The Music We Shared
Music was and still is (as I like to think) a love language shared between my father and me. He was always very honest when he did not like a song or an artist I sent to him. He went into depth with details about the reasons as well. With the same passion, he would explain why he enjoyed the songs and artists he liked.
The
Music
We
Shared
By Kendolyn Walker
Music was and still is (as I like to think) a love language shared between my father and me. He was always very honest when he did not like a song or an artist I sent to him. He went into depth with details about the reasons as well. With the same passion, he would explain why he enjoyed the songs and artists he liked.
My father grew up in a family that enjoyed music and concerts. So, it’s understandable why he wanted to share that love with his wife and children. Daddy set the foundation for us all to appreciate music from all genres, created by people from different backgrounds.
When Pandora first came out, he fell in love. He put it on his work computer and enjoyed all of his favorite artists daily. Daddy was so deep into the Pandora realm that he refused to switch to Spotify when I pleaded with him to make the change.
So these are some of our conversations. Some I shared with him and some he shared with me. Others were fond memories. They all spoke to the empathetic and warm heart my father had. Here are six songs to give you a taste of the music we enjoyed together.
“Stomp” by The Brothers Johnson
This is the earliest and possibly only song I ever danced to with my father. In talking to my aunts, they shared that I was about two or so, and would request the song by yelling “Thomp, Daddy, thomp!” What a time.
A groovy dance tune with a celebratory tone about heading out to have a good time on the weekend or any evening. It hits home more as Brothers Johnson was a sibling group, similar to my own.
Fast Cars - Tracey Chapman
Tracey Chapman was an artist my dad constantly had on rotation in his car. Her calming voice and guitar tracks most likely created the foundation of my love for the acoustic genre.
Chapman sings about escaping a current hard situation and beginning anew. The drums and guitar, along with her one-of-a-kind vocals, really emphasize the theme of despair and hope.
You got a fast car / Is it fast enough so you can fly away?
You gotta make a decision / Leave tonight or live and die this way
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold
This was an artist my father told me about in my adult years. I am sure I had already moved to New York City when he introduced me to Eva Cassidy’s work. My father loved her voice and was sad that she died at the age of 33. When she passed, her music garnered a lot of attention. She was always too shy for the stage or large audiences but used her voice to interpret songs from all genres creatively. “Fields Of Gold” was an original track by Sting. Cassidy took this song, created a slower tempo version, and sang it with a ballad, nostalgic tone.
Fly - Sara Groves
I have been a lifelong fan of Sara Groves. Her lyrics and melodies, along with her calming voice, have been a part of my growing years.
This song, “Fly,” became a special one between my father and me when I sang it at a close friend’s wedding. My dad was so excited and happy he continued to play this song for years. It reminds me of the way he championed me and cheered me on in all things.
Groves also sings about championing your loved ones with these lyrics and “flying” when encouraged by her partner’s love.
Speak in a summer tone / Pause in the after glow
Tenderly whisper my name / Tell me once again why I am your bride
So I can fly
So I can fly
Pause in your busy day / Look extra long my way
Wink at me across the room / Kiss me longer
Touch my arm when I am by your side
So I can fly
So I can fly
Oh, how the little things / Strengthen my tiny wings
Help me to take on the world / When you love me, there's nothing I wouldn't try
I might even fly
I might even fly
I might even fly
Save The Best For Last - Vanessa Williams
My father told me once that the main reason he liked Vanessa Williams was that she reminded him of my mother. I specifically remember him telling me this during our drives in his car while this song was playing. This fondness has been passed down to me, as I, too, have enjoyed Vanessa Williams’ music and voice for as long as I can remember. Not to mention it has been fun watching her become an amazing actress as well!
In “Save The Best For Last,” Williams sings about a friend becoming a partner. The feel of this song immediately sends me to the 80’s. The keyboard, drums, and strings cushion the words with comfort and peace. She laments about the times he shared his dreams and hopes with her yet continued dating others. But finally, love wins out, and they become '“the best” for each other.
