Can you tell us about your early life and what inspired you to pursue a music career?
Within in my early years just before connecting to music, I was finding myself just like any early 20 year old does I suppose, trying to understand who they are and what their purpose is. Living in London, on Brick Lane for a few years… I finished a BA Hons in International Relations, Peace and Conflict studies, I have always been connected to aiding – due to family heritage and being raised to think about others and what truly matters on political scale, diversity, culture, animals, environmental, and so forth. It sadden me to see how corrupt it is, I didn’t for me have the power in mind to deal with those toxic companies/governments/media – I couldn’t bring myself to work for them, and the need to be rich to be powerful to be helpful – all of it didn’t sit right in me.
So just went to hospitality for a bit, did some modelling, got into my poetry, connected with other creatives and social circles that ultimately led me into an incredible collective of the creative family I have around me now. Who are of a similar mindset.. in regards to wanting to call out the wrongs in this world and be a voice, but in the creative sense. In the tools that we have, I have, to help heal this world and bring awareness.
That was beginning of the journey, as a friend who is my soul sister today, spotted me in my apartment in Brick Lane playing my first song I wrote to them, and they just saw something in me and gave me the confidence to pursue. I owe it to them, and the others that came after, who made me see the light and possibilities that my dreams and inspiration to help and heal wasn’t over because I wasn’t rich enough, or not working for those toxic NGO’s and corruption organisations/governments etc… theres still hope. I knew from my background/past you could say and at that time what I was going through and dealing with – that my voice, or giving a voice to a subject matter is important. Artists carry a unique power, that I think is very overlooked. Which I intend to use wisely, and purse that meaning I feel I am here for.
Could you share some key moments or experiences that have shaped your artistic journey?
There are quite a lot of moments and experiences to be honest, even though last year was my first year gigging and performing. Every show was a moment I held dear, it was truly beautiful seeing how others would connect, and the feelings they would bring up afterwards, just humbling being able to have my art have the effects it has for people, making them feel the warmth they need so to speak. That they aren’t alone. The diversity my music would reach, that really made me feel whole as an artist because I never wanted to limit my sound for one. I believe in all. The artists/bands I shared rooms with/stages/studios – just grateful for the guidance and knowledge I have been blessed with.
At the Festival Of Light (No.13) that was truly meaningful beyond words, near the end of the year in September just before a last few shows of mine. But it was the biggest show I ever had done, and I got to share the stage with my soul brother Steven Young (a.k.a Mr.Nobody) who not only engineers and helps produce my music that has been released, also the original composer of “I’m Getting Off” but I am also a vocalist (sometimes cowrite) on his art (Modern Psychedelic Rock) – so I was performing solo then with him and the band later on, including having to share the stage with my soul sister I mentioned earlier, Jazzi Sirius, as she appears on a track with Steven and I (soon to be released) – so it was a very heart warming and emotional evening (private event with industry, close friends and family).
My general life also, I have mentioned before in conversations that my work and art come from real life, experiences, connections so forth so a lot happened last year and the year prior so the evolution in myself as person as well as an artist was… well it’s definitely shaped me, and pushed my art further into bigger ideas and reaching for dream-like possibilities. I think I truly found the ability to be proud of my art, and myself giving the self love I truly deserve – it hundred percent took me through a storm – I would say all that I have mentioned and more has shaped my journey and I couldn’t be more grateful… even in the dark times, there was light.
How would you describe your musical style, and are there any specific genres or artists that have influenced you?
Style I would say for my own work.. perhaps a emotive soulful folky singer-songwriter, when it comes to it. However my vocals are their own, and I don’t put myself in a box rather grow and evolve with art, and I enjoy working with other artists and likeminded people.
I mentioned this before recently to someone, I have had musicians/artists/bands growing up I was passionate about and still am, but weirdly the more involved I became in my own art, creating/producing and so forth the less I did to others… it was like that when I was a writer/poet from a young age, I enjoyed so much telling stories and the writing itself – but I hardly read books. Even though I would love too, and do adore books. I like to not get effected by what is there, but rather what is in real life or the meaning I am trying to find and connect to when writing, singing etc…
I think its a truly one of the most magical abilities to have connecting to life – I furthered came to realise that the people around me (not the big names), are the ones who inspire and influence me, to be better, do better and be the human I intend to be – going into what I feel deep down to my bones deserves to be written and remembered.
“I’m Getting Off” is a unique title. Can you shed light on the inspiration behind the song and its significance to you?
Firstly it’s a rendition of Steven’s that he wrote when he was 16 and released himself not too long ago. I am beyond humbled to have this song under my name, and for it be somethingI I am responsible for. He’d admirably gave it to me, as he knew it was a song for me as it is a healers song – which on turn healed me in the journey of making, and performing.
It showed me truly what and will forever be important especially for me as an artist, I always envisioned standing up for what is right and to be a voice for what is important, bring awareness and so forth etc..
