Can you tell us about the origins of your musical journey? What initially inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did you get started?

I was raised by  my grandparents and musically instantly became a safe space for me to deal with my emotions from feeling rejected and abandoned by my parents. My grandfather loved music and so did my grandmother. He was more blues and jazz, and she was more gospel. I remember hearing the choir sing and it became my favorite part of going to church. Music had a way of drawing me in and making me feel free. I started writing poetry and songs by the time I was 11 years old. My grandmother didn’t like for me to listen to secular music so I would stay up at night after everyone was asleep and listen to r&b songs on the radio, often recording the countdown, writing out the lyrics in a notebook and practicing in my bedroom.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your unique sound? Can you share a specific instance where one of these influences had a significant impact on your music?

I am a huge fan of Stevie Wonder, Michaeal Jackson and Whitney Houston.  I have been greatly influenced by artists like Lauryn Hill. I have been a fan of Lauryn Hill for most of life. From listening to her with the Fugees, watching her in Sister Act II and following her solo career, I have always been inspired by her unique talent, her deep lyrical content, and her ability to stay true to who she is. Being both a singer and lyricist, is something that it took me a while to embrace, and Lauryn Hill seemed to merge the two art forms together effortlessly. She’s made some tough career choices to protect her mental health and I admire her tremendously. 

Touring can be an incredible experience. Could you share a memorable tour anecdote that stands out to you, whether it was a challenging moment or an unforgettable performance?When I’m performing in other cities, I always tell myself that I have to bring the energy that I want the audience to give.  Performing in new places and different venues is challenging but necessary to sharpen your performance skills. I remember being extremely exhausted while on a weekend festival run having to drive 4 hours between gigs.  However, once I hit the stage and my adrenaline started pumping, I was ready to go. 

Many musicians have a pre-show ritual to get into the right mindset before hitting the stage. Do you have any special rituals or routines that you follow before a performance, and if so, what’s the story behind them?

I’m usually pretty quiet before my shows.  I like to visualize myself on stage having a great performance.  There’s always rehearsal.  I pray, meditate, and drink hot tea with honey.  Usually the day of a performance, I eat turkey bacon, a boiled egg, and toast.  It has become my go to meal that keeps me energized and light on my feet. I like to get in a good workout, drink lots of water, and get plenty of rest.  

Collaborations can be a powerful creative force. Could you tell us about a memorable collaboration you’ve had with another artist and how it influenced your music or expanded your artistic horizons?

I collaborated with another Chicago producer and songwriter back in 2016 when I was still trying to establish my sound.  He had a lot of experience and became a mentor to me.  The result was a breakout song called “As I Am” which became my most successful song at that time. We went on to create several more songs together. The collaboration really taught me a lot about recording, song structure, vocal performance and preparedness for the studio. 

Over the course of your career, you’ve likely encountered various challenges. Can you share a particularly difficult moment you faced in your musical journey and how you overcame it?

I remember when I was preparing to start recording for my debut project “Deeper”.  I was all set to work with some industry producers with a plan to fly from Chicago to Atlanta to record.  Being a new indie artist, I did not fully understand the financial strain of pursuing a music career.  I would ultimately be unable to fulfill the financial demands of working with such producers.  I felt defeated.  I went back to Chicago wondering how I would finance my project.  I continued to network and was able to find a studio that offered affordable packages for full projects.  I learned a lot in the process and made some new friends that I still work with to this day. 

Your latest album has received critical acclaim. Could you take us through the creative process behind it, from conception to completion, and the overarching themes or messages you aimed to convey?

 I always knew I wanted to release a conceptualized project.  It was just a matter of the right timing.  After my last album “In My Mind”, I felt that it was important to examine the connections we have with ourselves and others and how these connections impact our lives. I began recording the EP at the end of 2020 and worked on it all of 2021.  I wanted to take my time to make sure each song told a story that was necessary to the theme of the entire project. The Connections EP takes the broken pieces that were expressed in “In My Mind” and shows the power that can be gained from using your pain to fuel your purpose. I wanted to get right to the heart of the matter and pierce the soul. I hoped that listeners would be inspired to examine, grow, build, and heal the connections in their lives, whether it be to people, places, habits, or routines. I wanted them to think about their own happiness and be encouraged to take the steps necessary to go from Bad Connection to a Strong Connection.

Touring can be both exhilarating and exhausting. How do you balance life on the road with your personal life and creative process? Any tips for aspiring musicians who are just starting their touring journey?

It’s important to get rest and have a plan. Enjoy the process and know that each city will be different.  Keep your energy up and focus on your performance. While I’m always creating, I usually move in cycles.  There’s a time when I’m writing and recording, a time when I’m doing photoshoots, interviews and appearances, and a time when I’m booked for multiple performances. You have to be able to pivot and prioritize what’s needed in each given season and during times of overlap. 

Every artist has goals and dreams for their musical career. What are some of your long-term goals or aspirations, both in terms of your artistry and your impact on the music industry?

I want to continue to grow deeper in my craft and be bold with my artistry expressing a true representation of self that relates to listeners in a way that inspires, uplifts, and heals.  I want to be an international touring artist traveling the world sharing my music through intimate sets that create a safe space for all who desire to listen.  I hope to impact music in a way that shows that you can be a trendsetter, you don’t have to be cookie cutter.  I want to show that you can stay true to your morals and values and have a voice that is not defined by societal norms, stereotypes, and unrealistic expectations. 

The music industry has undergone significant changes in recent years. How do you see the future of music evolving, and what role do you envision yourself playing in this ever-changing landscape?

The evolution of social media has really been a game changer. On the Con side, the internet has the music industry over saturated and has created a breeding ground for the creation of false narratives. The internet has allowed talent to be replaced with hype. It’s a popularity contest rather than a true display of genuine effort and dedication. 

On the Pro side, the internet has made it easier for artists to get noticed and heard via various social media platforms. When used correctly, it is a great promotional and networking tool that can elevate your music career. I would love to remove the smoke and mirrors that often distract from what’s really going on. I would get rid of the idea of cookie cutter and promote those artists who display originality and have a meaningful message that challenges arbitrary rhetoric and propaganda when it comes to making truly good music.