Wiyathul - Gurrumul
I honestly cannot remember where I first heard this song. My sister told me that I am always listening to new music and new artists, so maybe I found Gurrumul, an Aboriginal Australian singer, via one of my Pandora or Spotify shuffles. But I sent it to my father soon after, and I don’t think I heard feedback on it for a while.
Then I think I was talking to him one day, and he started playing it. Again, we were most likely in his car on a drive. Daddy told me the song had brought him to tears. Even as the lyrics in this artist’s native tongue of Yolŋu, the tenderness of his voice indeed soothes my soul despite the fact I do not understand the meaning. I can’t recall all of my father’s critiques of this song, but he definitely told me the tune made him cry.
Gurrumul was a blind musician and singer. He played the drums, keyboards, guitar, and didgeridoo. Something that made him extremely unique was his ability to play a right-handed guitar, even though he was left-handed.
My father was an amazing man who loved Jesus and music of all genres. These songs highlight his compassion, insight, and wisdom. I am thankful, as Daddy laid the groundwork of my passion for music excellence. His love for music, along with his faith, I now walk in.
Kendolyn Walker is a singer-songwriter based in Harlem who serves as producer and founder of The City Love Collective: City Love on the Radio, City Love NYC and the City Love Picnic.
Singer-Songwriter Adegail on Being Who God Created You To Be
“I try to use all of my skills to equip, empower, encourage and educate women and men alike to be all that God has created them to be.”
What a delight to chat with singer-songwriter, Adegail (such a lovely name!). Currently based in the U.K., Adegail has two singles available for your listening pleasure, including her latest song Strength. Enjoy this conversation and be sure to follow her on Instagram to keep up with her music.
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WG: Where did you grow up and what were your interests in your growing years?
Adegail: I grew up in church, in England, and for as long as I can remember, music has been a part of my life. I started playing the guitar at age 10 and that continued throughout my life. I also was in a gospel choir in primary school and have continued singing in and directing choirs since then. That developed into leading worship at age 18, doing covers online, and now writing and releasing my own original songs.
WG: When did you start writing and singing?
Adegail: I only started writing properly in 2019 but started singing and performing in church choirs when I was in my pre-teens.
WG: What are you most proud of in the work that you do?
Adegail: The fact that I’m able to empower other people to use their gifts and talents. My work and the effort I put into it inspires others to do the same. I’ve seen this in particular over the last two years when I started doing iRadiate workshops and events to equip musicians globally.
WG: What has been your biggest struggle as an artist/ creative?
Adegail: Being brave enough to do things creatively that haven’t necessarily been done before, while also using the resources I have and just trusting that God will make it all work out …. (He always makes a way!).
WG: Is there a verse, quote, or life mantra that you live by?
Adegail: We are blessed to be a blessing. Shine your light.
WG: What has God shown you as you continue to grow in your craft or career?
Adegail: Obedience is not about our convenience many times. Being traditionally very shy, I have learned to overcome ‘self’ to be effective for the Kingdom of God and my community.
WG: What do you do to rest and pour into yourself?
Adegail: Being part of a loving, like-minded community is important and helps me a lot. I listen to a lot of music, as you can guess. Reading the Bible is also the obvious way to recharge as there really are no substitutes.
WG: Who inspires you and why?
Adegail: I particularly get inspired by women of colour who are trailblazing within their chosen industry - starting from my own mother to Sarah Teibo (UK), Tasha Cobbs, and even my childhood inspiration, Tori Kelly. I take inspiration from a range of creatives known and unknown - I think that’s important.
WG: Tell us more about what you do and how you empower the community of women around you.
Adegail: I’m a singer-songwriter, guitar tutor, event organizer, worship leader, and more. I try to use all of my skills to equip, empower, encourage, and educate women and men alike to be all that God has created them to be. It’s an honor to be seen as a role model in various spaces.
WG: Anything else that you want our readers to know about you?
Adegail: I’m excited to host my third live recording later this year and look forward to sharing some new songs at the right time!
“We are blessed to be a blessing. Shine your light.”
Click to enjoy adegail’s latest single.
