, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.eurweb.com/2013/07/elle-varner-cant-believe-interracial-dating-is-still-being-discussed/ |title=Elle Varner Can't Believe Interracial Dating is 'Still' Being Discussed &#124; EURweb - Part 1 |access-date=July 24, 2013 |archive-date=July 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718130151/http://www.eurweb.com/2013/07/elle-varner-cant-believe-interracial-dating-is-still-being-discussed/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Varner is of [[Cape Verdeans|Cape Verdean]], [[African American]], and [[Swedes|Swedish]] descent, Elle herself has stated "my father is half Swedish and half black, and my mother is 100% Cape Verdean."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://elle-varner.com/?page_id=7 |title=Elle Varner « Elle Varner Website |publisher=Elle-varner.com |access-date=September 8, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112064712/http://elle-varner.com/?page_id=7 |archive-date=November 12, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.eurweb.com/2013/07/elle-varner-cant-believe-interracial-dating-is-still-being-discussed/ |title=Elle Varner Can't Believe Interracial Dating is 'Still' Being Discussed &#124; EURweb - Part 1 |access-date=July 24, 2013 |archive-date=July 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718130151/http://www.eurweb.com/2013/07/elle-varner-cant-believe-interracial-dating-is-still-being-discussed/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The daughter of Mikelyn Roderick and Jimmy Varner, [[songwriter]]s and [[Music publisher (popular music)|publishers]].<ref name="mbk">[http://www.mbkentertainment.com/category/elle-varner/ Introducing Elle Varner]. Mbkentertainment.com. Retrieved on May 24, 2012.</ref> Roderick was a backup vocalist for [[Barry White]]; and has written and recorded with [[Tevin Campbell]] and [[Rahsaan Patterson]]. Roderick released an album on the Dome label in 2007.<ref name="itunes">[https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/elle-varner/id455276061 Itunes Elle Varner Bio]. itunes.com Retrieved on July 30, 2012</ref> Jimmy Varner is a songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who has collaborated with [[Gerald Alston]], [[Kool & the Gang]], and [[Will Downing]].<ref name="itunes"/> Her parents, together with Stan Sheppard, formed the group By All Means which was a minor success.


Varner spent most of her childhood sleeping on studio couches, running around green rooms, and watching her parents struggle to make a name in the industry. At age six she began to play [[musical instrument]]s, beginning with the flute, and later she moved on to piano and guitar.<ref name="mbk"/> She attended several [[Music education|music programs]] including actress [[Wendy Raquel Robinson]]'s Amazing Grace Conservatory starting at age 11 and [[Alexander Hamilton High School (Los Angeles)|Alexander Hamilton High School]]'s Academy of Music's Vocal Jazz Group.<ref name="mbk"/> Varner then attended [[New York University]]’s [[Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music]].<ref name="mbk"/>
== Career ==
=== 2024: "Fallin Up" ===
Elle Varner continues to show why she’s one of R&B’s most compelling voices with her latest single, "Fallin Up," released on November 26, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2024/11/elle-varner-new-song-fallin-up/|title=Elle Varner Releases New Song "Fallin Up"|website=Rated R&B|date=November 27, 2024|access-date=November 27, 2024}}</ref> The song weaves rich storytelling with her velvety vocals and a dreamy production crafted by Jordan Waré and Los Hendrix.


