1. Can you tell us about your musical background and how you got started in the R&B genre?
Growing up, my mom played everything from contemporary to country music. Jazz, instrumental, rock, you name it, she played it. But for some reason, I gravitated to R&B. Probably because my older sister and cousins listened to R&B and my sister used to sing around the house.
2. Who are some of your biggest musical influences in the R&B world?
Currently, Jazmine Sullivan, H.E.R., Usher and Ne-Yo. When I was younger it was definitely Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Monica, Whitney Houston, Tamia, TLC and Destiny’s Child.
3. How would you describe your unique sound and style within the R&B genre?
I think I’m a mix of Jazmine Sullivan’s sound and TLC’s style. Powerhouse vocals with a tomboy look. No one ever expects that the tomboy knows how to “sang”.
4. Your latest single has been receiving a lot of attention. Can you tell us the inspiration behind it and the creative process involved?
I was having writer’s block so I hired a writer to help with my latest single. I didn’t want to keep writing about the same old “he did me wrong” heartbreak music and decided I wanted to write about finding love and meeting someone new and experiencing something new, hence the title of the single “Something New”.
5. What can fans expect from your upcoming album or project?
They can expect real R&B. Colorful and emotional R&B with relatable lyrics and immaculate vocals.
6. Do you have any collaborations or features with other artists in the R&B industry that you are really excited about?
I don’t have any collabs on this project but I definitely plan on working with all of my favorite artists I listened to when I was growing up. Working with Ne-Yo has always been a dream of mine so I’m always praying that one will happen soon!
7. R&B has undergone many evolutions throughout the years. How do you see your music contributing to the genre’s current landscape?
I see my music contributing to love, real love, and not just heartache alone. That” back in the day” kind of love. Of course there is going to be heartache and sadness but I want my music to inspire people to fall in love again even after the heartache and sadness. Get back out there and try again. HEAL FIRST, but always get back out there and try again.
8. Are there any particular themes or messages that you try to convey through your music?
Yes. I try to convey real emotion to real scenarios that I have experienced. And when I say real, I mean word for word how I play out and respond to scenarios in my mind and in real life. For example, I wrote a song where the first line is “I’m finna spin the block a few, just to catch you up, up in some sh*t you didn’t do.” Meaning, I’m going to drive around the block a few times just to catch you doing something that I am accusing you of doing but you really didn’t do. Have I actually done this before, yes lol.
9. How do you approach songwriting? Do you prefer to write from personal experiences or draw inspiration from other sources?
Both. But most times it’s personal experiences. Those are the best stories because that way, I can tell you where I was, what I was wearing and how I felt in the midst of it all. Being able to describe those personal experiences in detail is how others can relate to you.
10. How do you connect with your audience emotionally through your music, and what do you hope they take away from your songs?
I connect through my music by saying the things that I am actually thinking. Word for word. A lot of people censor their lyrics by watering down exactly what they were thinking or feeling at that moment. I always intend for my audience to take away, relate to and understand what I was feeling in that moment. That these are Imade’s true feelings.
11. Are there any challenges you’ve faced as an R&B artist and how have you overcome them?
Too many to go into detail! But the main one is getting myself out of writer’s block. Writer’s block ain’t no joke! But when I feel myself slipping into it, I make sure I write down all ideas that spark some kind of inspiration. Be it someone cursing someone else out over the phone or a joke I heard on a commercial, if it sparks something in my spirit, I write it down and then try to write a song about it later.
12. Can you share any memorable moments or achievements in your career so far that have stood out to you?
Absolutely. Driving 3 hours into Wisconsin by myself to attend the Wisconsin Dells Music Summit and perform my music in front of industry professionals and actually win runner up! A year ago, I would have said no immediately or been too shy to do any of that and I would’ve most likely talked myself out of doing it. A year ago I was barely singing in front of people! But considering I sang, performed my own music and won the runner up spot, lets me know I’m on the right track with finally pursuing my dream of becoming a star!
IG: https://www.instagram.com/imade_all_day?igsh=MXV3MXkyYjIxaGw2NQ==
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5prwRlJj3E2NQdbYs2JXF6?si=ClsgQDJERTCjfLruGzS0Xg