Kendolyn Walker is a creative based in Harlem who serves as producer and founder of The City Love Collective: City Love on the Radio, City Love NYC and the City Love Picnic.
Audrey Marie on the Importance of Women in Music
In history, women were known to be a support for men. So much has developed since then, but we still tend to face battles where women are not respected as much as men. Creativity still comes as a surprise when it is from women. As an artist, I want to support other women and share that it is alright to put yourself out there as a creative. We have the freedom to express ourselves!
Audrey Marie is a singer whose purpose is standing up for women and all we deserve in the creative world. She hails from Mississauga, Ontario Canada and recently released a track Fireflies available on all streaming platforms. If you look into her library, you will also find her debut album, Healing, as well. Learn more about her life and work from our recent interview below.
WG: Where did you grow up and what were your interests during your childhood, teen years?
Audrey Marie: I grew up in the city of Mississauga (Ontario, Canada). I was born into a Filipino Christian home. My dad is a pastor and church planter, so I grew involved in so many ministries. I enjoy using my creative mind with different skills, such as visual arts and music. I loved spending time with my family and friends and being part of various social gatherings.
WG: When did you start writing and singing?
Audrey Marie: I started writing songs at the age of 16. I started singing at the age of 2. My Lola (Grandma) enrolled me in voice lessons at eight-years-old, and the journey went on from there.
WG: Who are some singers that inspire you?
Audrey Marie: Musically - I grew up listening to Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland & Billie Holiday and I was vocally very influenced by them. But these days, my music is inspired by Tori Kelly, Stephen Day, Terrian and Jonathan Ogden. These are Christian/ modern artists who inspire me with their personal stories and their musical genre and talents. They choose to put themselves out there as artists, and I have so much respect for that. Spiritually speaking, my family and friends are a huge inspiration. Their love and support has been such a great blessing from God. They reassure me everyday that music is a huge calling I have from God and I should always keep going. Their own personal lives are a huge testimony to that and motivates and encourages me to keep seeking God throughout my musical journey.
WG: What are you most proud of in the work that you do?
Audrey Marie: I am most proud of the community that was built from my music. I love connecting with everyone and hearing their personal stories about how my songs can relate to their life. It’s a chance for God's good news to connect with them.
WG: What has been your biggest struggle as an artist/ creative?
Audrey Marie: My biggest struggle is facing my insecurities. Sometimes I worry about what other people think. Sometimes I take other people's opinions too personally. But at the end of the day though, I know what I am doing is a calling from God and His guidance reassures me that everything will be okay.
WG: What would you consider your life verse?
Audrey Marie: Ephesians 2:10- For we are God’s masterpiece created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
WG: How do you practically live out your faith?
Audrey Marie: My faith is my relationship with my God. He is the best thing about me. He is the one who knows me for who I am and loves me even at my worst. He chooses to continue to give His divine grace to me every day. This fact encourages me to give grace and love to my other brothers and sisters every day.
WG: As you continue to grow in your career, what has God shown you?
Audrey Marie: God has and continues to show me that we are all His masterpieces. He has created us in His beautiful image. We are all made so differently, and the way we face the world is so different from another. So that motivates me to keep sharing my gift with others and encourage others, reminding them that they are a masterpiece.
WG: During the pandemic, what brought you joy?
Audrey Marie: As much as it's been very hard during the pandemic of 2020, I have gained a lot of blessings during that time. I could not see a lot of people, so I started to put myself first and focusing on my craft as a musician. I spent a lot of time in rest, silence and personal time with God. From those moments, I learned how to value and love myself. I wouldn't have gotten the courage to release music if it weren't for the pandemic.
Since I started releasing music recently, I haven't gotten the chance to perform anywhere. I have performed live virtually to a song I made last year called "Painted Smile.” Also, I am a worship leader so I love leading worship for a ministry called Mississauga Connect. It is hosted in a Dance studio called Kindred Culture Headquarters.
WG: What song do you currently have on rotation?
Audrey Marie: Right now I am listening to “This Year” by Sire. It is such a great song!
WG: How can our audience follow your work?