==Career==
With lyrics like, "It's nothing like a drug / I always have enough / It's like I'm fallin' up," the track captures the intoxicating magic of love that feels boundless and uplifting. Described as a journey through vulnerability, intimacy, and joy, "Fallin Up" balances nostalgia for classic R&B with modern, atmospheric vibes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzoDULFBzTw|title=Elle Varner - Fallin' Up (Lyric Video)|website=YouTube|date=November 27, 2024}}</ref>
=== 2008-12: ''Perfectly Imperfect'' ===
At age 16, Varner picked up a guitar for the first time. She dropped the guitar and became a part of Alexander Hamilton High School's Academy of Music's Vocal Jazz Group. Once there, she learned about the complexity of the voice, [[jazz music]] and talented jazz artists like [[Ella Fitzgerald]]. Varner was surprised to discover that she had been chosen to be a part of the Grammy in the Schools Mentoring Program. Through this program, she was taken weekly to the Fox Studio, where she met with mentor Kelly Burgos, and President of Fox Music, Robert Kraft. Soon after, Varner hesitantly applied to [[New York University|NYU]] with her C average and was surprisingly accepted. Not only did she get in, but also she was admitted into the second class of the [[Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music]]. Upon graduating, she was awarded "most likely to get signed" and "most likely to win a Grammy." Four years later she finds herself a well-rounded and cultured singer-songwriter.<ref name="mbk" /> In 2008 Varner graduated from NYU's renowned Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music.<ref name="mbk"/>
In October 2009 she signed with MBK/J-RCA Records along with a co-publishing agreement with [[Sony Music Entertainment|Sony Music]].<ref name="KOAR: The Kings of A&R">{{cite web |title=Elle Varner Signs to Sony Music Publishing |url=http://www.kingsofar.com/elle-varner-signs-to-sony-music-publishing/ |publisher=KOAR: The Kings of A&R |date=October 5, 2011 |access-date=October 7, 2011}}</ref> After honing her skills even further, Varner became one of the first artists featured in BET's Music Matters campaign for 2010.


[[File:Elle Varner 2011.jpg|thumb|left|Varner performing in November 2011 in Brooklyn, New York for Sofar Sounds]]
The official lyric video, available on [[YouTube]], brings her words to life and invites fans to dive deeper into her artistry.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzoDULFBzTw|title=Elle Varner - Fallin' Up (Lyric Video)|website=YouTube|date=November 27, 2024}}</ref>
Varner's debut [[Single (music)|single]] "[[Only Wanna Give It to You]]" was released on August 6, 2011. The song, which serves as the [[lead single]] from her debut [[studio album]] ''[[Perfectly Imperfect]]'' (2012), features American [[rapper]] [[J. Cole]]. The song peaked at #20 on the US ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]] chart. In October 2011, she was listed as one of TheBoomBox's '15 Artists to Watch'<ref>[http://www.theboombox.com/2011/10/04/elle-varner-j-cole-only-wanna-give-it-to-you-video/ Elle Varner & J. Cole 'Settle Down' in New Video]. Theboombox.com (October 4, 2011). Retrieved on 2012-05-24.</ref> and was one of the artists featured in [[Black Entertainment Television|BET]]'s Music Matters campaign.<ref>[https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/hxdyqs/10-things-you-should-know-about-elle-varner/hrhmuv 10 Things You Should Know About Elle Varner]. Bet.com. Retrieved on May 24, 2012.</ref> On October 7, 2011, [[RCA Music Group]] announced it was disbanding [[J Records]] along with [[Arista Records]] and [[Jive Records]]. With the shutdown, Varner (and all other artists previously signed to these three labels) will release her future material on RCA Records.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/rca-s-new-executive-team-named-under-ceo-1005324782.story |title=RCA's New Executive Team Named Under CEO Peter Edge Amid Layoffs (Update) |publisher=Billboard.biz |date=August 23, 2011 |access-date=November 24, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fmqb.com/article.asp?id=2268707 |title=Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more! |publisher=FMQB |access-date=November 24, 2011 |archive-date=November 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108044953/http://www.fmqb.com/article.asp?id=2268707 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In preparation for her debut [[studio album]], Varner released a [[mixtape]] on January 23, 2012, titled ''Conversational Lush'' as promotion towards her debut.<ref>[http://www.rap-up.com/2012/01/23/new-music-elle-varner-conversational-Kush-mixtape/#more-111009{{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} New Music: Elle Varner&nbsp;– ‘Conversational Lush’ [Mixtape&#93;]. Rap-Up.com (January 23, 2012). Retrieved on 2012-05-24.</ref> The second single from Varner's debut album "[[Refill (song)|Refill]]" was released to [[iTunes]] January 31, 2012, and debuted at #78 on the US ''Billboard'' R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. On February 11, 2012, Varner and [[The Roots]] gave a performance dedicated to [[Whitney Houston]], for the Roots Pre-Grammy Jam Session at the [[House of Blues]] in Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.2dopeboyz.com/2012/02/12/the-roots-saving-all-my-love-for-you-whitney-houston-tribute-video/ |title=The Roots & Elle Varner's Whitney Houston Tribute (Video) |publisher=2DopeBoyz |date=February 12, 2012 |access-date=March 10, 2012}}</ref> When asked in an interview what is to be expected from her debut, Varner said in a statement: “a lot of color, a lot of range. There’s fun songs, emotional songs, deep songs, everything you could think about is on that album."<ref>[http://www.rap-up.com/2012/03/29/elle-varner-lights-up-106-park/#more-118370 Elle Varner Lights Up ’106 & Park’]. Rap-Up.com (March 29, 2012). Retrieved on 2012-05-24.</ref>


