Random Thoughts on: Broadway vs Beyoncé

One question I've gotten a lot is, "what kind of singer do you want to be, Broadway or Beyoncé?" Of course, I chose Beyoncé. But, I do have an appreciation for the dramatic arts. I went to a theater camp when I was a kid. It was a great experience, but in the long run, not for me.

I prefer to watch and was super excited to go to my first Broadway show when I was 18. I saw Wicked with my mom on my first trip to NY. Other than being super annoyed with the character "Ga-Linda," It was great. All the performers put on an excellent performance. I also saw Hamilton on Disney+ recently. That was the first time I saw a 2+ hour show that was 99% song, and I loved all of it.

I went to a band camp too, where I was able to perform. That was such a good experience, I did it twice! One of my favorite experiences, when I was in high school, was going to see the 4th of July concert Philly hosts every year. That year I got to see Jill Scott, J-Cole, and Ne-Yo. I had a thought in my head, "I need to do that." So, I moved to NY and have been doing that. I started with some open mics and did some other live performances. I haven't had any recently with everyone stuck inside, but I'll be planning a virtual one soon.

I prefer Beyoncé to Broadway because the music is and performance styles are different. R&B and pop music hit my soul more than show tunes. Those who have a passion for performing in a Broadway setting have a more substantial connection than I do. It's something that I may never fully understand but will always respect. While I don't have plans to be on Broadway, I'll never say never to being involved someday!

Random Thoughts on: Old music vs New music

I know a lot of people will agree when I say "music today is not how it used to be." Some may even say that "music was better back in the day." I don't think that is true in all aspects. I know my mom says it, I even say it when it comes to comparing pop music today to 90s pop.

This topic comes up a lot when it comes to rap music. People want rappers today to honor the style of older rap legends like Biggie Smalls Tupac Shakur, or NWA. They say that rap isn't lyrical anymore. Mumble rap has taken over, and It seems that artists rely on a great beat more than the art of the message. While this is partially true, It's more of the media than it is the music.

Mumble rappers can get more media attention than others for two reasons. One because the songs have a great beat and a unique title. Two because those that continually talk about how wrong mumble rap is, draw more attention to it. There are still good lyrical rappers out today; major and underground ones. Some good major ones (in my opinion) are J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Eminem. People who have rap as their favorite genre will have a much longer list. These are just a few from my Spotify favorites list.

My favorite genre is R&B. While R&B music is not the same as it was in the days of TLC, Jill Scott, and Destiny's Child, that doesn't mean it isn't real. Now there are Beyonce, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Alessia Cara, Janelle Monae, Melanie Fiona, and Chloe X Halle to list a few. The first three have been around for a while but are still releasing new music.

Yes! I still listen to 90s music daily. But, the evolution of music can be beautiful if you're paying attention. Even going way back to where Jazz started, bringing Rock and Roll, Funk, Soul, Blues, R&B, and Hip Hop is fascinating. It's still evolving every day. We can go back and bring some forgotten elements into the new, and sometimes we can invent what has never seen before. In any decade, music is my favorite kind of expression and culture, no matter how it has changed.

Random Thoughts on: Having a Day Job

If you're like me, you have two jobs. One that pays for bills and food, and one that you absolutely love. For now, maybe your second job only gives you satisfaction out of life with little money. That's ok. Even if you don't get much or any money from it yet, it's still worth it if it makes your life enjoyable.

For me, I'm a Media Planner. If you don't know what that is (I didn't until I got the job), it's basically planning out advertising campaigns and handling budgets. Not the most exciting, I know. But I'm good at math so I can make it work. I have been at this job for a bit over a year now, and I didn't think I would still need to be. I imagined at this point, I would be able to be a musician full time. But my job takes more work than I thought it would. A lot of late nights take the time and energy away from my music, and, well, here I am.

Nowadays, I'm able to manage my time better. Even if I get off work really late, I still make the time to work on my music in some way. Although it's not my preferred thing to do, I'm blessed to have a job at all. As terrible as the pandemic has been for many, I'm able to work from home; Which has allowed me more time for my second job.

There's no shame in having another job. I don't need music to make money, which makes it less stressful for me. I'm able to just focus on the art of it. Someday I'll be able to commit to music full time. There are so many areas I want to work in. From producing to performing to running a business, I want to do it all. For anyone reading, it's never too late to make your passion your full time.

Random Thoughts on: Streaming Services

Nowadays people have been staying home and watching more TV. This has always been me, but now everyone's doing it to stay healthy. There have also been a lot of new streaming services available. On top of Netflix and Hulu, there is Disney+, BET+ Amazon Prime, and HBO Max. There are also free TV apps like Tubi, Sony Crackle, Pluto TV, Roku TV (if you have a Roku device), and a bunch more.

I don't know about you, but all of these options can be frustrating. Why does BET need their own streaming service? If Disney owns Hulu, why create Disney+. Why do they expect us to pay money for all of these? I might as well just get cable and stream on-demand. I also share my mom's AT&T TV login.

The main show Disney+ was advertising and getting buzz from was The Mandalorian. The show looks great, but it's not enough to pay a monthly subscription for one show and a bunch of other shows and movies I've already seen. I love Disney, and those shows and movies I'd watch again. But when I already have Netflix, Hulu, and access to other free options, getting other services seems like too much work. Even if they were free, I'd rather not have 10 services for 10 different shows. (An exaggeration I know. But you get the point.)

Random Thoughts on: Crossover Music

My favorite type of music has always been R&B. However, that's not all I listened to growing up. One sister loved hip hop, while the other sister loved rock. My parents could play Gospel and Jazz at a max volume all day. All of these genres that I was forced to listen to, shaped my ear for music. One of my favorite types to listen to and find is cross over music.

One of the most popular songs of 2019 was "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus. "Old Town Road" is a Country and Hip Hop crossover. The reason I love crossovers so much is that they get people talking. Is it a Country Song? Billy Ray Cyrus ensures it is. Is it Hop Hop? Definitely. Songs like this can bring people together. Those who thought they would never like Hip Hop may think twice about the genre, and the same goes for Country. It also gives way for more artists to span out more with their music.

Artists moving into other genres is always memorable in their career. Nelly and Tim McGraw's song "Over and Over Again" from 2004 is still listened to today. It wasn't rapped. It was another side of Nelly. It was also the first time I heard anything from Tim McGraw. I didn't have anything against Country music. But songs like this can change a mindset and show me I should be more open to new things. I can love Destiny's Child and Linkin Park. Maybe I'll write an R&B Rock song.