What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
Some of the best childhood memories were always surrounded by music—all kinds of music filled our home—classical, jazz, contemporary, rock—you name it- from the moment I woke up until dinner time when my parents would routinely blast Frank Sinatra and we would dance around the kitchen.
Introduce us to you and your musical history.
Lots of music education, basically. Piano lessons started at 3, then singing in school choirs and performing in musicals, summers at Interlochen Arts/Music Camp, music conservatory in NYC.
As a born and bred New Yorker, I started playing the NYC live music club circuit marathon -all the legendary live music clubs- as well as any place I could get in to.
Before the pandemic hit, I had a really powerful, turning point moment happen to me in my musical life. I got the opportunity to do a blind audition at BBKings in New York to potentially open up for George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. When I rocked up for sound check, a member of Pfunk was filming my soundcheck. Moments later, we found out that George had seen the video and said put this band on at my time for the full house and give them a 45 minute set. That night was insane! We went on for a packed BBKings in Times Square. The next day we got a call from the booker and he said George is offering you to come join his show in Washington DC. We jumped at the opportunity. Wild! That show went so well, the opportunity door opened again to join his Mardi Gras Tour of 45 cities.
Two years later, unbelievable —- I had been performing before the legend George Clinton, for over 150 shows and two world tours! It was truly one of the greatest experiences. I am forever grateful that George believed in me and gave me my big performance break.
Name your 3 favorite albums.
Led Zeppelin II , Annie Lennox “Diva”, Fleetwood Mac “Rumours”
What was the first song that you heard that steered you into a music path?
I will never forget the first time I heard Annie Lennox and the song “walking on broken glass “. I had a flood of emotions come over me like a wave. I was a kid when I heard the song. Her vocal range was so jarring and beautiful. That androgynous sound would stay like a stamp in my mind forever. Truly brilliant .
The music industry is the hardest industry in the world to progress in, how do you feel you are doing?
I try to look at my own mile markers—personal dreams and goals I have set for myself. There are always gonna be ups and downs and bizarre turns that at the time you don’t know what they mean so for me, staying true to my own voice and my core aesthetic and keeping it in the forefront of my mind at the same time I maintain an open mind to create. If I feel like I’m in the flow with those things, then I’m winning.
I’m seeing a lot of debate about women not feeling safe at music gigs, any thoughts on what we need to do to help?
I think just keep building awareness in the industry at large—as tough as that can be at times. And on the road, taking care in your group—watch out for each other and keep boundaries backstage.
As you develop as an artist and develop using socials, in what ways do you get new ears on your music? Any tips?
Well … it’s been my first year of entering into the Tik Tok world. It’s so ever-changing really but I think if you just have the courage to explore and have no ego while doing it – then who knows what’s possible. It’s so crazy right now cause we really do have direct access to humans— where we can take followers and audiences behind the veil and have this open artist communication—something I’m in the process of doing. I have definitely got some new eyes and ears through that platform. Keeping it fun. Keep it positive.
Tell us two truths and a lie about you.
I am a mother of two girls. I live in California. I have 5 Bulldogs .
What are your thoughts on Spotify’s monopoly on the music industry?
Like any of these platforms when used in the right way it can be a beautiful thing- when used incorrectly it can be the scariest thing in the world.
Do you sign up for any conspiracy theories?
I do not.
Did you buy anything you don’t need during the pandemic?
During the pandemic, I wanted to cook pastries and pies! I bought so many cooking books – overkill!
What was the worst experience on stage?
A show in New Orleans we lost complete sound on stage and front of house … literally no sound for like 2 minutes which felt like an eternity!
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about?
I really love waking up early before both my kids get up and getting a cup of coffee and then meditating outside on the ground. I actually prefer it if I can find some grass to sit on. I love being in touch with nature. Super grounding.
I hear you have new music, what can you tell us about it?
I have a new single that dropped on Valentine’s Day! It’s called “Lovin In The Afternoon”! It’s a feel good, rock-n-roll jam about being in control of your own destiny with love. Whether that be for a one night stand (or afternoon wink).
Walk me through the process of the new song.
I wrote this song with my producer and co-writer Esjay Jones . We started with the guitar riff that is the chorus of the song and then the rest of the song just poured out and presented itself. It was our last track we wrote on the album.
What was the recording process like?
Esjay and I actually lived together for a few nights a week every week for about three months writing this album . Once we wrote the album we then demo-ed up the songs and sat on them for another month or so making little tweaks here and there. Once we felt good, we then locked out Revolver Studios out here in Cali for two weeks and recorded the full album. We had amazing musicians tracking all the instruments live so that it really lived in a sort of 70’s soundscape, but live and not manufactured—generic!
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new song?
It was really special to take so much time with these songs and really marinate on each song, the lyrics, the melody and the message.
Would you change anything now that it’s finished?
Not at the moment as it’s still so fresh !
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
I hope people enjoy my music because I’m super grateful to keep turning it out!
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