Helena Navarita, Feb 2026 Winner of SL Enquirer Open Mic Competition

 One of the really neat things I get to do as a writer here, is to interview some of the really phenomenal musicians who are making a real splash on the SL Music Scene.  Today I’m talking with Helena Navarita, winner of the February SL Enquirer Open Mike Singer – Songwriter competition.  Helena totally blew the judges away with her outstanding performance, and we wanted to let you, our loyal readers, learn more about this amazing musician

Josh (Thomas1.Bellic) (JB)     So Helena, Congratulations on your win.  It was well deserved.   Thank you for agreeing to chat with me.  To begin with, how long have you been performing your music, and at what sorts of venues?

Helena Navarita (HN)     Hello, Thank you.

I've been performing on second life for about 4 years, but I've been involved in creating music for most of my life. I've always focused more on songwriting and composing than being in front of an audience. When I came to second life to sing, not only was performing new, but so was singing the variety of styles. Before performing on sl I sang mostly adult contemporary and country. Now I sing at more jazz and blues venue's than I do country, although I do prefer a mix.

JB)     Who were your music idols, and those who most influenced your musical style?

HN)     Coming from an Italian family there was always music playing. I get my love for variety from listening to my older sister's music, as well as my parents. I loved the Mama's and the Papa's, Carol King, John Denver, and of course The Beatles. Grew up listening to Connie Francis, Mario Lanza, Elvis, Motown, we loved it all. We also lived close to The Circle Star Theater where I got to see live performances of many famous artists of the time.

JB     What was the inspiration for the songs you sang at the contest, and why did you choose those particular songs?

HN)     Very much like the grocery list that never leaves my purse, I honestly will set up a bit of a list and then very rarely even look at it during performance time. It usually comes down to that moment right before I turn on my stream... and look down at my folder of songs and land on one. The second song I did was one of my originals and I really felt it was time to get a response from people that didn't know me. When you perform in front of your own followers, you tend to rely on the positive responses.

JB)     How would you describe the brand that you now represent? To really stand out in the SL Music scene, you have to have something special about your performances. How do you define your music style?

 HN)     I think what makes a lasting impression is more than the music but the connection you make with your audience. By paying attention to the room I can include them in my song choices and participate in the banter that happens between them. My goal with every performance is for people to leave my event feeling like they made  new friend.

Musically speaking, I also really put my energy into the song and allow myself to get lost in the music. When I'm lost in the music I take the listener on the journey with me and for just a moment we get to take a vacation together.

JB)     Are there any truly landmark performances you can recall?  Best Memories performing both in RL and in SL?

HN)     In my rl, most of my memorable moments came from being present when my songs were being performed by other artists on stage. My parents would come with me and share in that excitement. Having that time with them made every time memorable.

In SL every time I get on stage it's amazing and adding to my best memories. I never dreamed I would have a time in my life where I could share my passion for music with people from all over the world and never have to leave my house. I'm singing and writing better now than ever. Singing styles I never thought I could sing. What opportunities we have here in the amazing virtual world.

JB)     How did you take the news when they first announced your name as the winner?

HN)     I am shy... so it was fun but I was nervous at the same time. First time I've ever done anything like this, so it was very special to me. This is one of those more memorable moments!

JB)     Helena, there are lots of budding musicians in Second Life. What have you found it takes to be a successful musician these days?

HN)     Be honest, reliable, and yourself. Don't forget If  you're having fun, so are your listeners, so have fun.

JB)     You’ve been on the grid for over 17 years now.  What advice could you give to someone who wants to be a songwriter?

HN)     That is a short question with a book load of answers. Keep writing about things you know, things you feel, but to be commercial you need to write from a perspective everyone can relate to. Your specific emotional event can't be so personal that you alienate your listener.

Also... lists are a good way to catch the ear. Once, twice, three times a lady. Songwriters use these techniques all the time. Knock 3 times, One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready now go go go! lol

Learn the craft, apply your heart and soul. Know the rules of writing so you know which ones you can dismiss and replace with real emotion.

Writing songs and how long you've been on SL aren't really related to me. I was writing before SL was invented. To connect to SL audience with original songs means to write songs others can related to.

JB)     Do you have any social media sites that folks can visit to see more of you and your work?

HN)     I'm on YouTube 

https://www.youtube.com/@dreamteemmusic1128 

Facebook page under Helena Navarita

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086460817286

These links are in my sl profile.

On my channel are some of my original music compositions as well as children's stories. The music I use in the background of my stories is my own. These are not AI enhanced but me actually playing my piano. The AI that I use is always identified in my song descriptions and has only been included recently to help me with production.

JB)     Do you post your performance schedule for anyone who wants to catch one or more of your gigs?

HN)  I have a google calendar link in my profile.

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=zjunebaby@gmail.com&ctz=America/Los_Angeles

JB)     Is there anything else you would like to share with our SL Enquirer Readers?

HN)     I want to say a big thank to the entire live music community on SL. Without the club owners, and the amazing audience both my lives would be boring. Your time invested is not unseen or unappreciated. I hope I bring enough to the table to make it worth if for all of you.

So there you have it folks, Direst from the Singer herself.  Watch for Helena’s name on Marquees throughout the land, as you will definitely want to catch this amazing act. And when you go, tell ‘em Josh sent ya.  You’ll be glad you did.

Be there.  Aloha!

JB