Enisa started only last year putting up covers on her YouTube and Instagram and has already gained quick traction.  She is now signed with (Bobby Gutierrez, Wilhelmina Models) and is in the works of releasing her own music.

Interview and photography by Lauren Engel

Tell us about your upbringing
I grew up in Brooklyn. Brooklyn is kind of in a world of its own. There are so many different kinds of music. When I was growing up there i wasnt just pop– christine aguilera, britnery spears, i was also biggie, tupac, i grew up listening to jay z, kanye, i was listening to pop, i was incluenced by hiphoip then reggae came in and theres so many different types of music that has been inspired by growing up. even going back to frank sinatra era or nina simone, i was listening to all of that from a pretty young age because of growing up in brooklyn, theres are so many different people who influence you there, there are so many sounds, you get influened

What did your parents listen to while you were growing up?
My parents were born in Montenegro. My dad came here when he was my age so my parents and I grew up listening to Albanian music, I’m full albanian. Aside from listening to Albanian, I had to discover music by myself, whether it was from school, on the street or watching TV. Brooklyn is so diverse that you grew up listening to all different types of music everywhere.

Where do you get your creativity from?
It’s funny because no one in my family has anything to do with music. I’m the only musician but my mom likes to draw and do artwork. Music just came out of nowhere–it grew in me and I found a love for it when I was listening to Frank Sinatra, Nina Simone, Justin Timberlake. That’s what I grew up listening to. I live in a family filled with athletes, both my brothers play basketball. I’m the only music person so its pretty crazy; I don’t know anyone in my family who does music.

How is your relationship with your parents?
Whatever I wanted to do, I had support from my parents. For singing, ever since I was little child, my parents encouraged me to go for my passion. If it wasn’t for their support, I don’t know where I would be today. They’re a support system for me and there for me when I need them.

How did you start on YouTube and singing covers?
Actually last summer was when I put out my titanium cover, which is my first Youtube cover. One of my friends is a photographer and he wanted to get into doing videos. We were friends from high school and we decided to do this together and see what happens. He did the lighting and we both directed it. I knew how I wanted the video to look and he gave great input. It turned out the way it did and I was ecstatic about the outcome. I put it out into the world and everything happened.

Did you have a push behind you or was it all natural growth?
It was organic, everything happened organically. I put it out, pages started sharing it, word starting growing, and people started telling each other. Sharing is everything in this world. That’s how everything works nowadays. I owe it to the media. Everything is on social media, you put it out and hope it’s going to be heard.

“I dont have a mentor, everything is coming from me. I know myself the best.”

Why did you decide to be managed by Wilhelmina instead of a record label?
Wilhelmina found me. They are the most amazing people, great quality group, interested in developing my career and being a support system for me.  I had label interest but I wanted to slow it down and make sure. I didnt want to rush into anything. I felt that signing with Wilhelmina was the right thing to do at this time. They are the right people to be with and slowly start as the labels begin coming to me. I also have two music managers who help me out with the music side. They reached out to me on social media.  Everyone reached out to me on social media. Wilhelmina represent me as an artist; they represent my brand image. It’s cool to have them aboard so early on before I have my own songs.

Do you do music full-time?
I’m a student and I also do music. It’s been a a break in January so I had it off. I go to brooklyn college; I’m a marketing business student. I’m handling all three–shoots, music and school. I’m a multi tasker.

Do you think you will continue to be able to multi task?
I think I’m gonna continue doing that until I get my degree. I’m a sophomore. That’s what I plan to do and what i hope to do. But everything is in gods hands. My parents are supportive of it going either way.

Who do you aspire to be?
Amy Winehouse and now Adele, these are some of the huge influences on me.

Do you have a mentor?
I dont have a mentor, everything is coming from me. I know myself the best. I know when there’s a right feeling so I go with what my gut tells me. My gut instinct told me to go with Wilhelmina. Your gut tells you when you let something pass. I just leave it all to the gut instinct and feelings.

How do you choose the covers that you do?
The songs that I have done are songs that I really love. They are amazing songs both lyrically and great songs to show off your singing to. They also happen to be songs that a lot of people love so they listen to my covers which is great. The most important element is if I can put emotion into it.

Do you think you will do more covers or you will start putting out your own music?
Right now I’m just working on my own music. I’m just writing and writing in the studio everyday and hoping to keep doing that until I find the right songs to put out in the world. But I feel bad to keep my supporters waiting without content so every few months I’ll put out a cover to give them something to watch or listen to until I come out with my stuff.

What’s your fashion style inspiration?
I love fashion, especially growing up in New York City. It’s the fashion capital of the world, so I’m influenced just by walking down the street in Soho, or on 5th avenue. I just get influenced by so many people. Style wise I look up to Victoria Beckham. I would say my style is classic but also boyish chic.

What is your hair inspiration?
Yes, I usually do the top bun myself most of the time. The bun is something I started doing towards the end of high school and I thought it suited me the best. I have a lot of hair so I don’t like it in my face so I keep it tied up and it became my signature look. I like it and i feel confident in it so I try to rock it.