The Significance of September 14th
1 yr since R+B, 2 yrs since surviving a near-death accident, and other synchronicities.
Hey y’all, been a minute.
Life’s been moving and all I can say is I’m riding the wave with as much ease and curiosity as I have capacity for.
After 5 years of Brooklyn living, I am moving out of the city. I’ve been talking about this move with loved ones for some time, now that it’s here it feels almost surreal, but mostly wild that the years flew like that.
It is not loss on me the significance of September 14th. 2 years ago, I survived a life-altering bike accident in NYC. A year to the date, in addition to actively recovering, I released R+B, my second project to the world. And now, September 14, 2024 marks my departure from NYC (for now).
Life has a funny way of delivering messages.
In my 5 years of living in Brooklyn, I have…
Taught myself how to music produce, record myself, vocal arrange + produce.
Cultivated my own community ecosystems.
Expanded my skills to background vocals, experiential production + marketing, music teaching, songwriting for others, DJing, archival research.
Released my first self-produced music.
Sold out multiple shows on each coast (multiple times).
Received multiple grants for music-related projects.
Directed my first music videos (have another one on the way, more on that l8r).
Opened for my first tour (shoutout Jean Deaux).
Learned how to honor and advocate for myself.
Self-funded my first mini tour.
Witnessed the creation of various iconic creations by community members.
And this is only a portion of the magic cultivated during the last 5 years.
Appreciative is an understatement. The ways in which I’ve expanded are some of the many ways I value this current moment. As I spent the last 48 hours packing up, throwing items away, giving away clothes and old kitchen supplies, I’ve been shown all these ways my life is actively transforming. To be returning back to LA, this time as an older 20-something, with a partner, and an actively expanding musical and creative career overall.
I remember being a slightly younger queer, still exploring my genderfluid identity and comfortability within various roles/labels. The exploration and expansion around my gender identity, of my Black / African identity, of my understanding of my existence within this body. The curiosity around previous boundaries, expectations, understandings of self.
I’m proud of myself for where I’m at and how much I’ve grown into this current version of self.
As I clear the last of my things from my apartment, I give thanks for all that has held space and is no longer present. I give gratitude to those who have inherited furniture, items, clothing from me that I once had so much love for. I give thanks for New York City for presenting me with ground to lay my feet these last 5 years, for challenging me and holding me while also allowing much room for my wings to flow.
While I prepare for my (current) departure from NYC, do me a favor + do the following…
555 things in honor of Sept. 14th
LISTEN TO R+B 🎤 This one feels pretty self-explanatory. It’s been a year since R+B dropped, and it’s only right for y’all to give it a solid listen through today. It’s under 30 minutes, if you ain’t familiar or wanna run it back, listen here.
WATCH MY MUSIC VIDEOS 🎥 Yes — another call to action! Along with under 30 minutes of music, I released 2 music videos (BBI + CRAZY) and LIVE FROM THE WEST SIDE, a live performance video. Watch em all today! Btw, I have another music video on the way. . . what song y’all think it’s for? Let me know in the comments!
SAVE THE R+B PLAYLIST 💿 I made it for the Femmes, Gays + Thems Who Love R&B. Thank me later, trust me.
RECOMMEND ME FOR A GIG 💰 As I’m returning to LA, I’m open and able to music-related work opportunities. Book me to sing, DJ, invite me to a session, throw my name in the hat for that live music events freelance role at your job. I cannot express enough how open I am, try me.
CONNECT WITH ME OFFLINE 🫂 Very much over utilizing the online space as the primary realm of community. If you really bout connection-building, hit me up offline. Let’s link outside, forreal.
In the coming weeks, I aim to share some more of the process behind R+B’s creation. Really excited for y’all to see these goofy, childlike moments of making this offering.
NYC, this ain’t goodbye, if anything it’s a “see ya later.” LA, I’m coming home.
With care,
NYALLAH