Elle Varner's debut album, ''Perfectly Imperfect'', was released on August 7, 2012 debuting at number four on the U.S. [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart, with first-week sales of 33,000 copies in the United States.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/480434/now-43-tops-billboard-200-16th-no-1-for-series|title='Now 43' Tops Billboard 200; 16th No. 1 for Series|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|date=August 15, 2012|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|access-date=September 9, 2012}}</ref> It also debuted at number two on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Santiago|first=Karinah|date=August 17, 2012|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/480386/chart-juice-elle-varner-debuts-at-no-2-on-rbhip-hop-albums|title=Chart Juice: Elle Varner Debuts at No. 2 on R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=September 9, 2012}}</ref> As of October 20, 2012, ''Perfectly Imperfect'' has charted for ten weeks on the ''Billboard'' 200. In September 2012, Varner was credited for co-writing the song "Use Me", for fellow American R&B singer [[Miguel (singer)|Miguel]], taken from his second album ''[[Kaleidoscope Dream]]''.<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Kaleidoscope Dream|others=[[Miguel (singer)|Miguel]]|publisher=[[RCA Records]]|type=CD liner|id=88725-47203-1}}</ref>
== Discography ==
{{Main|Elle Varner discography}}


===2013-2016: ''Four Letter Word''===
;Studio albums
For her second studio album, Varner has been working with producers including [[Pop & Oak]], [[Eric Hudson]], [[DJ Dahi]], [[Da Internz]], and [[Hit-Boy]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rap-up.com/rap-up-tv/elle-varner-my-new-album-is-unbelievable/|title=Elle Varner: 'My New Album Is Unbelievable'|website=Rap-up.com|access-date=2020-03-26}}</ref> Varner stated that she has made her own genre while recording the album which she titles "[[Trap music (hip hop)|trap]] [[jazz]]."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thatgrapejuice.net/2013/07/elle-varner-announces-genre-trap-jazz/|title=Elle Varner Announces New Genre... 'Trap Jazz' - That Grape Juice|website=Thatgrapejuice.net|access-date=2020-03-26}}</ref> Varner described her second album as “definitely sexier,” than her previous, she later released the promotional single "Rover" featuring American rapper [[Wale (rapper)|Wale]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/2014/02/elle-varner-talks-sexy-new-album-and-hollywood-dreams-playing-crack-whore|title=Elle Varner Talks Sexy New Album And Hollywood Dreams Of Playing A 'Crack Whore'|date=February 18, 2014|website=Vibe.com|access-date=2020-03-26}}</ref> After many pushbacks, Four Letter Word was eventually shelved and Elle was subsequently dropped from [[RCA Records]].
* ''[[Perfectly Imperfect]]'' (2012)
* ''Ellevation'' (2019)


