So I guess this is the section where you're meant to get the essence of ROX and how I came about being me? Well….I guess it all started with my parents... my Jamaican Mumma and my Persian Pappa; they had me in the precious year of 1988.
I was born in St. Thomas's hospital, with the flattest of heads, but the biggest of brains...of course. My parents were the creative types...my mum was brought up in the church and was at the forefront in all the choirs. My dad was heavily into art, modeling and fashion.
Growing up was an interesting one for me; being brought up in a household full of people, food and music had to have some sort of affect. Every family gathering would usually end with all the older generation singing old gospel country-esque songs, with about 10 different harmonies! From the age of about 5, I remember being completely obsessed with harmonies and how they could colour a melody. My mum would often encourage me to sing the alto line and when I'd slip into the main melody, she'd put me back on the right track and make sure I stayed there! It sounds weird, but that helped me in loads of ways and has given me an ear for harmonies, chords, melodies and music in general. Although my tracks may differ in genre, harmony will always play a massive role in my music... As well as having the gospel influence from my mum’s side, my dad opened up a whole different world to me; SWV, Sade, Mary J, Boyz 2 Men, Alfonzo Hunter, Rakim, Guru, Chubb Rock...
As time went on I started to find music for myself; Alanis Morrisette played a huge part for all that teenage angst, Eva Cassidy kept me in touch with my emotional side, Lauryn Hill inspired me to become a better song writer and vocalist, Mary J showed me it was ok to write and sing about what hurts the most, Sade taught me that less is more, Mahalia Jackson brought me back to my roots and reminded me how beautiful true gospel music can be, Rufus Wainright made me cry with his song 'Go or Go Ahead', Elton John showed me that amazing songs didn't have to be written in the conventional sense (Tiny Dancer), Portishead and Massive Attack showed me it was possible to put different styles of music together to make one adhesive sound, Red Hot Chilli Peppers kept me inspired and dear, dear Common showed me that if you’re gonna say something and wanna make a statement, be poetic with it...
My sound has evolved over the years and it’s continuing to grow everyday... I don't want to label it as anything, not because I can't, but because I'd rather you'd make that choice yourself... So that's me I suppose, there's so much more I could say, but I won't as you've probably fallen asleep by now.
..
Just passing by to say hi. Hope your week has started well and it continues to be a fruitful happy and productive one. Swing by soon and let me know things are fine with you and yours. Until then take care. D
Excellent News...AWESOME you being asked to perform 2 of your songs on the JOOLS HOLLAND show. Congratulations, you soooooooo deserve it. When is it going on air? please keep us updated would love to watch. xxxxxx
