Can you share your musical journey with us, from when you first discovered your passion for music to where you are today as an independent musician?
My musical journey began at a very young age when I was exposed to the soulful sounds of R&B artists from the 90s. Their music resonated with me deeply and planted the seeds of my passion for music. I was captivated by 90s stars such as Brandy, Monica, Aaliyah, Destiny’s Child and Mariah Carey. However, it wasn’t until high school that I truly discovered my love for music. During that time, I decided to take a leap and started a YouTube channel where I sang covers of my favorite R&B songs. This experience allowed me to not only hone my singing skills but also to connect with a growing community of fellow music enthusiasts who appreciated and encouraged my journey.
In 2011, a turning point in my musical career happened when I recorded my first project, a mixtape named “Full Moon.” with fellow singer Prince Cannon. This mixtape marked my debut as a recording artist and opened up a whole new world of opportunities and challenges. I had to learn the intricacies of the recording process, and had to find my own style.
Since then, I’ve continued to immerse myself in the world of music. I’ve spent years writing and recording my original songs, exploring various techniques, and pushing the boundaries of my creativity. Along the way, I’ve faced setbacks and obstacles, but my passion for music has always fueled my determination to overcome these challenges.
Today, as an independent musician, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made and the growth I’ve experienced. I’ve developed my unique sound and style, and I’m always striving to create music that resonates with my audience on a deeper level. My journey in music has taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, self-expression, and the power of connecting with others through music.
What motivates you to create music, and how do you stay inspired to continue making new and unique music?
I see myself as a student of music. I’m continuously learning and evolving. This includes staying updated with the latest trends in music, especially within the R&B genre. This keeps my sound fresh and relevant while allowing me to build on the rich history of R&B that I grew up on. I’m also inspired to do music because it helps me with life’s toughest challenges. Life is a constant source of inspiration. I take my experiences, good and bad, and transform them into compelling stories. Each new chapter in life offers a fresh source of inspiration, and I embrace it with open arms.
As an independent musician, you wear many hats – from composing to marketing. How do you balance these different aspects of your career, and what challenges do you face in the process?
The key to managing these multiple roles is effective time management. I try to allocate time for writing, recording, and marketing my music. The main challenges I face balancing this career are financial. Sometimes I will come up with an entire marketing plan, but may have to push it back or reschedule to get time to come up with the money to execute my plan.
Could you tell us about your creative process? How do you come up with new ideas for songs, and how do you go about turning those ideas into finished tracks?
Life experiences are at the core of my creative process. When I’m faced with a powerful emotion, whether it’s happiness, sadness, love, or frustration, I often find myself inspired to write a song in the moment. This allows me to capture the intensity of the emotion and translate it into lyrics and melodies. My creative process isn’t limited to personal experiences. Sometimes, a great beat or instrumental track from a producer can be an immediate source of inspiration. When I hear a track I really love, it often sparks ideas for lyrics and themes for my music. I believe that inspiration can strike at any moment, so I try to be prepared. I often use my phone to capture these initial ideas of creativity. Voice notes and apps like BandLab are handy tools for quickly recording melodies and lyrics that come to mind. This is so I don’t lose the idea. To bring the song to its final form, I take it to the studio. I collaborate with my engineer and producers who help me record and produce the track. They help me refine the sound and bring it to life.
Independent musicians often face financial challenges. How do you manage your finances to sustain your music career while also covering your personal expenses?
Maintaining a regular 9-5 job has been a crucial aspect of my financial stability. This provides me with a steady income that allows me to cover my personal expenses, including rent, bills, and everyday living costs. It also serves as a safety net that ensures I have a stable financial foundation. Being an independent artist can be extremely expensive. To overcome this challenge, I’ve cultivated a network of professionals, including photographers, videographers, audio engineers, and other creatives who are not only talented but also willing to work within my budget. These connections enable me to produce high-quality music and visual content without breaking the bank.
Can you share a particularly memorable or challenging experience from your journey as a musician that has had a significant impact on your career and personal growth?
The most challenging experience was having to re-record an EP due to a hard drive cash. Losing an entire project was a heart-wrenching experience. I had invested a significant amount of time, effort, and creative energy into those songs. When my engineer’s hard drive crashed, I was devastated to take such a loss. It took a complete emotional toll on me. However, the loss of these songs showed me the significance of taking ownership of my music. It taught me the importance of maintaining control over my sessions, files, and recordings. I now keep my own hard drive and regularly back up my work, so such a loss doesn’t happen again in the future. In the process of re-recording the project, I grew as a musician and artist. I was able to revisit the songs and upgrade them.I approached the songs with a fresh perspective, incorporating new ideas and techniques that I had learned since the original recording. The result was a project that I was even more proud of.