=== 2019-Present: Ellevation ===
;Mixtapes
In 2019 Varner released her debut EP Ellevation which marked Varner’s first work since Perfectly Imperfect in 2012. The 2019 version of the artist shows nuanced inspirations derived from alternative RnB, indie, and soul, with sprinklings of homages to Jill Scott and Erykah Badu.
* ''Conversational Lush'' (2012)


==Artistry==
;Singles
{{Quote box
* "Only Wanna Give It to You" (2011)
| quote = "I'm definitely addressing feelings of the human experience, such as insecurity, jealousy, sexuality, sensuality, deep love, going out drinking there's just a kind of moment of a full spectrum."
* "Refill" (2012)
* "Fallin Up" (2024)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2024/11/elle-varner-new-song-fallin-up/|title=Elle Varner Releases New Song "Fallin Up"|website=Rated R&B|date=November 27, 2024|access-date=November 27, 2024}}</ref>
| source = — Varner, speaking on her musical topics.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://singersroom.com/content/2011-11-03/elle-varner-storyteller/|title=Elle Varner: StoryTeller|website=Singersroom.com|date=November 3, 2011}}</ref>
| align = left
| width = 30%
}}
Varner's voice has been compared to that of British singer [[Adele]] containing "soul "with a touch of raspy seduction."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rap-up.com/2011/12/27/10-questions-for-elle-varner/|title=10 Questions for Elle Varner|website=Rap-up.com|access-date=2020-03-26}}</ref> She is a [[mezzo-soprano]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.divadevotee.com/2013/03/vocal-rangeprofile-elle-varner.html|title=Vocal Range/Profile : Elle Varner|website=Divadevotee.com|access-date=2020-03-26}}</ref> Varner's debut mixtape contained an "eclectic mix of pop, hip hop, and soul", that contained lyrical content regarding "relationship issues, girl power and fun" as well as being compared to [[Rihanna]] and [[Erykah Badu]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wiux.org/blog/2012/02/23/elle-varner-album-review-conversational-lush/ |title=Elle Varner Album Review – Conversational Lush &#124; WIUX Blog |access-date=July 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226032110/http://www.wiux.org/blog/2012/02/23/elle-varner-album-review-conversational-lush/ |archive-date=February 26, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Varner cites rapper [[Kanye West]] and soul singer [[Adele]] as two major influences noting that she wanted to combine both soul and hip-hop together saying "I only really wanted to combine the best of Hip-Hop and the best of that singer/songwriter soul. So I just picked those two as an example".<ref name="auto"/> Elle also draws inspiration from her hometown of [[Los Angeles]] commenting on how Los Angeles influences her she said “For me, there’s a nostalgia about L.A., especially West Coast rap, like [[N.W.A]] will always be a part of me growing up.”<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://gogomixjr.com/mix/listen/biggest-influence-on-elle-varners-sound/ |title=Biggest Influence on Elle Varner's Sound &#124; GoGoMix Junior Magazine |access-date=August 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209161628/http://gogomixjr.com/mix/listen/biggest-influence-on-elle-varners-sound/ |archive-date=February 9, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Varner also cites [[Mariah Carey]], [[Brandy Norwood|Brandy]] and [[Monica (singer)|Monica]] as influences.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/artists/elle-varner?filter=influencedBy|title=Elle Varner &#124; News, Music Performances and Show Video Clips &#124; MTV|website=Mtv.com|access-date=2020-03-26}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
== References ==
{{Reflist}}


