AYAM Interview
What's your story, through your eyes?
A great blindfold has been taken out of my sight, I was within a world of self victimization and action through fear. Now with the understanding of divine purpose and my own will within that purpose, I am able to have faith in God's plan of goodness and righteousness for my life.
What is your relationship with Jersey City?
Within my past I have looked at Jersey City as a place of heartbreak. Coming to this city at the age of 6, in my adolescence I took the perspective of being placed here as a form of punishment without my consent, with the experiences I've had. Now I am more than glad to be a part of the awakening within this city, and realize it to be nothing less than a home that has molded me to be the great woman that I am today. I recognize and embrace the love that surrounds me and I am able to give that same love from within through my actions each day. All I do is look into the faces of children and teens and see greatness within them and all the potential for good that they will carry out within this city. I have been molded to understand that my own purpose is within helping the next generation embrace their own worth, especially within this city.
How would you describe yourself as a person?
I am very playful, with a sensitive heart. I love people, until they give me a reason not to.
How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I am an artist that feeds off of the negative, but not into it. If any darkness may fall within me, such as pain, I am able to uplift myself through my words and my song. I am a healer.
How would you describe your sound?
Rhythm and Blues while watching the summertime sunrise with clear skies and a fluffy pillow.
How would you describe your fashion sense?
Comfortable, elegant.
Is the person and the artist within you completely connected?
The artist within me is always active, and that is with moving with the guidance of my heart.
Within you, did the artist come before the person or the person before the artist?
Me realizing myself as a person of worth and value definitely came before the consciously creating artist.
What attracted you to expressing yourself through music?
I have always loved to sing and dance, the love of music to say the most and the least. My boyfriend helped to expose me to myself within my song and my strengths within creating music. I am forever grateful!
Where does your creativity come from?
The power of God within me!
What influences you? Surroundings? Other artists?
My heart's beat, my feelings within each given circumstance, and trusting my pure perspective over all. I'm always moved by other artists, other people; works of art.
Was there an artist you observed while you were you younger that attracted you to this form of expression?
Sade, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Tupac, Fabolous, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Donny Hathaway, Gerald Alsron are a few well known artists that will forever have a great influence within my expression.
Mariah Carey's songs specifically would speak directly to me as a little girl, learning later in life that she's written a lot of songs is a beautiful feeling!
What genres of music do you listen to?
Rhythm and Blues, especially 90's R&B, Classic Rock, Hip-Hop, 80's House
What artists/producers have you worked with?
NamasteHumble, Bruklin, DJ Scene, Free Huey, and the collective STP I've collaborated with musically.
The visual artist Andrew James designed my lovely EP cover.
What was the creative process like for ".22"?
We all have our own triggers or sense of authority, even when they're working against the current of bettering ourselves. With the cases of innocent people dying in result of authoritative figures taking they're role to extremes not needing be, it moved me to realize what were my greatest triggers. The love of my life and my relationship with God has helped me grow to great heights with understanding the value and trust within having a partner to experience life with, versus that same love being carried to "shoot" with my own personal doubts and insecurities. The number 22 also means a lot to me.
Are you currently working on a full length project?
I just released my EP- AYAM. Very happy about it.
What artists are you currently listening to?
Kendrick Lamar's "To Pimp A Butterfly" was the last musical piece of art work that I listened to as a whole. Definitely an all time great.
Other than respectively listening to what is new from artists that I enjoy, I definitely stick to the oldies that I've always loved. Kind of like listening to the soundtrack of my life constantly.
What do you want people to take away from you when they listen to you?
To be one with my heart and soul. Understanding a different perspective than they've had and/or assuring their own belief or thought process is being understood by someone; me.
What are you planning for the rest of 2015?
Working on my next projects while enjoying this life.
Originally found at the Jersey R&B Examiner, which was a section of the former Examiner.com. The interview was posted in April 2015.