Element Everest has been on the cusp of becoming Milwaukee's biggest star for a long time now, thanks to her work with Lovher and Black Elephant. She even had a solo track on the soundtrack to LL Cool J's "Deliver Us From Eva" flick.

The smart, brassy, talented Everest has also conducted interviews for local TV, has emceed events on stage, done voiceover work and is a public relations entrepreneur.

Somehow, during all that, she managed to find time to create, "Life Is A Heist," a sparkplug of a new solo record that features big-name guest appearances, a bevy of talented local collaborators and enough great jams, that it could be the breakthough Everest has been waiting for.

With her name and face seemingly plastered around Milwaukee these days, it seemed the perfect time for a Milwaukee Talks with Element C. Everest...

OMC: Hi Element, can we go back and talk about how you got started in music and entertainment?

EE: I was 5 or 6 and I use to love to sing and my mom always told me how good I was and my uncle sang with me all the time so I decided I wanted to sing like him. I also found out I could get paid to do it.

OMC: When did you know that this was what you wanted to do?

EE: When I used to sing for family and they all were so happy and they enjoyed watching my shows. So, I knew early on.

OMC: Were there role models that you looked up to and drew inspiration from?

EE: Yes, of course, my mother and grandmother. Female hip-hop artists. Salt-N-Pepa, MC Lyte, J.J. Fad, artists like that. My family played a huge part in me wanting to be an artist.

OMC: So the people around you -- family, friends, teachers, etc. -- encouraged you to pursue your dream?

EE: All the time. My mother would always ask, "Do your music but also get a real job." She wants me to pursue my passion but she also understands that "Starving Artist" is not just a saying, it's real life.

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