Varner counts [[Ella Fitzgerald]] as great influence on her musical style. Commenting on Fitzgerald, Varner said "I just would always listen to her voice and say “Oh my God, how does she do it?” You know it's like she has this enchanting, beautiful voice and I'm very enthused by her."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/2012/01/v-exclusive-elle-varner-how-she-was-discovered-mixtape-and-upcoming-debut-album|title=V Exclusive! Elle Varner on How She Was Discovered, Mixtape and Upcoming Debut Album|date=January 25, 2012|website=Vibe.com|access-date=2020-03-26}}</ref>
== External links ==
* {{Official website}}
* [https://www.allmusic.com/artist/elle-varner-mn0002795896 Elle Varner at AllMusic]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzoDULFBzTw Elle Varner - "Fallin Up" (Lyric Video) on YouTube]


==Discography==
{{Elle Varner}}
{{Main|Elle Varner discography}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Varner, Elle}}
;Studio albums
[[Category:1989 births]]
* ''[[Perfectly Imperfect]]'' (2012)
[[Category:Living people]]
*''Ellevation'' (2019)
[[Category:American musicians of Cape Verdean descent]]

[[Category:African-American women singer-songwriters]]
;Mixtapes
[[Category:American women singer-songwriters]]
* ''Conversational Lush'' (2012)
[[Category:Singers from Los Angeles]]

[[Category:American rhythm and blues singer-songwriters]]
==Tours==
[[Category:RCA Records artists]]
===Headlining===
[[Category:J Records artists]]
* The Ellevation Tour (2020)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ellevarner.com/|title=Elle Varner|website=Ellevarner.com|access-date=2020-03-26}}</ref>
[[Category:American women hip hop singers]]

[[Category:Singer-songwriters from California]]
===Supporting===
[[Category:American soul singers]]
* [[Chapter V World Tour]] (2012)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ratedrnb.com/2012/10/trey-songz-announces-chapter-v-world-tour-w-miguel-elle-varner/ |title=Trey Songz Announces 'Chapter V World Tour' w/ Miguel & Elle Varner |access-date=December 4, 2019 |archive-date=December 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204200139/https://ratedrnb.com/2012/10/trey-songz-announces-chapter-v-world-tour-w-miguel-elle-varner/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[Category:Tisch School of the Arts alumni]]
* NYLA Tour (2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://concertdaily.com/2018/12/19/marsha-ambrosius-takes-her-baby-nyla-on-the-road/|title=Marsha Ambrosius Takes Her Baby NYLA On The Road|date=December 19, 2018}}</ref>
[[Category:American contemporary R&B singers]]

[[Category:21st-century African-American women singers]]
==Awards and nominations==
===Grammy Awards===
{{awards table}}
|-
| 2013
| "[[Refill (song)|Refill]]"
| [[Best R&B Song]]
| {{nom}}
{{end}}

===BET Awards===
{{awards table}}
|-
| 2013
| Elle Varner
| [[BET Award for Best R&B Artists|Best R&B Female Artist]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/14/drake-leads-bet-awards-2013-nominations-full-list/|title=Drake Leads BET Awards 2013 Nominations|website=Rap-up.com|access-date=2020-03-26}}</ref>
| {{nom}}
{{end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120220194411/http://elle-varner.com/ Official fansite] Official fansite
* Elle Varner at [http://www.allmusic.com/artist/elle-varner-mn0002795896 AllMusic]
* [http://www.last.fm/music/Elle+Varner Elle Varner] Elle Varner {{in lang|en}}
* [http://www.mp4.com.pl/index.php?str=artf&no=23272 Elle Varner] Discography {{in lang|pl}}

{{Elle Varner}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Varner, Elle}}
[[Category:1989 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American musicians of Cape Verdean descent]]
[[Category:African-American women singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:American women singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:Singers from Los Angeles]]
[[Category:American rhythm and blues singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:RCA Records artists]]
[[Category:J Records artists]]
[[Category:American women hip hop singers]]
[[Category:Singer-songwriters from California]]
[[Category:American soul singers]]
[[Category:Tisch School of the Arts alumni]]
[[Category:American contemporary R&B singers]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American women singers]]
[[Category:21st-century American women singers]]
[[Category:21st-century American women singers]]