Audrey Marie: You can find me on all musical platforms (Spotify, Apple music, Amazon music, youtube, Pandora & Deezer). I have a Instagram account where you can see my visual work @Audreymarie.co and I have a YouTube channel where you see my music videos and interactive videos via Audrey Marie.
WG: How do you make time for rest?
Audrey Marie: I love to make crafts. I am currently making candles for fun. I also play video games, watch movies with friends and have prayer time with God.
WG: What show did you most recently binge?
Audrey Marie: My most recent TV show binge was “All Of Us Are Dead.” I really loved it, but not because the show was amazing. But because I watched it with my best friends and we cracked jokes while watching the show.
WG: Who cheers for you the loudest in your community?
Audrey Marie: My top three best friends: Tori Flores, Shyanne Ocray & Charmaine Castro
WG: How do you empower the community of women around you?
Audrey Marie: I am currently working as a Graphic Designer and a Worship Leader. I love to interact with people in a very artistic way. I know it can be very intimidating to put yourself out there as a woman. In History, women were known to be a support for men. So much has developed since then, but we tend to face battles where women are not respected and men. Creativity still comes as a surprise when it is from women. And as an artist, I want to support other women and share that it is alright to put yourself out there as a creative. We have the freedom to express ourselves!
WG: Any final words you want to leave with our readers?
Audrey Marie: I love to connect with other people! If ever you want to reach out and have a fun conversation, feel free to message or interact with me on my Instagram via @Audreymarie.co. Don't forget that you are God's masterpiece. You have a wonderful purpose in this world. He is using you to do great and amazing things! Lastly, since we are all children of God, I love you all.
The Official Lyric Video for “Focus” which is also featured on our March playlist celebrating Women’s History Month.
Kendolyn Walker is a creative based in Harlem who serves as producer and founder of The City Love Collective: City Love on the Radio, City Love NYC and the City Love Picnic.
A Cozy Chat with Natalie Forteza
Natalie Forteza and WG Music Editor Kendolyn Walker in conversation.
As Natalie Forteza sat in her Mid-Hudson Valley office and me in my Harlem apartment, we discovered that we share a love for Sadé, Jimmy Fallon, and Ted Lasso. During our Zoom call, we exchanged laughs and her passion for music was evident as she enthusiastically spoke about the writing process, performances, and her journey as an artist.
Natalie’s latest tracks, "What Christmas Should Always Be" and "Who's She" are available on all streaming platforms. I encourage you to take them in, and while you do, continue reading below to learn more about this brilliantly authentic New York-based singer-songwriter.
WG: Tell us more about you and your background - where did you grow up and what were your interests growing up?
Natalie: I’m Texas-born but New York-raised. Around the age of 3 or 4 years old my family—my mom, dad, brother, and I moved to NY from Texas. Up until the age of 12 or 13 we moved every few years. We never lived in NYC, we lived North of the city in different towns of Westchester County, and later we migrated further North to Putnam County. When I got married, my husband & I moved to lower Dutchess County and have remained here for the past 15 years. The Hudson Valley area, and my family upbringing, are the frame in which I’ve grown into the person I am today. It’s always hard to say where I grew up because we moved around a lot the earlier part of my life, and while I have treasured memories in every place we’ve lived, home was always felt wherever my family was.
I was raised by amazing parents. My Mama, Nannette, is Venezuelan-born with some French lineage (and Spanish ancestry somewhere in there too), and my Dad, Antonio, was Puerto Rican with Spanish ancestry [Antonio was my step-dad on paper, but he was always "Dad." He’s the father that raised me to the fullest of its meaning]. My Dad and my Mom gave me my baby sister Adriana. My biological father, Omar, was Colombian, and although I never had the chance the share this world with him, he gave me my brother Anwar, and two sisters Jessika & Alejandra.
Growing up my interests were many, like nature (we often went camping), animals, really anything art! Photography, drawing, painting… I loved it all! I was in my glory when I got new art supplies and even now I still have to exercise restraint in an art supply shop! The pinnacle of my art store visits was when I got a Bob Ross painting set (I never could get those landscapes right though). While I loved it all, i I don’t think I was that great at the visual arts (although I’m thankful my Mom is so sweet to still have some of my watercolors proudly on her wall lol).
