1. WHEN DID THE IDEA TO BE AN ARTIST/PRODUCER BEGIN?
As a young girl, I always loved music. I started singing at a very young age and as soon as I started elementary, I joined school choirs & started playing instruments all the way up til high school. Through ages 13-15, I was posting YouTube covers & had the thought process of being discovered through YouTube or making it onto the x- factor. Eventually this dream slipped out of my hands & I fell deep into my work mode. I started working many different jobs in retail & finance, through these jobs, I learned a lot of entrepreneurial skills & eventually found my way back to music at the age of 21. I am now 23 years old & have released over 20 songs consistency of singles, major features & collaborations.
2. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PROJECT YOU’VE WORKED ON TO DATE?
My favorite project to date is “La Santa”, it dropped on New Year’s Day. (01/01/2022) but I spent most of my early stages in music writing it. Its a 4 track EP consisting of reggaeton sounds with social topics & powerful messages that were inspired by my experience so far in the world of music & entrepreneurship. It’s very special to me because I recorded these songs early on in my music career (which kicked off during the beginning of the pandemic.) I held on to these songs and evolved them to what they’ve become now.
3. CAN YOU ROUGHLY OUTLINE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS – FROM THE BEGINNING OF AN IDEA FOR A PROJECT OR A COLLABORATION TO THE POINT OF COMPLETION?
My creative process is constantly shifting, one day I may be tackling a music video concept while later that night- I’m working on a new song. Typically, I almost always drop some kind of visual with a song. The song will normally come first & I’ll create a video around it once it’s been completed. I like sitting side by side with my producer/ engineer to build the beat together, & from there I’ll have a concept in mind for the song. (Song topic, cadence, hook/ verses & harmonies/ adlibs) I won’t leave the studio until the song has been 100% recorded & roughly mixed. Once it’s complete, we do the car test (for sound) & fix it up from there. Next, I’ll plan a music video around it w/ a marketing plan in place for the record.
4. HOW IS THE REALITY OF BEING AN INDEPENDENT ARTIST/PRODUCER COMPARED TO YOUR EXPECTATIONS OF IT?
As an independent artist, you’re your own manager, booking agent, song writer, creator, marketing planner, finance advisor & so much more! It’s beautiful to be able to have creative control & full ownership of your own projects, but of course- we wear many hats, & it can definitely get challenging between making the proper investments, building quality connections & managing your time correctly.
5. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES AND DIFFICULTIES YOU FACE WHEN STARTING NEW PROJECTS?
Im constantly working on new craft & this is what helps me stay inspired which fuels my creativity. But of course, sometimes I do hit writers block or my creative process can be blurred. This is when I’ll find aspects of my life that I can unleash thru my music & my writing
6. WHAT DO YOU DO TO STAY CALM WHEN A PROJECT IS NOT GOING AS PLANNED?
As an independent artist, often times things may not go as planned, it’s important for me to always remain flexible & open minded with the process/ outcome of a project. When things may be lacking in one area, I’ll focus on what is working & channel more energy towards that, once this area is mastered, I’ll find my way back to the other areas of the project & take it one step at a time, understanding that things will unfold in divine timing. Hard work & patience is key
7. DO YOU HAVE ANY INSIGHTS, TIPS, OR ADVICE FOR SOMEONE LOOKING TO START THEIR MUSIC CAREER AND LOOKING TO GET INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
The best way to learn is through experience, kill the fear & doubt & just go for it. You’ll meet many people along the way so long as you’re putting yourself out there. It’s okay to not be a pro, just take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way & do your research. Learn from those opportunities & continue to apply that to your next endeavor. Through every experience & collaboration, you’ll find yourself more, you’ll find what you’re comfortable with, you’ll become smarter with who to work with & which collaborations match your vision. Create for yourself & let the world fall in love with your creations. Let the world hate on your creations too. That’s perfectly fine! What’s most important is that you love it & that you are proud of it.
8. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
When I first started releasing music, It was a challenge to find performance opportunities. So I took it upon myself to throw a major show case in my city for up & coming artists. I’ve always loved bringing people together & hosting events, this was a major investment (both time & monetary) but I do believe that this event is what brought many many opportunities for me & created a buzz in my name in the DMV area as a music artist.
9. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?
With gratitude, I can now.say that I get to run my beauty bar & my music career full time. When I’m not lashing, styling or booking a client, I’m in the studio, working on a treatment plan or performing/ hosting at a show. Although this is work for me & it can get overwhelming at times, it doesn’t always feel like work, I genuinely love what I do & couldn’t feel anymore blessed. Aside from running my upcoming brand & music career, I love spending time with my friends & family, I love working out, going out to spend time with nature & doing activities like painting, visiting wineries, brunching, & always trying something new!
