How would you describe your music?
I’ve been told my music, the band’s music, is like a piece of Cake Man Raven’s red velvet cake because of our unique, in-your-face, bigger than life sound. That’s a great start, but I think we are more like a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds and textures. We’re taking musical elements that you are already familiar with — rock, soul, blues, spoken word — and giving you a new perspective that, I hope, changes with each song and click of the play button.
As a woman of style, how does your music influence your sense of fashion?
Hmmm. I never really thought of it that way. Most people just say I look like how I sound – or vice versa. I’d like to think that my music and my overall fashion sense are just natural extensions of who I am as a person, my comfort in my own skin and how I express my individuality.
What’s the one accessory you can’t go on stage without?
My tiger glasses, of course! Also, a dope pair of earring from one of my fave designers Rhoda Vashti Jewelry & Design or Lace By Tanaya.
Can you share with us your most memorable performance?
I try not to focus on our past performances – as our goal is to always get bigger and stronger and to focus on how we can better inspire through our shows. But, something that has stuck with me for a couple of years is from a show we did at Santos Party House in NYC. When we got off stage, someone from the audience came up to me who had never seen us before. She said our performance was intense and that she just couldn’t keep her eyes off of me.
What are some of the milestones in your music career so far?
My most anticipated milestone is our album release later this year – it’s been a long time coming and will mark the first project I’ve created and put together with the guys. My last major milestone was to have finally put together a band of musicians that I have a true family connection with. My goal was to start getting us more recognition outside of Minneapolis and New York and that seems to be going well. I’ve been truly blessed to have received the 2012 National Poetry Award for “Spoken Word Single of the Year” and have been featured as a Soul Train artist of the month.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
On stage! Once our album releases, I definitely see me and the guys touring and increasing our fanbase. I’d eventually like to start teaching writing and performing workshops again. In the immediate future, I am excited for the continued opportunities we are receiving to perform in bigger name events in New York, California, Connecticut and beyond.
