By: Karen Steinberg
Photo By Jordan Harvey
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) My sound is sultry, nostalgic nineties R&B, the kind of music we were all raised on. It’s meant to promote a feeling, something you can genuinely connect to and the lyrics keep it raw and honest so it’s easy to relate to.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) My musical influences include Whitney Houston, for the sheer power and authority in her voice. Luther Vandross, known for his love songs, so musical and soothing, always promoting love. And Aaliyah, who was just a vibe check, that soft, smooth voice and effortless swag.
Q) Talk about the themes and messages you explore on your new EP Led Me To You.
A) The themes I explore are really about transition, realizing you have broken pieces and that you need your source (which is God) to help fix and mend them. It’s about grace, the fact that you don’t have to be perfect. You go through things, you may start in one place, but every decision leads you somewhere else and in the end it all leads you exactly where you needed to be. So, really, it’s both a faith journey and a human journey, moving from confusion and brokenness to gratitude, love and thankfulness.
Q) What kind of fan response have you been receiving to these incredible tracks?
A) I’ve been getting a really great response. People have been resonating with the music more than I expected and it makes me feel more connected to others because my journey isn’t isolated – we’re all living journeys that have similarities. Being able to resonate with people makes it feel purposeful, like the music isn’t just out there to be out there. It’s out there to help someone work through whatever they’re going through and to feel seen.
Q) There are a number of beautiful songs on the EP. Which of them holds a special place in your heart and why?
A) The title track, “Led Me To You,” holds a special place in my heart because it has more than one meaning. Yes, it led me back to God and to a stronger relationship with Him, but it also led me to my husband, to peace, to purpose and to things I’d been searching for in all the wrong places.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) My songwriting process can really go either way. Creativity is one of those things you have to catch when it comes. Sometimes I have the beat first and that sparks a melody, but other times I’ll just get lyrics randomly, maybe on the way to the grocery store, and I’ll write them all down without a melody yet. Then when I find a beat I like, I put those lyrics on it and build the melody from there. So usually it’s beat first, but sometimes it’s lyrics first.
Q) Here you worked with producers Herothaproducer and OGTha3, but how much of a say do you have in the production of your music?
A) I’d say I have equal say in the production, as long as it makes sense. They’re honest enough to tell me if something doesn’t sound right, feel right or fit and if it doesn’t, they won’t let me run with it. But if it’s a good idea and it can work, we explore it together.
Q) What do you hope people take away from listening to Led Me To You as a whole – either as an emotion or message?
A) I want people to become curious about their faith and curious about their own identity, who they really are, after listening. I also want them to feel peace, love and joy. I’ve had people tell me the songs make them cry and I think that’s because the spirit of the Lord is so embedded in the music – it can plant a seed that moves someone in a positive direction in their life.
Q) What songs off your EP are you looking forward to performing live?
A) I can’t wait to perform “Dumb.” It’s such an emotional song, the lyrics are so raw and honest, and I want to bring that same vulnerability to the stage, to be completely bare and open.
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) I love performing in New York City because of the energy. You really have to win the crowd over there. It was always my dream city – if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. Moving to New York and actually getting to perform and do my own shows, that felt so significant to me.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) I would love to do a song with Victoria Monét, Kehlani or SZA. They all have that sultry, musical sound and their lyrical content is emotional, relatable and raw, exactly the kind of artistry I connect with.
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) I’ve been listening to a lot of Muni Long because she’s such a phenomenal songwriter. Her storytelling, her play on words, the way she delivers a melody, her singing cadence – it’s unmatched.
Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?
A) It’s such an important way to connect with fans because it closes the gap between us, it lets people into the journey in real time, not just the music. As an independent artist, it’s also essential for driving streams and sales. So, while it takes a lot of intentional effort, it’s a powerful tool for building real community around the music.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) To everyone who supports me, thank you, truly. It means more than you know that you’d take the time to listen, to connect and to care about this music and this journey. I hope it brings you peace, joy and something to hold onto and I’m just so grateful you’re here for it.