pic credit: @ogjayp
You are definitely making waves in the industry. What inspired you to pursue a music career?
I’ve always loved singing and writing poetry, which eventually turned into writing songs. When I would need to talk about my feelings, I would always just write songs. It became my therapy, it feels so healing to make music. That love hasn’t died.
How would you describe your musical style as an artist?
Soul/Pop music with r&b and jazz influence. I guess that’s how I’d put it in words, but you gotta listen to really know the vibe.
What artists do you look up to right now?
I’ve been cooking a lot lately during this quarantine and I’ve been listening to a lot of Billie Holiday jazz. I always love SZA though, she always hits.
Any fun things in the works for your music career?
I’m getting ready to release an EP starting with a single coming out in September/October. I’m so excited about this release, it’s been the most fun project to date. My team and I have some music videos we pre-filmed that are coming out as well.
What’s your favorite music style?
Jazz really does something to me. It always has and it always will.
You have also made a name for yourself in the acting world. How did your passion for acting start?
It started younger than music actually. I grew up loving films, I watched them all night long when I was supposed to be sleeping. I grew up doing a lot of theater as well so I feel like it’s always been in my bones.
What actor/actress are you influenced by?
I love Rachel McAdams, Zendaya, and Natalie Portmann. They are always apart of projects that are extremely well done and they always commit on levels thats breathtaking. I also, in general, love watching women. I love seeing a woman’s experience.
What’s been your favorite role to play?
I starred in the film “Sweet 16” playing Lily. That was by far some of the most mentally challenging acting I’ve ever done. I had to dig deep to some personal trauma to access those specific emotions. I was completely exhausted for a week after filming that project. My favorite part about it was how informative the entire experience was. I learned about the reality of human trafficking. Now, spreading awareness about child sex trafficking and the work of organizations like the Child Rescue Coalition is a huge passion of mine. I’m grateful to have gotten to play Lily.
What was an average day like for you?
One of my favorite parts of the day is my morning routine where I work out, meditate, journal, clean up, and have a cup of iced coffee. It gives me the best energy in the morning, it sets me up for a great day. Then I work on some music or whatever projects I have going on all day. At night, I watch a show with a face mask on. I’m a social person, but I am also a home body and love being in my space.
Are there any other projects in the works you can tell us about?
I’m very excited to be also writing for a lot of other amazing artists like Aliyah Moulden, Mauria, Gabby Neeley, etc. Their music is gonna be coming out this year or early next year and I’m so stoked about that.
What are your friends and parents’ thoughts on your career in singing and acting?
I’m so insanely lucky to have the most supportive people surrounding me. Sometimes I’ll be on Spotify just listening to music and see on my friends list that my family or friends are listening to my songs. My mom comes to every single show, my friends help make music videos/artworks, and everyone around me shares the songs. I feel so surrounded by love and I don’t know what I did to deserve it.
Overall, how has this whole acting and singing career experience been for you?
It’s been a journey to say the least. A lot of high highs and a lot of low lows. I’ve learned a lot though. It’s made me a very strong thick-skinned person, I don’t take shit from people anymore. A beautiful part of it is how much more confident I’ve become in my decision making, whether that’s with opportunities or personal endeavors. I used to feel so small like I couldn’t talk to adults about what I personally needed to work my best in an environment. But as a young woman, I now know what I want and I’m not afraid to clearly create those boundaries. I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
Do you have any other talents other than singing and acting?
I don’t know if it’s necessarily a talent because I don’t know how good I am at it or not, but I love love love art. I love painting, drawing, making things out of clay, etc. It’s super relaxing for me. My ideal Sunday is listening to some jazz and painting on canvas with a glass of wine.
What 5 words would you use to describe yourself?
1. Ambitious 2. Bubbly 3. Artistic 4. Passionate 5. Loyal
Do you have any last things you want to tell your fans?
Do you boo! Do not live your life to please anyone, you’ll never make everyone happy anyways. As long as you have a good genuine character about you, you keep doing you.
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions!!
