Could you share the story behind your latest song and what inspired its creation?
Slow Burn Was inspired by the fiery energy I was feeling at the time. I wanted to take note of the aliveness I was experiencing and put it on wax, inspiring listeners to get curious about their own fire within.
How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?
My creative process evolves as I do, but something that is consistent is the way I utilize songwriting and music to deepen the relationship with myself and the world around me. I often refer to nature, elements, and emotions in my music. I consider these things to be mirrors, it is a beautiful way to look at different parts of myself.
As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?
I don’t think about this too much. For me, I know what works best in the long run is just being true to myself. If I remain authentic, that frequency will attract everything that is meant to align with me.
What do you find most challenging about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
My biggest challenge as an independent artist is having the capital to operate at the level my art deserves. I have no label dollars funding my projects or tours, and as you can imagine it is not cheap.It is my connection with supporters and community that keep me going.
Can you talk about your experiences collaborating with other artists or musicians? How does it influence your creative process?
I do not collaborate often, the creative process is very sacred to me, it is my medicine. When I do collaborate I prefer it to be with artists who are in different lanes of the creative realm. I find myself very inspired by dancers and visual artists.
What role does technology and social media play in promoting your music and connecting with your audience?
Social media, specifically Instagram has been an avenue for me to share my creative expression on a consistent basis and I am thankful for that. You never know who you are going to reach and inspire, for that reason it is a tool that I value. Outside of that, I am not very tech savvy and prefer real life engagement and interaction. Nothing can ever replace being in person, connecting with others.
Are there any particular artists or genres that have had a significant impact on your musical style?
I grew up listening to Whitney Houston, Sade, Earth Wind & Fire…Blues, funk, gospel, rock, hip hop, classical, pop everything! I am thankful to have been exposed to a variety of music as a child because it created this fusion within me. My influences are vast and if you listen closely, you can tell. I do not claim to have a “style” because I find that attaching yourself to a style can hinder your creativity. I want to be an open channel for pure creative flow.
Indie musicians often have a close relationship with their fanbase. How do you engage with your fans and build a dedicated community around your music?
My fans are folx who are deep thinkers and adventures. They have a deep connection to my lyrics and that means the world to me! I love when they send me their favorite lyrics from a song, or something I said on stage that resonated in their hearts. We talk often on social media and I also have a newsletter to keep everyone up to date.
Could you describe a memorable live performance experience or tour that has had a lasting impact on you and your music?
Every live performance has a lasting impact on me. It is ceremony. My absolute favorite thing to do is ask the crowd to sing with me, a call and response. Everyone’s voices together is medicine. For a couple moments we are united in the same frequency, and it is unbelievably powerful. There is nothing like it.
In an era of streaming platforms, how do you feel about the changing landscape of music consumption and its impact on independent musicians?
Believe it or not, I feel that things are beginning to collapse so they may change for the better. We are at a pivotal point in the world, and it is leading us back to communal practices that are more supportive of the artist and creativity in general. It will be messy, as all major transitions are, and it won’t happen overnight, but we are on our way. Remember the Future!