Gratitude, Community + Confirmations
Reflecting on BLACK PRIDE, plus NYC shows this week
I told myself I would do better at sharing my ripe, uncensored thoughts — and this newsletter is doing just that! June is giving ABUNDANCE and CONSISTENCY. Top of 2024, I called in more opportunities to collaborate musically with more aligned folks, and I’m SEEING ‘EM (saw things I imagined type shit). Two weeks ago, Def Sound released ‘TIMES,’ a workout sonic offering for the spiritually buff featuring yours truly + Quelle Chris! This is my FIRST feature, and I’m honored that it’s with my good sibling Def. Listen here, music video on the way.
We recorded and wrote this song nearly a year to the date. I remember Def’s prompt: write something that is timeless and honest to you. Writing this chorus was intuitive. I remember writing it and turning to Def like “is this enough?”
“It’s more than enough.”
It feels type surreal to finally have this offering out in the world. It has been a sonic affirmation and confirmation that I have held close over the months. And now — it’s yours too.
Initially, this newsletter installment was meant to send on/before June 7th’s BLACK PRIDE celebration. But time and capacity had their own plans, so it arrives a few days later. Speaking of, BLACK PRIDE was beyond magically. We sold out and filled up the Peppermint Club with some of the finest and kindest Black queer trans folks in LA (Yep — SOLD OUT). The celebration exceed my expectations, I had no clue that this space was sought after by so many other Black LGBTQ+ in LA. Y’all really love us sanging ass niggas!!!
Despite illness and other details outside of my control, we had a mf tiiiiime. My favorite part of the evening was all the convos I had with community. Many had never partied in WeHo, let alone felt safe enough to be present in the area.
Too many of us had identical experiences: the objectification yet erasure of our presence, the touching and eyeballing of our Blackness, the braid/butt grabs chile. What I did appreciate about these recollections was how, finally, we had the room to speak truth to power.
One elder lesbian couple shared how they’ve lived in WeHo for nearly 2 decades and had never seen a space/experience centering and celebrating them. These conversations? Are EXACTLY why I do this work. They continue to play in my head today.
NYC — I have 2 more shows this week. Pull up on me, would love to (re)connect with y’all offline.
555 things to share
JUNETEENTH FESTIVITIES ✊🏾 Once again I am on background vocal duty for the illustrious SIREN. This time we’re honoring Juneteenth with a special live performance at Fotografiska. Tickets available here.
NYALLAH ON TOUR! 🗣️ Beyond excited to be joining Jean Deaux’s nowhere, fast US tour! 🏎️💨 Catch me opening for her NYC stop at Baby’s All Right. Tickets are going FAST, get them now! Show starts @ 7pm. Fam, hit me up for guest list.
SHOWS I’VE BEEN WATCHING 📺 Haven’t shared my watchlist in a minute. Here’s a few on my list as of late: The Outlaws, Queenie, Foundation, Loot, Under the Bridge, HOME, and Love on the Spectrum. What have you been watching? Lmk in the comments.
NEW INTERVIEW ALERT 📖 Back in February during NOIR AT NITE’s Black Futures Month event, I spoke to and was photographed by SHEER. We spoke creating R+B, desirability vs love, and the value of collective liberation (especially right now). If you haven’t already, check out the full article here.
JOB + WORK AVAILABILITY 💼 Endless gratitude to everyone sharing work opportunities the past few months! Starting July I am available for freelance, project-based, and short-term work. Open to music, programming, project management, and event production gigs. Remote work preferred. Based in NYC, open to CA/PHL/ATL. Read my full call here, and check out my portfolio.
With us nearing the end of Q2 (time is really flying, ain’t it wild?!?!) I must ask…What lessons have you learned during 2024 Q2? Where do you want to see me perform next? Let me know in the comments!
As always, thank you for being here.
With care, Ny.