COLORSxSTUDIOS

What prompted you to pursue a solo career?

During ‘The Lion King’ I began missing my individuality after playing the role 8 times a week for two years. I would use the time in my dressing room to look up beats and imagine the style of music I could create. Then, because of the intensity of ‘The Lion King’ production, I had to have vocal surgery. During my recovery I had to re-find my voice. That’s when I recorded my first song, ‘The Moon’.

How did you feel after releasing ‘The Moon’?

Within the first few weeks of releasing it, I received an email from someone at Apple Music saying that they’d discovered the song. This led to Ebro Darden featuring me as a ‘new artist’ on Apple Radio. After having that experience I knew I had to push forward.

You went on to release two more tracks. They caught the attention of Drake, who sent you an Instagram DM asking to check out your music.

Exactly. It was a very surreal moment.

We have to mention that you’re OVO Sound’s first woman signee.

It’s so special for me to be that woman. I remember watching Drake’s interview with RapRadar where he said he was looking for a female artist to sign, never thinking I would be who he’d discover. To this day, I’m so grateful.

Could you share some of the best advice the OVO team has given you? 

Before I began creating my album, I sat down with Drake. He said that he liked my sound, but wondered what I could do with an uptempo beat. He believes it’s important for songs to enter clubs, since there’s a huge audience there. He’s also a huge believer in trying new things, so he was advising me to step outside of my comfort zone. I took his advice seriously, and was challenged by it. I asked myself, ‘how can I attract an uptempo audience into my world while staying authentic to my style?’ That’s what I did with ‘Obsidian’.

The project is uptempo, yet your lyrics and storytelling still pull focus.

Thank you for saying that. For me it’s the biggest compliment when people comment on my lyrics because storytelling is so important to me.

A lot of people compare me to Sade. I get it, and it’s a huge compliment, but in many ways it’s a disservice to both of our writing to continuously draw this parallel. Sade is timeless, and deserves to receive her flowers on her own for the legend that she is.

On ‘Obsidian’ you address themes including healing, the resilience of love, and rebirth after heartbreak. What made you want to discuss these topics on your debut album?

I only make songs that are personal and honest. During that time, I used ‘Obsidian’ as a diary. The songs echo what I was dealing with in my own life.

How did the release of those emotions help towards your personal healing?

I’m still healing. With every month the pain gets easier to deal with. When I look back, I respect the fact that I have survived some of my most depressing moments—moments I’ve had to push through to get to where I am today.

Healing is so huge. I didn’t want the whole album to be about heartbreak and sadness. I wanted to shine a light on hope so people know that they also deserve better.

Can you tell us about the song you performed for COLORS?

‘Nothing Sweeter’ was written by Liz Rodrigues and James Bryan while I was recording ‘Obsidian’. The track didn’t quite fit the album, and I knew it needed its own moment. Since it’s such a vulnerable song, I wanted to find a special place to perform it live.