Interview by Carol Wright | Photos Courtesy of Mimoza
Has music always been your go to creative outlet?
Music has always been my creative outlet. But I also use fashion to be creative. And I think I’m creative when I cook… I guess I just love to express myself.
Do you have a different songwriting process when it comes to writing for other artists versus writing songs for yourself?
It’s much easier since you just suggest ideas, lyrics, melodies. I’m more hands on my personal stuff and I go back and forth, and I think about how I can top myself and improve.
Your single “Young Queen” is dedicated to your mother and all mothers raising their daughters to be young queens. Was it an emotional process writing the lyrics for “Young Queen?”
It’s my most personal record and I really put everything I am into it. It has so much heart, so much pride and an unapologetic self-love of knowing my worth and loving who I am and who I’ve become.
In the comments for the “Young Queen” music video someone commented: “This song sounds like a soundtrack to a movie where the protagonist finally finds herself.” When creating the music video did you have a particular vision of someone going through a journey of self-love and acceptance?
No I did not. I just wrote my story and my truth which are the lyrics from the beginning til the end of the song. I wanted someone to hear “Young Queen” and have so much pride and confidence after hearing this. I try to write songs that I need to hear. Songs that give me strength. And if I can give that strength to someone else and make them feel a bit more prideful, more confident then I’ve done my job.
During the pandemic how have you been keeping yourself feeling creative and motivated to create music?
I’ve had zoom sessions since going to the studio didn’t really happen. I’ve worked on my making of material from home and I’m always in touch with my team planning the next steps and releases which I’m really excited about. I don’t believe that you need an office or studio to be creative. If you have creativity you can be creative anywhere.
What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?
My advice is don’t listen to anyone’s advice. Do you.