Rising Teen Star Paula DeAnda Breaks Through With Two Hits

Rising Teen Star Paula DeAnda Breaks Through With Two Hits: “Doing Too Much” and “Walk Away”

By Dale Kawashima

Paula DeAnda

In the past year, 17-year-old singer/artist Paula DeAnda (who is from Corpus Christi, TX) has made a solid impact on the Billboard pop charts, scoring two Top 40 hit singles. She had her first hit with her independent radio release “Doing Too Much (featuring Baby Bash), which led to her landing a deal with Arista Records. Then she followed up with her second hit, “Walk Away (Remember Me)” (featuring The DEY). Both songs are featured on her debut album Paula DeAnda, which was released last August (2006).

At a time when many pop artists get their break by winning American Idol or other TV talent contests, DeAnda did it the more traditional, music biz way – getting radio airplay and then attracting the attention of major labels. In a new interview, DeAnda discussed how she got started with her music, and how she teamed up with rapper Baby Bash and producer Happy Perez to record “Doing Too Much.” She also recalled how she met with several labels before deciding to sign with CEO Clive Davis at Arista Records. In addition, she talked about her current success, and how she is looking to develop her songwriting and get into acting.

DeAnda was both in San Angelo, TX, and her family moved to Corpus Christi in 2002. She began working with various musicians and producers in the area, and recorded some rough demos. Then in 2005 she got her first break, when she submitted her demos to Ed Ocanas, program director for KZFM radio station in Corpus Christi. Ocanas was impressed with her demos, and soon after signed DeAnda to a management contract.

Ocanas quickly began promoting DeAnda, positioning her as the opening act on the Corpus Christi Bayfest concert (in front of 20,000 people), which featured Nelly, Akon, Frankie J. and Baby Bash. Ocanas also encouraged DeAnda to record “Doing Too Much,” a song she had co-written with Baby Bash. “I originally did a rough demo of ’Doing Too Much’ at a little studio, and then I played it for Ed (Ocanas),” explained DeAnda. “We then recorded a full version of the song, we released it to radio, and it took off!”

“Doing Too Much” not only received local airplay, but quickly got national play, reaching #36 on the Radio & Records rhythm chart in early 2006. At this point the major labels took a serious interest in DeAnda, which led to her showcasing for five labels. “Ed and I went to many different labels, but it was Clive Davis who wanted me the most,” she said. “It was in his office that I did a showcase – auditioning for him and other label execs.”

DeAnda subsequently signed with Arista, and began working with prominent A&R exec, Steve Ferrera, who is known for his work with American Idol stars Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken and Fantasia. Ferrera hooked up DeAnda to collaborate and record with such top writers & producers as Ne-Yo, Stargate (Mikkel Eriksen & Tor Erik Hermansen), Frankie J. and Diane Warren. It was Ne-Yo and the Stargate duo who teamed up to write DeAnda’s hit, “Walk Away (Remember Me)”.

The end result is the 13-song album Paula DeAnda, which is an appealing collection of pop melodies supported by modern, hip-hop grooves, and of course showcasing DeAnda’s impressive, soulful lead and harmony vocals. There are several other songs on the CD which are potential singles, including “Easy,” which is a personal favorite of DeAnda’s. “I really like ‘Easy’, which I co-wrote,” she said. “I heard the beat first, and then I came up with the concept. Another favorite of mine is ‘Footprints On My Heart’, which is like a Toni Braxton song.”

With two hit singles already to her credit, DeAnda is excited about her current success, and she’s looking forward to further developing her career. “I would like to get into acting – I’m looking for roles now. I’m also planning to do more songwriting on my next album (she co-wrote four songs on her debut CD).”

Lastly, when asked what message she wanted to convey with this interview, she said, “I want to stress that I appreciate everyone’s support, from both the industry (label, management, radio) and the fans. It’s just the beginning of my career, and I’m trying to grow as an artist – I’m enjoying the ride.”