What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and when did you first realize you wanted to be a musician?
- My earliest influence was Michael Jackson, and I knew I wanted to be a singer since I was about 3-4 years old. I would stand up in the living room and perform to his music with my purple mic and stand.
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an emerging artist, and how have you overcome them?
- Getting out of my own head has been the biggest challenge so far. That and of course having money to fund my music career. But these days, there are so many free ways to showcase your music, so as long as I remember that I can quiet my inner critic. I enjoy meditation, yoga and journaling to help me process it all.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and style?
- My biggest influences are definitely Nicki Minaj and Tamar Braxton. Both are strong independent women that have a drive, passion and big personality that matches my own, so they give me hope that I can press on and accomplish my wildest dreams even within a male-dominated industry. I am the Heaven-sent Hellraiser and the RnB monster. I deliver the nuances of pain, love, and life through sultry ballads, quick-witted rants, and dynamic music to the RnB genre.
How do you approach the songwriting process, and where do you draw inspiration from for your lyrics and melodies?
- I approach songwriting from a variety of ways. Before I had experience in relationships I would look to film/media and write from the perspective of whatever character/scene was shown. As I grew into my womanhood, I pulled from my own experiences and the environments I experienced. These days I use a combination of both, sometimes making a beat first to write to and other times creating music around a voice memo I've recorded from an idea in my brain.
What can listeners expect from your upcoming album or project, and how does it differ from your previous work?
- My upcoming project is my debut EP, entitled Bittersweet Addictions Vol 1. It's a coming of age story about the nuances of our first relationships, which can often be confusing and more often than not unhealthy. I am quite literally haunted by these songs because of the emotions and time period it captured in my life, so to be able to release them to the world exorcises my heart and allows me to heal. All while helping others who may feel the same way I did.
How has your background or life experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
- My parents, the music they played, and their divorce is probably the biggest life influence that inspired my music. It put relationship dynamics and my desire for a career on the forefront.
Can you talk about a particularly memorable or inspiring performance you've had, and what made it special
- One memorable performance that I had was when I was in 5th grade. I sang an original song called "Dreams of a Star" at the Douglasville Courthouse. It was special to me because I had just moved there after my parents' divorce and Douglasville back then was a not so friendly place for minorities, so my expressing my dreams in front of people that had prejudices and preconceived notions about me was empowering even as a young child.
What do you hope listeners take away from your music, and what message do you want to convey through your art?
- I hope listeners are able to process their emotions when listening to my music, and know that no matter how lonely or isolated they feel they aren't alone. I hope through my art people learn to love themselves, and understand that you can do anything you put your mind to. Be passionate. Be yourself, and when times get tough know that it can't rain forever.
How has the music industry changed since you first started, and how have you adapted to those changes as an artist?
- Growing up, I saw the music industry put an unfair amount of control on artists and their creativity. I was hellbent on not being controlled, so I never wanted to be a part of talent showcases like American Idol. I knew I was smart enough and persistent enough to figure it out on my own. I am thankful that now the industry is changing rapidly to put artists first, and with the rise of crypto and Web3 music I am able to build a direct relationship with my supporters without interference or input from money hungry people.
What advice would you give to other emerging artists who are just starting out in the industry?
- I would say trust in yourself. Trust in yourself enough to know that you will make the best decisions for you with the information you have. Your mindset is everything. Even when the world tries to count you out, never ever count yourself out. There are humans that are waiting to hear you and support you, no matter how quirky or outcast you feel. Your time will come as long as you keep pressing forward. If something doesn’t feel right you are not obligated to do it. Never let a label or person for that matter pressure you into terms you don’t feel are right for you. You can make it without a big label behind you. Have faith and a great work ethic and you'll thrive.
CHARISSE SKY'S SPOTIFY