With the rise of digital platforms, the music industry has changed significantly. How do you navigate the digital landscape, including streaming services and social media, to promote your music and connect with your audience?
I make sure to have a strong presence on popular streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. This includes creating artist profiles, regularly updating content. My most popular social media platform is Youtube. I try to upload a cover every few months as well as original music and music videos. I heavily rely on Instagram and twitter to promote my music to my followers. Playlisting is also something I’m trying to learn to navigate better. I actively pursue playlist placements on streaming platforms. This involves submitting my music to official and independent curators, enhancing the visibility of my tracks and reaching a broader audience.
Collaboration is a key part of the music industry. Have you worked with other musicians or producers, and how have these collaborations influenced your sound and career?
Collaboration has been a huge part of my music journey, and I have had the privilege of working with a group of talented individuals throughout my career. I’ve worked with fellow singers Tiffany Evans, Johndrea, and Erva Carter, and each collab has been a transformative experience. Each of these artists brings their unique vocal style, perspective, and creativity to the table. Collaborating with them has expanded my vocal range, challenged me to explore new harmonies, and introduced fresh vocal dynamics into my music. Collaborations with accomplished songwriters like Prince Cannon and Duntea Davis have been instrumental in enhancing how I write music. They help me find my pocket, and add a great perspective. Working with them really elevated my songwriting skills. My producers have played a pivotal role in shaping my music. I’ve gotten to work with talented individuals like Lab Ox, Lpsy, and Dee Scyp who have not only contributed to the production of my tracks but have also played a crucial role in defining my sound.
Your music likely reflects your unique style and perspective. Could you describe your musical identity and what makes your sound stand out in a crowded industry?
My music’s ability to pay homage to the golden age of R&B while remaining fresh and contemporary gives it a timeless appeal. It caters not only to those who hold fond memories of that era but also to new generations who appreciate the soulful essence of R&B. I bridge the gap between the past and the present by infusing my music with current trends and sounds. By doing so, I keep my music accessible and exciting for a diverse audience while maintaining a strong connection to the past. Regardless of the musical backdrop, authentic storytelling remains a constant in my music. My songs continue to tell relatable and heartfelt stories, drawing listeners to make emotional connections to my music. I have had women message me to tell me how much my music has gotten them through really difficult times. Those types of conversations are what keep me going.
What role does live performance play in your music career, and how do you approach planning and executing your live shows, especially in light of recent challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic?
Live music has played a huge part in improving my stage presence and vocal abilities. Participating in live bands and open mic nights in Houston allowed me to collaborate with fellow musicians and grow as an artist. This networking helped me build relationships within the music community. These relationships came in handy when planning my own live performances. I usually contact the musicians I met at open mic nights to play for me. To draw an audience to my live shows, I utilize social media as a powerful promotional tool, especially Instagram and Eventbrite. I create event pages, share sneak peeks of rehearsals, and engage with my followers to generate interest. Additionally, I collaborate with local venues to promote the event and maximize its reach. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted live performances. I have adapted by shifting my focus to online platforms like youtube and instagram live to showcase my performances. Although I don’t perform in person as frequently, I redirected my efforts to share more cover performances and original music online. Live streaming became a valuable way to stay connected with my audience during this time.
Many fans are interested in the stories behind the songs. Could you share the backstory or inspiration behind one of your recent tracks that holds special meaning to you?
My latest song, Silence was inspired by me wanting to reconnect with a person who was upset with me for saying something out of pocket. Sometimes we don’t realize the severity of our words until we are met with silence from the person we offended. I wrote this song as a plea and a hope for forgiveness. This song means so much to me because I wrote it with such raw emotion.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations as an independent musician? Are there any upcoming projects or exciting developments in your career that you’d like to share with your fans and the audience?
My main goals are to secure sync placements and to secure songwriting credits. This opens up opportunities for my music to be featured in films, TV shows, commercials, and other media. It not only provides exposure but also adds another dimension to my work. I would also like to write music for other artists. Right now I’m working on a new EP set to be released in 2024. This EP will be a completely different sound than my last project and I’m super excited to show my supporters my growth. In the meantime, I’ll be releasing more videos from my last EP very soon.
