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Bryson Bridges "Her biggest Fan"

Record companies were watching, too, and before she knew it, she was one of the first artists signed to Justin Timberlake’s Interscope imprint Tennman Records. 
In the summer of 2007, Justin and Esmée began to write songs together. Timberlake also lined up an impressive list of noted songwriters and producers to help. The result is an edgy, soulful pop-R&B set. The first single, “Outta Here” is a hybrid of urban beats,pop lyrics and rock attitude. The playful, doo-wop-laced “Eyes For You,” and the sassy,retro-vibed “Admit It” among others complete her album. Her music can be heard on YouTube and singles purchased on iTunes. “Outta Here” is getting airtime on Radio Disney. “Outta Here” is set for release in the US in January. 

Esmée had just returned last week from Berlin, Germany, where she received an MTV European Music Award. She had just played a show in New York City and was on her way to West Chester, Pennsylvania, in her tour RV when she stopped in Mt. Ephraim to talk to the students. 

Band director, Mary Manion, heard about Esmée through Moxie, a group that helps bring new artists and schools together. “Our proximity and some lucky timing and good old-fashioned enthusiasm brought Esmée to our school,” she says. 

Mary Manion & Esmee Denters

Her newly formed Kershaw School Talent Club helped promote Esmée to the student body by making large banners, putting up posters, playing her songs in the cafeteria and talking it up. “This group is promoting their all-school talent show in March. Having them peek behind the scenes at the life of a real aspiring artist has been an invigorating experience. Though Esmée’s discovery is unusual, she has real talent and is working hard on the road to success. Learning that all artists pay their dues is an important lesson.” 

Photo: Student Council Presents Certificate

After telling her story, Esmée performed three songs for the students with acoustic guitar accompaniment. Her warm, bluesy voice captivated the crowd of students and teachers alike. The Talent Club asked prepared questions which Esmée graciously answered one by one. “Esmée, I’m your biggest fan!” said eighth grader, Bryson Bridges, before he asked her his question. Esmée explained how in the Netherlands English language is heard on television and sub-titled in Dutch. 

When asked, she spoke some words in her native language. She said she may continue on to college someday to study languages. 

She talked about how life on the road was hard and that she missed family, although she loved what she was doing. The Talent Club presented Esmée with a signed t-shirt and hat that said “Jersey Girl” on it. The Student Council officers presented a signed certificate of appreciation and a large tray of local Philly Pretzels for Esmée and her crew. 

At the end, the Talent Club was able to get up-close and personal and had a moment to talk to Esmée backstage. Students were presented with autographed posters. Manion said, “This is an experience the students will remember for a long time and we are grateful to Esmée for volunteering her time to the kids.”  

The Talent Club, Student Council and Rock Band with Esmee