The beginning of my voice

I used to shy away from singing at my full potential when around people Outside my family, afraid of the attention it might bring. Honestly I'm still shy at times. They say your gift will make room for you. Over time, I practiced using my voice, learning to sing loud and proud and find my voice.

In high school, I remember I got the Mary J. Blige’s My Life CD and it changed everything. The raw emotion in her voice spoke to me deeply, showing me the power of vulnerability in music.

Another major influence on my musical style was SWV. I learned all their songs, perfecting every note with my friends as we sang in the hallways. Their harmonies were everything to me. I’ve always loved the layers in music, especially how gospel arrangements have distinct parts for altos, sopranos, and tenors. That rich, full sound shaped the way I approach music today, making me fall in love with blending voices and creating depth in my songs.

What’s a song or album that really influenced your life?