Interview by Sydney Nash.
Q: We can’t ignore that this interview is coming at a very strange and uncertain time in the world, with the COVID-19 pandemic. So, I first want to ask: how are you doing?
A: Ha-ha yes this a crazy time, but I’m actually doing well and enjoying this time off.
Q: What/who brings you comfort during this time? How do you find yourself filling your days?
A: Well this is giving me a chance to be with family and be creative in other ways. I’ve been writing a lot and have been working on a new project with my sister.
Q: What was your first passion? Music or acting?
A: Music came first for me, it’s definitely my number one passion.
Q: Tell me about your introduction to both. Does one inform your approach to the other or vice versa?
A: My dad is a musician, so growing up and watching him really lit the fire for my music and acting happened because I found a role that could introduce me as a singer to the world.
Q: Where do you typically turn for inspiration for your music?
A: My inspiration for music comes from my personal life, experiences, colors, and memories that have made an impact on me
Q: What themes do you currently feel yourself towards? What kind of stories do you want to tell with your music?
A: As far as theme I would say it’s just me/my life, and the message… well I just share how I feel with everyone, so I’ll leave it up to them to take whatever message they want from it. Hopefully it’s one that helps them through whatever they’re going through.
Q: Do you ever have creative blocks when creating your music? If so, what are some of the practices/techniques you employ to move past them?
A: Yeah sure I do just as everyone does. What I find helps is going on long walks and taking a break from things – giving myself time to breathe and not think.
Q: What kind of music can we expect to see from you this year?
A: It’s definitely going to be the darker more intense side of my heart. Think darker colors (red, black, silver) I’m very excited to share.
Q: Your acting debut came with Netflix’s “The Get Up.” Tell me a little bit about how that role came about. Being your first acting project, what was the biggest thing you learned while on set?
A: “The Get Down” was one of my first auditions. I liked the role because it gave me the opportunity to sing and work an amazing team! I learned a lot about everything honestly, it’s hard to just name a few.
Q: What do you feel you’re focused on in the next year? Your music or acting?
A: I’m working on both, I’m very excited to share it with my fans.
Q: What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
A: Tour! I really miss being on the road and performing live, it’s so freeing.
Q: You played the star of USA Network’s critically acclaimed new series “Dare Me,” which wrapped its first season last month. What initially drew you to this project and your character Addy?
A: I loved everything about ‘Addy’ and the project was so dark and unsettling It was exactly what I was looking for after “The Get Down,” something that was so different and cool and spoke to a different crowd.
Q: It’s a high-school cheer drama/thriller. Were you able to draw on any of your own high school experiences when preparing to play Addy?
A: I had a friend who was a lot like Beth in high school and I was a lot like Addy. I understood why she was so angry, that it was just pain, and that really helped me connect to the Beth and Addy dynamic.
Q: You play the goddess Oshun in Starz second season of “American Gods.” What was this experience like?
A: Playing Oshun was an awesome experience. I got to work some very strong women and had a blast working with green screen and fun costumes!
Quick Q’s
Q: If you weren’t a musician or actor, what would you be?
A: A marine biologist.
Q: What album should we all be listening to right now?
A: Man Alive (King Krule)
Q: Guilty pleasure?
A: Cooking nonstop and eating!!!
Q: What was the last tv show you binge-ed?
A: Outlander!
Q: Most underrated movie?
A: Crystal Fairy & the Magical Cactus.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
A: You only get the love you think you deserve.