Revision as of 00:13, 28 November 2024

Elle Varner
Varner in 2019.
Varner in 2019.
Background information
Birth nameGabrielle Varner[1]
Born (1989-02-12) February 12, 1989 (age 35)
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
OriginLos Angeles, California
OccupationSinger-songwriter
Years active2009–present
Labels
Websitewww.ellevarner.com

Gabrielle Serene Varner (born February 12, 1989)[2][3] is an American singer-songwriter. Born into a musical family in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Los Angeles, Varner studied at New York University's Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music. In October 2009, she signed with RCA Records along with a co-publishing agreement with Sony Music.[4]

Varner released her debut album, Perfectly Imperfect, in August 2012, preceded by the release of the single "Only Wanna Give It to You". The album debuted at number four on the US Billboard Hot 200.

Early life

Varner is of Cape Verdean, African American, and Swedish descent, Elle herself has stated "my father is half Swedish and half black, and my mother is 100% Cape Verdean."[5][6] The daughter of Mikelyn Roderick and Jimmy Varner, songwriters and publishers.[7] Roderick was a backup vocalist for Barry White; and has written and recorded with Tevin Campbell and Rahsaan Patterson. Roderick released an album on the Dome label in 2007.[8] Jimmy Varner is a songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who has collaborated with Gerald Alston, Kool & the Gang, and Will Downing.[8] Her parents, together with Stan Sheppard, formed the group By All Means which was a minor success.

Varner spent most of her childhood sleeping on studio couches, running around green rooms, and watching her parents struggle to make a name in the industry. At age six she began to play musical instruments, beginning with the flute, and later she moved on to piano and guitar.[7] She attended several music programs including actress Wendy Raquel Robinson's Amazing Grace Conservatory starting at age 11 and Alexander Hamilton High School's Academy of Music's Vocal Jazz Group.[7] Varner then attended New York University’s Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music.[7]

Career

2008-12: Perfectly Imperfect

At age 16, Varner picked up a guitar for the first time. She dropped the guitar and became a part of Alexander Hamilton High School's Academy of Music's Vocal Jazz Group. Once there, she learned about the complexity of the voice, jazz music and talented jazz artists like Ella Fitzgerald. Varner was surprised to discover that she had been chosen to be a part of the Grammy in the Schools Mentoring Program. Through this program, she was taken weekly to the Fox Studio, where she met with mentor Kelly Burgos, and President of Fox Music, Robert Kraft. Soon after, Varner hesitantly applied to NYU with her C average and was surprisingly accepted. Not only did she get in, but also she was admitted into the second class of the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music. Upon graduating, she was awarded "most likely to get signed" and "most likely to win a Grammy." Four years later she finds herself a well-rounded and cultured singer-songwriter.[7] In 2008 Varner graduated from NYU's renowned Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music.[7] In October 2009 she signed with MBK/J-RCA Records along with a co-publishing agreement with Sony Music.[9] After honing her skills even further, Varner became one of the first artists featured in BET's Music Matters campaign for 2010.

Varner performing in November 2011 in Brooklyn, New York for Sofar Sounds

Varner's debut single "Only Wanna Give It to You" was released on August 6, 2011. The song, which serves as the lead single from her debut studio album Perfectly Imperfect (2012), features American rapper J. Cole. The song peaked at #20 on the US Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. In October 2011, she was listed as one of TheBoomBox's '15 Artists to Watch'[10] and was one of the artists featured in BET's Music Matters campaign.[11] On October 7, 2011, RCA Music Group announced it was disbanding J Records along with Arista Records and Jive Records. With the shutdown, Varner (and all other artists previously signed to these three labels) will release her future material on RCA Records.[12][13] In preparation for her debut studio album, Varner released a mixtape on January 23, 2012, titled Conversational Lush as promotion towards her debut.[14] The second single from Varner's debut album "Refill" was released to iTunes January 31, 2012, and debuted at #78 on the US Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. On February 11, 2012, Varner and The Roots gave a performance dedicated to Whitney Houston, for the Roots Pre-Grammy Jam Session at the House of Blues in Los Angeles.[15] When asked in an interview what is to be expected from her debut, Varner said in a statement: “a lot of color, a lot of range. There’s fun songs, emotional songs, deep songs, everything you could think about is on that album."[16]

