Can you tell us about your musical background? How did you get started as a singer-songwriter?
I’m mostly a self-taught songwriter. However I did take Music Theory and Composition classes in high school, which definitely helps.
As for singing, I always was in some type of choir in school. My choir experience definitely helps me arrange harmonies in my original and cover songs.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they inspired your work?
I would say Gospel Jazz singer Jonathan Butler is my main influence. However, smooth R&B singers like Brian McKnight and Maxwell are also influences to my sound.
Can you walk us through your songwriting process?
My songwriting process is simple. I sit down, meditate and whatever God wants me to write, that’s what I write.
How do you approach collaborating with other musicians or producers?
I collaborate with mostly instrumentalists, and it’s always a smooth process. My sound is heavily influenced by Jazz music (a genre where singers and instrumentalists are heavily intertwined). The instrumentalists in the jazz genre follow jazzy singers like myself very well.
Can you describe a particularly challenging project you’ve worked on and how you overcame any obstacles?
On my upcoming EP “Dreaming in Emerald City” there is a Latin song titled “Mi Amor” that I wrote. However, since I don’t speak Spanish fluently I worked with my background singer (who speaks Spanish fluently) on pronunciation of the Spanish words. In the end it turned out great though.
How do you balance creativity with commercial viability when writing and recording music?
As an independent artist, I don’t feel any pressure to be “commercial”. I would probably however feel differently if I were signed to a major label where I had to pay back a $1 million advance haha.
Can you talk about your live performance experience? How do you engage with your audience and keep them entertained?
I just sing with my heart, and I go with the energy of the crowd. I’m there to entertain the crowd and I will definitely give them their money’s worth.
How do you handle criticism or negative feedback about your music?
I just brush it off honestly. It’s all art, and everybody will have their opinions on it.
How do you stay on top of emerging trends in the music industry?
I listen to a lot of podcasts on emerging trends in the music industry. I’m on the go a lot and it’s convenient for me to listen to while I’m driving.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or releases you have in the works?
Yes I have an upcoming EP coming out on July 28th titled “Dreaming in Emerald City”.
It is based on the Legendary movies “The Wizard Of Oz” and “The West Side Story”. Stylistically I sing the songs on the EP in a Broadway style mixed with Neo-Soul (for a contemporary twist).
