By: Jessica Hatchett
Photo By Cameron Mitchell
Q) You’ve previously described yourself as living a bit of a “Hannah Montana” life, being in the military by day and a singer by night. What was that balancing act like?
A) Being Hanana Montana was a bit challenging at first, especially when I was on active duty and on a ship. I believe people didn’t take my career seriously, so whenever I had to leave or do something with my music, I sometimes got a little pushback. When I had shore duty, I could move a little more freely, but I still had to finesse sometimes to do what I needed for myself.
Q) You spent ten years on active duty before pursuing music full-time. Which artists inspired you and helped you to realize that you were ready to take that leap?
A) I have to say the R&B girlies inspired me really – all of the great storytellers. I have to shoutout SZA, Summer Walker, Amy Winehouse, Jazmine Sullivan, Mariah the Scientist, Doja Cat and everyone in between. Their unapologetic writing and storytelling gave me the confidence to be vulnerable with my music, what I had to say and the messages in it.
Q) You’ve spoken about wanting to build a career that allows you to take care of your family. How has that shaped your work ethic and your work/life balance?
A) Wanting to take care of my family has always been the ultimate goal. I’d love to buy my mama a house. I know that not taking music seriously and only giving it fifty percent won’t get me there. Music is hard; it’s a lot of work. It’s a lot mentally and financially, but I have a goal and it’s important to me. I know that I’ve grown a lot in this journey, and I know that great things will continue to happen, so that’s what keeps me going. Knowing and believing in myself and knowing I have people around me who believe in me helps, too.
Q) Your music explores themes such as relationships, personal challenges and embracing change. How do you decide what to share in a song and what to keep private?
A) I believe in making music about life, right? And so many of us are going through the same thing or have gone through similar experiences. I believe that it’s important to be vulnerable and honest. You can overshare, but I don’t necessarily see that as a bad thing when it comes to art. You can make an art piece that makes a very ugly experience look or sound. It might resonate with a lot of people, so I don’t think it’s about what to keep private; it’s more about who I can help…and how what I said and feel relates to your experience.
Q Your album title, HIM, stands for “Hopeless In Men.” Where did that idea come from, and what does it mean to you personally?
A) The idea of Hopeless In Men (“HIM”) came from all of these different men that have influenced my life and who I am as a woman and how I feel about men. Unfortunately, some years back I got assaulted and that influenced how I feel about men. I believe everyone has a “HIM,” good or bad, so I wanted to say something about all of my HIMs.
Q) Was “Hopeless In Men” always the title you had in mind, or did it emerge as you started putting the album’s track list together?
A) “Hopeless In Men” was always the title. As I wrote the project, I kept adding experiences I had to make the entire album. It isn’t all about the bad things about men; there are great things about men in my life, too – platonic friendships, being in love, being engaged and getting married. As I was writing this project, I knew I wanted it to be relatable in every aspect. From men with smaller packages to weird male coworkers. I wanted this project to be about ALLLLLL types of men and even how men can influence the decisions we make for ourselves.
Q) When it comes to songwriting, are you typically inspired to write lyrics or a melody first?
A) When it comes to songwriting, I typically do top line. I’ll listen to a beat, hum, find words that fit and then add the melody. It’s funny, I do most of my songwriting in my car while driving. I’ll listen to BeatStars beats and I’ll record videos of me singing into my phone and it will all go from there.
Q) “More Than Pretty Words” and “Smooth Criminal” are my personal favorite tracks on this album. What are your favorite tracks on the album and why do they stand out for you?
A) “More Than Pretty Words” is a good one! It’s definitely one of my favorites. But my top three are “Breadcrumbs,” “Chapstick Rick” and “Mrs.” They each have a completely different vibe and they’re all so much fun to listen to. “Breadcrumbs” is number one because I believe that a lot of people feel this way about their relationships. I’m happy, truly, but something is missing (I did some research by talking to my girlfriends and they all had similar feelings at some point)! And I wanted the choir aspect in the song so it could feel like a lot of people are feeling this way. You know? “Chapstick Rick” is funny and unfortunately a true story about a really nice man. I think we all had someone that was missing a little something (if you know what I mean). [laughs] And “Mrs.” is just fine and cute! It’s about the love of my life and being engaged and being in love! I know a lot of people who are happy and in love, and I just wanted to highlight that there are great men out here.
Q) What feelings do you hope listeners take away from the album when they listen to it?
A) I hope that listeners feel understood and validated. I want them to feel like they aren’t alone in their experiences and that it’s okay to feel these feelings, but not to let them consume them. As I said, I believe everyone has a “HIM.”
Q) You’re described as having “big sister energy.” What advice would you give to anyone who is feeling hopeless when it comes to men?
A) Advice that I would give to anyone feeling “Hopeless In Men…” I mean…Unfortunately, I understand. Troubles don’t last always, but you know. I’d say they deserve to be happy and I’d hope and pray someone finds someone who makes them happy. I’ve realized that no one is perfect, but if they’re trying, that means something.
Q) Who are some artists that you would love to collaborate with on music in the future?
A) OHHHH I would love to work with SZA, Doja Cat, Summer Walker, Mariah The Scientist, Don Toliver, Ari Lennox, 21 Savage, Sailorr, Givion, Ariana Grande and Drake. YEAH!
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) I appreciate you all! It means so much that you’ve taken the time to listen to my story and enjoy my work. I’m very blessed and grateful for my team and for everyone’s support! By the Grace of God, we will continue to grow and do great things.