As an someone who carries a lot of thought, I do feel we (as artists) have a huge responsibility to global and internal matters. This song highlights multitude of topics for me and from what I have heard for others also, which lies the most significant – connection between me and the listener. This song is for the listener, a clear message on the acceptance of life, and whatever difficulties they are facing. I knew the track came from a place of trauma, anger and pain … this is my way of nursing the pain away.
In what ways do you think your music has evolved since the beginning of your career, and what has contributed to that evolution?
I am still very new artist you could say, depending on what your outlook of an artist is… but I am still learning, if I am honest I hope I always am. It’s much more exciting to being open to the possibilities of wonders, and evolving/growing and so forth. Not think that you know everything … truly no one does, they just look like they might do.
You could say I didn’t really know how to play the guitar, my voice wasn’t as strong, my ears weren’t so adapted to the ability of either learning by ear or hearing off tones or notes. I have definitely grown, because my music is me … thats due to my willingness to thrive and throw myself knee deep, risk, shut myself away from the world and sit in it. Acceptance that I am not perfect neither is my art, giving yourself chance for mistakes, in those moments can be the best art. My confidence is higher in conversations and business, I know what I want and how I want it but always open for suggestions if I see where it could fit.
All those parts have contributed to the evolution of my art, and time, space for more… to create even bigger greater things, more meaningful, more powerful – I truly can’t wait to bring what I have in the books to life. When that days comes, I know another is on the horizon. Which I adore!
How do you balance expressing your personal experiences through your music while also creating something that resonates with a broader audience?
That’s a very good question, & that’s actually the key ingredient that I don’t share to often… it’s all in the language, openness, understanding, thoughtfulness and kindness. Like a recipe. Depending on context of my art. How do you speak to yourself? Or your loved one? Or friend? My balance comes from experience of who I am as a person, my diversity, non-binary lesbian, mixed heritage and many lived locations, different level of classed living – I sometimes feel being the artist I am, that the universe made me the human I am to resonate art that can be understood, I feel I have that chance to pass further, broader and help reach wider, further.
What role does technology play in your music-making process, and how do you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the music industry?
I do my very best ignore it I’m afraid, I appreciate it, I listen to artists and the new music being put out. I use the technology to promote as thats the way it works now… as especially as an independent artist, its a must in the navigation area. That’s my only role. It would never play in my music-process. My art is apart of me/my vision and feelings, not the system or the industry. Patience is key, you grind, you push, you work hard like any career you want to succeed in… you don’t give up because you fail, you worker harder if you do. Patience is a virtue I always say. Time lays within it.
How do you stay motivated and inspired as an artist, especially during challenging times or creative blocks?
I have many of those moments and currently exiting one… my motivation and inspired its tricky one to describe because I think everyone is very different, so if people read this searching for advice or wisdom, I will say that you have your own personal experiences… things can be harder for you then they are for others and thats okay. Not many people will ever understand those challenging times or blocks.
What I have done, is allowed myself to feel… I gave myself time, space, putting energy into the simplest of joys – clearing my head forgetting about work (my art/music) detaching from reality, wholesome moments, travel even if its an hours walk, nature even if its a tiny city park… its important to ground yourself as a human.
Because to be truthful, we weren’t built for this world that’s be carved we’re meant much older time. So it’s important to be kind on yourself when you struggling and finding life hard or even a little bit tricky. Take time for you.
How do you handle criticism or feedback on your work, and what role does constructive criticism play in your growth as an artist?
I am grateful for honesty and truth, I gather that as much as possible, especially with my peers and soul siblings I have in the creative hub/family I have. It’s honour to learn from them, and to grow better and wiser and be able to pass on what I know to someone younger its a beautiful thing.
However when there is hate, which I get daily, comments and so forth, emails or messages… my skin is very thick with that style of behaviour or whenever that comes, I come back hitting harder and push myself you could like Rocky running up those stairs. I don’t even blink an eye, I more feel sorry for those people even when I see it happen to other artists. It’s sad thing to do. I hope one day those people better themselves.
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re excited about and can give us a sneak peek into?
So I have spoken a few times on Soho Sessions. Side B, which I have written – not fully finished in production because its a topic I want all resources for and to make it the art that I foresee it to be. There will be many treats within this creation.
For now I am composing my first classical piece, with vocals, featuring my sister to raise money (full profit) towards the ongoing Genocide in Palestina. I’ve writing pieces of music regarding mental health, which I would desire to make also full contribution to specific organisations I have in mind. There’s a few ideas brewing lets say.. and to say I am excited would be understatement.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals as an artist, and how do you envision your musical journey unfolding in the coming years?
My long-time goal I believe I many snuck in a few times in this conversation… reasons as to why I must do what I do, how my pain, how I connect to it, how it can help heal others. As a kid thats truly what I have always ever wanted to achieve in life, was to help and heal this world, obviously started as a VET goes on from there but you get the gist… I envision future me investing my time in wisely, helping raise awareness and funding for programs with my art/creations.