Elle Varner's debut album, Perfectly Imperfect, was released on August 7, 2012 debuting at number four on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 33,000 copies in the United States.[17] It also debuted at number two on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.[18] As of October 20, 2012, Perfectly Imperfect has charted for ten weeks on the Billboard 200. In September 2012, Varner was credited for co-writing the song "Use Me", for fellow American R&B singer Miguel, taken from his second album Kaleidoscope Dream.[19]

2013-2016: Four Letter Word

For her second studio album, Varner has been working with producers including Pop & Oak, Eric Hudson, DJ Dahi, Da Internz, and Hit-Boy.[20] Varner stated that she has made her own genre while recording the album which she titles "trap jazz."[21] Varner described her second album as “definitely sexier,” than her previous, she later released the promotional single "Rover" featuring American rapper Wale.[22] After many pushbacks, Four Letter Word was eventually shelved and Elle was subsequently dropped from RCA Records.

2019-Present: Ellevation

In 2019 Varner released her debut EP Ellevation which marked Varner’s first work since Perfectly Imperfect in 2012. The 2019 version of the artist shows nuanced inspirations derived from alternative RnB, indie, and soul, with sprinklings of homages to Jill Scott and Erykah Badu.

Artistry

"I'm definitely addressing feelings of the human experience, such as insecurity, jealousy, sexuality, sensuality, deep love, going out drinking there's just a kind of moment of a full spectrum."

— Varner, speaking on her musical topics.[23]

Varner's voice has been compared to that of British singer Adele containing "soul "with a touch of raspy seduction."[24] She is a mezzo-soprano[25] Varner's debut mixtape contained an "eclectic mix of pop, hip hop, and soul", that contained lyrical content regarding "relationship issues, girl power and fun" as well as being compared to Rihanna and Erykah Badu.[26]

Varner cites rapper Kanye West and soul singer Adele as two major influences noting that she wanted to combine both soul and hip-hop together saying "I only really wanted to combine the best of Hip-Hop and the best of that singer/songwriter soul. So I just picked those two as an example".[23] Elle also draws inspiration from her hometown of Los Angeles commenting on how Los Angeles influences her she said “For me, there’s a nostalgia about L.A., especially West Coast rap, like N.W.A will always be a part of me growing up.”[27] Varner also cites Mariah Carey, Brandy and Monica as influences.[28]

Varner counts Ella Fitzgerald as great influence on her musical style. Commenting on Fitzgerald, Varner said "I just would always listen to her voice and say “Oh my God, how does she do it?” You know it's like she has this enchanting, beautiful voice and I'm very enthused by her."[29]

Discography

Main article: Elle Varner discography
Studio albums
Mixtapes
  • Conversational Lush (2012)

Tours

Headlining

  • The Ellevation Tour (2020)[30]

Supporting

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2013 "Refill" Best R&B Song Nominated

BET Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2013 Elle Varner Best R&B Female Artist[33] Nominated

