PHYLISHA music: The Process
My journey to music has been beautiful, frightening, exciting, disappointing, satisfying, and fulfilling. Sometimes all of these things at once!
Releasing music was such a huge step me for me. Transitioning from fashion design to music and performing arts was challenging, as my connections were mostly behind the scenes.
Despite facing rejection from places and people I expected to support me, not pursuing music was never an option. In fact, it became more evident that music was precisely the path I should pursue! Imagine that - facing adversity in a field you are passionate about and remaining secure and confident in your decision regardless of who or what stays or goes.
Praying that I get aligned with new people who can help me execute my vision, next thing I know, I started making connections and forming real friendships with so many singers, songwriters, musicians, dancers and producers, thank God!
Even though I was finally meeting people in the field that I was interested in, I was still struggling in certain places and atmospheres. Why did I feel as though I needed to fit in and be accepted in these spaces? The reason why was because these locations were familiar to me. I thought being accepted there was valuable and held weight. I like when my sister says "the worst lies are the ones you tell yourself".
Once I stopped limiting myself to these specific environments and opinions, naturally, my talents became more visible to wider audiences and even to myself. I started seeing what I was truly capable of! On the journey to discovering my voice, attending open mics with my friends in Harlem and Brooklyn, and even solo, was a pivotal point. A big step in the right direction.
In 2019, I started making impactful connections with the staff and the performers at the theater where I was employed. Landing my first cabaret-styled singing gig at a theater in NJ set the tone of encouragement for me!
Through a series of more connections, I was granted the chance to perform at Carnegie Hall and later at the Apollo alongside Jason Michael Webb & Friends just a week before the COVID pandemic shutdown. Talk about going out with a bang!
I began to notice that the days were ending where I had to bear the burden of persuading others of my abilities and why they should consider me. I was seeing that God was beginning to make this make a little more sense. The reasons for the rejection and severing of people and places were slowly being unfogged. This realization marked the start of a new beginning.
Combining my love for fashion and music, I decided to integrate them and create all my clothing for my music artwork. I see how the arts are interconnected, especially in my life, and my plan is to always keep them associated. Mixing visual and performing arts allows me unleash a flood of endorphins all at once! It's a creative high that I never want to come down from.
Everyone has been so supportive of the releasing of my music! I really felt all of the love and I have to say that I was very surprised. I want to say thank you to everyone who ever supported me or forced me to dig deep and believe in myself!
A big thank you to my vocal coaches who have trained and supported me on this journey.