What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and when did you first realize you wanted to be a musician?
I was honestly inspired by God. I started singing at 3 in the church. I always had a feeling I was supposed to sing. Even when I had other jobs , I always knew it wasn't for me. Music is my passion. It’s my connection . It’s my gift .
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an emerging artist, and how have you overcome them?
Some of the biggest challenges as an emerging artist are one and the most important .. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. BELIEVE IN YOUR SOUND, STUDY YOUR CRAFT, KEEP WORKING AT IT. Second , learning about the music business it’s important ! Learn the game, study the mistakes and successes of your favorite artists , even study the artists you don't like. You can always learn something, never think you're above it. Lastly,staying consistent . There are some days I want to wipe my social media,change my number and just disappear. For me it stems from the fact that I’m not “blowing up” like others that I know. The best advice I got is to be consistent . Keep going,keep creating . What God has for you can’t miss you.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and style?
My biggest musical influences are artists such as Nina Simone, Erykah Badu, Outkast , Ledisi , and Kirk Franklin. But more recently artists like SZA, Kanye , Summer Walker , Chris Brown. They all have miraculous tone and skill. I always take something from these artists and try to learn and make it my own. For example SZA’s tone or Chris Brown’s runs I’ll practice over and over trying to learn a technique and put my own spin on it.
How do you approach the songwriting process, and where do you draw inspiration from for your lyrics and melodies?
My songwriting process starts with the beat . I love production. If I couldn’t sing , I would definitely put all my time into producing . I still might ! But yeah, I start with the beat. I tend to follow a method that all beats mimic our natural vibrational rhythm ,so think of your heartbeat.SO melodies and lyrics are my favorite cause I just ride the beat for melodies and even I'll try to do something that compliments the beat. A cohesive feeling. Lyrics I tend to talk about things I’ve experienced or are currently feeling.
What can listeners expect from your upcoming album or project, and how does it differ from your previous work?
My next project is going to be one for the books. This project I can't say too much but I will say I’m coming raw and uncut. I have a lot to say. ABOUT EVERYTHING. I think in my past projects I was still finding my voice as far as piecing together my experiences . Now it’s like here’s my voice. This is my story.
How has your background or life experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Life for me has been beautiful. I’ve been through so much from mental health to heartbreak, to just full circle and that's what I want my music to show. PROGRESSION. Life is about failing and growing stronger . Over and over. But as long as you grow you will be okay. One of my aliases is “ The Hood Butterfly” because I literally go through metamorphosis constantly. But I’m growing . I'm not the same when I started this back in 2016 and it’s wonderful to look back and see how I’ve grown.
Can you talk about a particularly memorable or inspiring performance you've had, and what made it special?
Yes! I performed for the platform PayDay LA. If you are an artist from LA, you know about PayDay. I was blessed to headline their September show and when I mean I was so blessed ! I always dreamed of doing PayDay and when I got the opportunity I ran with it . Shout out to El Prez !.
What do you hope listeners take away from your music, and what message do you want to convey through your art?
I want to convey that its about growth . Music, life , love it’s about growing ! It’s okay as long as you are growing .
How has the music industry changed since you first started, and how have you adapted to those changes as an artist?
- Growing up ,the music industry actually took the work of a team. The A&R , the writer's,managers, labels everybody needed. Now with apps like Instagram and TikTok , you can be signed with one hit. Albums are no longer the most prized body of work. Your single is. Your single has to go viral and I love and hate it. It's great for some and worse for others . So as an artist I really have to stay true to myself as well as be adaptable. I think a great example is Rihanna . She created a new era for each album and created her own wave.
What advice would you give to other emerging artists who are just starting out in the industry?
BELIEVE BELIEVE BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. Also remain humble . Humbleness is key .