References

  1. ^ All Music Elle Varner Bio. AllMusic, Retrieved on August 3, 2012
  2. ^ Okomilo, Osh (July 19, 2012). "One to Watch: Elle Varner". Guestlist.net. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  3. ^ California Births, 1905 – 1995, Gabrielle Serene Varner, Familytreelegends.com
  4. ^ RCA's Peter Edge, Tom Corson on the Shuttering of Jive, J and Arista. Billboard.biz (October 7, 2011). Retrieved on 2012-05-24.
  5. ^ "Elle Varner « Elle Varner Website". Elle-varner.com. Archived from the original on November 12, 2012. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
  6. ^ "Elle Varner Can't Believe Interracial Dating is 'Still' Being Discussed | EURweb - Part 1". Archived from the original on July 18, 2013. Retrieved July 24, 2013.
  7. ^ a b c d e f Introducing Elle Varner. Mbkentertainment.com. Retrieved on May 24, 2012.
  8. ^ a b Itunes Elle Varner Bio. itunes.com Retrieved on July 30, 2012
  9. ^ "Elle Varner Signs to Sony Music Publishing". KOAR: The Kings of A&R. October 5, 2011. Retrieved October 7, 2011.
  10. ^ Elle Varner & J. Cole 'Settle Down' in New Video. Theboombox.com (October 4, 2011). Retrieved on 2012-05-24.
  11. ^ 10 Things You Should Know About Elle Varner. Bet.com. Retrieved on May 24, 2012.
  12. ^ "RCA's New Executive Team Named Under CEO Peter Edge Amid Layoffs (Update)". Billboard.biz. August 23, 2011. Retrieved November 24, 2011.
  13. ^ "Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". FMQB. Archived from the original on November 8, 2011. Retrieved November 24, 2011.
  14. ^ [permanent dead link‍] New Music: Elle Varner – ‘Conversational Lush’ [Mixtape]. Rap-Up.com (January 23, 2012). Retrieved on 2012-05-24.
  15. ^ "The Roots & Elle Varner's Whitney Houston Tribute (Video)". 2DopeBoyz. February 12, 2012. Retrieved March 10, 2012.
  16. ^ Elle Varner Lights Up ’106 & Park’. Rap-Up.com (March 29, 2012). Retrieved on 2012-05-24.
  17. ^ Caulfield, Keith (August 15, 2012). "'Now 43' Tops Billboard 200; 16th No. 1 for Series". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved September 9, 2012.
  18. ^ Santiago, Karinah (August 17, 2012). "Chart Juice: Elle Varner Debuts at No. 2 on R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved September 9, 2012.
  19. ^ Kaleidoscope Dream (CD liner). Miguel. RCA Records. 88725-47203-1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. ^ "Elle Varner: 'My New Album Is Unbelievable'". Rap-up.com. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  21. ^ "Elle Varner Announces New Genre... 'Trap Jazz' - That Grape Juice". Thatgrapejuice.net. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  22. ^ "Elle Varner Talks Sexy New Album And Hollywood Dreams Of Playing A 'Crack Whore'". Vibe.com. February 18, 2014. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  23. ^ a b "Elle Varner: StoryTeller". Singersroom.com. November 3, 2011.
  24. ^ "10 Questions for Elle Varner". Rap-up.com. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  25. ^ "Vocal Range/Profile : Elle Varner". Divadevotee.com. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  26. ^ "Elle Varner Album Review – Conversational Lush | WIUX Blog". Archived from the original on February 26, 2012. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  27. ^ "Biggest Influence on Elle Varner's Sound | GoGoMix Junior Magazine". Archived from the original on February 9, 2014. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  28. ^ "Elle Varner | News, Music Performances and Show Video Clips | MTV". Mtv.com. Retrieved March 26, 2020.[dead link‍]
  29. ^ "V Exclusive! Elle Varner on How She Was Discovered, Mixtape and Upcoming Debut Album". Vibe.com. January 25, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  30. ^ "Elle Varner". Ellevarner.com. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  31. ^ "Trey Songz Announces 'Chapter V World Tour' w/ Miguel & Elle Varner". Archived from the original on December 4, 2019. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  32. ^ "Marsha Ambrosius Takes Her Baby NYLA On The Road". December 19, 2018.
  33. ^ "Drake Leads BET Awards 2013 Nominations". Rap-up.com. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
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