From Estelle…

I had a very long and winding journey before landing in this land of dream, California, and since then all has become coherent and birthed into this music and texts : The Road of the Soul, from where comes the EP : My Name is Freedom.

I have always been lead by the same Light, Fight, Fire, and Survival energy, That music offers to us, this inextinguishable call has never left me, even against all.

I sing and write about and for what I have always been called to : Freedom, Justice, Truth, and My People.

I hope to spread some Light with this work, giving back some of the amazing beauty

That I receive from the People here in the Bay.

About Estelle...

To know Estelle's story is to understand the inextinguishable fire burning in her music. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes , Estelle has taken the perilous ascent from rock bottom, and used the story of her life to create an empowering experience with her music. Estelle's vision has now burst into life with My Name Is Freedom, her debut EP, the fruit of a challenging journey to the land of dreams, California.

Estelle learned early on that music provided refuge from a life harrowed by oppression and violence, where her voice was silenced and her speech stolen. She was first rescued by the piano, which she learned to play at age 5. Music continued to provide escape as she studied the saxophone and became an avid dancer, before she truly found her voice at 26 when she began formal opera training.

Her passion for music, the inspiration she found from frequent visits to South Africa and her eventual move to the U.S. set the stage for the songs she writes today.

As soon as she moved to California’s Bay Area in 2013, she knew she belonged. Oakland’s energy, its diverse population and the absence of prejudice and judgment among people of so many backgrounds and cultures energized her, suggesting the name by which she is known today: Estelle California. “California is the home the family the love I could have ever dream of having. I will be forever grateful I met you, California.”

Estelle is a passionate artist, musician, writer and activist dedicated to shining the Light of resilience and and bringing forth social healing throughout the world.

Inspired by the musicianship of Nina Simone and invigorated by her new home, Estelle’s new songs affirm an unfettered spirit against all forms of abuse and oppression led by a spiritual calling . With one hand, Estelle reaches downwards and back to her own beginning, to the soil of France, to the bruised and branded past; with her other hand, she reaches up to grab the moon, the stars, and all the promises of California.

Estelle speaks out for those who have lost their voice to their oppressors. Through her music, she is becoming a shining light that inspires others to quit the darkness and find the courage to rise up in the face of adversity, overcome their fears and achieve their dreams.

“ As my songs empowered me, I hope they will inspire those who feel oppressed to realize their true strengths, to find their voices and have faith in a better tomorrow.”

"This EP goes a long way to prove that Estelle is the artist the world has been waiting." Broken8records

Amazingly, tracks like Black Is The True Light was written by Estelle within minutes. Estelle’s songwriting expertise is a direct result of her hard work ethic and love for humanity. As a motivating force in both r&b and pop music, Estelle continues to astound the music upon the release of her new album titled My Name Is Freedom, a true masterpiece for the post-modern era. Warlock Asylum International News

"Estelle California spans a massive tone range and makes singing seem so easy with sudden note changes, with packing the voice with soul while in the next second making it seem fragile and vulnerable. The versatility of the vocals is an absolute thing of beauty, even the french accent involved is adding a mysterious and sexy glow to the tune." KMS Reviews

“Star” is an outspoken song of human empowerment that reflects Estelle’s deep commitment to advocating for the overlooked and oppressed among us. It’s built on a slinky, mid-speed groove that perfectly supports Estelle’s intense lyricism and emotive vocal approach. She draws much inspiration from the iconic Nina Simone and displays the same type of social concern as the legendary singer. Estelle makes music with a clear spiritual calling to it that comes from knowing the effects of oppression firsthand. “Star” is a compelling and entertaining track that succeeds on all levels. Make it part of your world. “ Mike O'Cull