Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest album, and what themes or stories you aimed to convey through your music?
The inspiration behind my single, CHASIN’ RAINBOWS, is never giving up on your dreams. When I wrote the song I was a low point and nothing was really happening, the producer at the time gave me a beat to write to and in 30 minutes I wrote, CHASIN’ RAINBOWS. You can never give up on your dream or dreams no matter what, you have to keep that fire burning within you. Never ever ever ever give up.
I love The Great American Songbook and I wrote, CHASIN’ RAINBOWS, in theme of the depression era. Meaning it’s a song to give hope in dark times whether dark personal times or dark global times.
Music often has the power to transport people to different places and times. Can you describe a moment in your life when a particular song or album had a profound impact on you?
I was bullied quite badly growing up first because I stuttered and second because I was born with a head full of grey and black. It took me five minutes to say my name and I was names from grandma to silver streak because of my prematurely grey hair. Children can be cruel but one day I stumbled upon Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and hearing those notes I believe Beethoven wrote that symphony just for me, (of course I know he didn’t write it for me but that is the profound effect it had on me) because it was like he understood what I was going through. He went through a very turbulent childhood as well and the music spoke to me and said,’ you can make it and not only survive but thrive’.
Many artists have rituals or routines they follow before performing or recording. Do you have any unique or quirky pre-show or pre-recording rituals that you find help you get in the zone?
I love to listen to hip-hop before I perform, the music is so hype that it creating a unstoppable and fearless feeling within me.
Your lyrics often tell a story or convey a message. Can you share the story behind one of your songs and the inspiration that led to its creation?
I collaborated on a song cycle with Pulitzer Prize winning composer John Harbison, John wrote the music, I wrote the lyrics and melody. One of the songs is Frank’s Song (Outlander) which was inspired by the STARZ show Outlander. Frank is Claire’s husband and after surviving WWII, Frank as a captain and Claire as Army Field nurse they marry and on the their honeymoon in Scotland, Claire disappears when she touches one of the ancient circle stones and brought 16th century Scotland. Now Outlander is all about the between Claire and Jaime (the man she marries in 16th Scotland) but what about Frank, who is left behind on their honeymoon weekend searching for her. I just really felt for Frank.
If you could curate a music festival with a lineup of your dream artists, who would be the headliners, and what would the theme of the festival be?
I would love to create a music festival entitled, The Great American Songbook Then and Now. Mixing the old and the new, playing the songs traditionally but then remixing them and bringing them to now because those songs are timeless and translate so well.
My dream lineup, me of course, lol. Lin Manuel Miranda, Idris Elba, MOBY, Michael Buble, Gustavo Dudumel, Samara Joy, Lee Musiker, Brian Newman, Lady Gaga, Cassandra Wilson, Carlos Santana.
Music can be a powerful tool for advocacy and change. Are there any social or political causes that you’re passionate about, and how does your music play a role in promoting these issues?
I believe in empowering, motivating, uplifting and protecting our young. I want to use my platform to inspire to impart that anything is possible with hardwork, determination, ambition, honesty, integrity and love. We must protect our young and create a path for them to thrive and soar.
The music industry has evolved significantly with technology. How do you see artificial intelligence and emerging technologies impacting the creation and distribution of music in the future?
No AI can take my place or take the place of any performer but I am sure there is a place for it so I am open to the possibilities.
Many recording artists evolve over time. How do you see your musical journey changing and growing in the next decade?
What a fabulous question. Well I am a work in progress and ever evolving. Always striving to be the best singer, actor, writer that I can be which means my mind is open to the endless possibilities that life has.