“The constant current underneath it all has always been my love for music. I have always been in love with music.”
The constant current underneath it all has always been my love for music. I have always been in love with music. My mother joined the church choir, and she played the Cuatro occasionally at home, but we weren’t necessarily a musical family in the sense that we had musicians in the family, we were just a family that deeply loved music. Music was always on. We listened to a lot of different genres of music: Pop, R&B, Jazz, Opera, Classical, Latin, New Age, and World music. I was fascinated with Opera when I was really little. I’d be held in a trance staring at the TV watching PBS specials, in awe of the spectacular sounds coming out of their mouths! I might be the only kid that wanted to invite other kids over to watch Opera (no surprise that no children came, just Mom). Other than blasting The Police in the car, the music that floods the soundtrack of my childhood the most was Brazilian jazz like that of Joao Gilberto (along with Stan Getz, Astrud Gilberto, and company), along with Venezuelan folk music like that of Serenata Guayanesa. All of these, hold a golden place in my heart.
It's so hard to explain what it does to my soul when I hear this music, it feels like home. When I hear that music, I close my eyes and reminisce on the afternoons we spent in the yard, swinging in the hammocks, playing with my little sister in the sandbox, Mama’s pitcher of iced tea, being in the kitchen while she cooked, setting the table for company, the many walks we did around the neighborhood and the smell of campfires. Like they say, music transports.
WG: Tell us more about what you do and how you empower the community of women around you.
Natalie: I'm a singer and songwriter. While I look forward to the day that writing, recording, and touring (and being on Jimmy Fallon) become my full-time vocation, I also have the honor of working part-time for a woman-owned and operated health + beauty brand, Cold Spring Apothecary.
It’s hard for me to say how I might empower the community of women around me, as they would know more than I. I’d like to think that I offer them the kind of space to be themselves, to be heard and listened to and to be seen without judgment; how I would want to be empowered and supported. We can be awfully hard on ourselves, so I do feel that it’s important we surround ourselves with people we admire, who we can be honest with, who can see who we are and who we can be even through our shortcomings, and can intervene or come to our defense when we’re not kind or true to ourselves.
WG: When did you start writing and singing?
Natalie: I always sang, I sang in the car wherever we went, I sang in the shower (for the acoustics of course), but it was always timidly in the comfort of my nuclear family. It wasn't until my mid-teens that I worked up the nerve to put myself in front of people, starting at church, then Chorus and concert productions in high school. Even though I had vivid dreams of being a singer, an artist, it felt like a faraway dream and an unlikely reality.
I chickened out auditioning for a music school, so I studied Communications in college, got a job, and tried to ignore those vivid dreams to be “more realistic.”
Before I got the chance to reconsider, in 2001 my Dad, Antonio, passed tragically in the American Airlines flight 587 crash. Needless to say, the only thing I could focus on then was my family.
I ran into a high school classmate years later, and he was surprised I hadn’t “ended up in music,” because he remembered me singing, and loving music so much in school. What he said stayed with me, and with my Dad’s passing, it was a reminder of how life can change so suddenly, so I thought I should do something about it.
I started to look for opportunities to perform, I joined a local jazz group for a short while before I felt I needed to start my own thing. There’s a long list of people I’m grateful for that led me to that decision, and that ultimately led me to who I am today. Some I had short conversations with, and others I have known for years. Having collected words of support, kindness, and encouragement from various sources led me to believe that if I was going to pave my own way, I had to find my own voice, and learn to write my own songs. I NEVER thought I’d be a songwriter. I didn’t have the chops, I didn’t come from a family of musicians, I didn’t go to school for music, I didn’t play an instrument. All these reasons were stacked up in my head. However, through the beautiful degrees of separation that is the music community, I found my musical “hermanos,” my friends and bandmates. I’ve had a blast performing and writing with my writing cohorts: Akie Bermiss (keys) and Anthony Candullo (bass) for the past 10 years.
WG: Who inspires you and why?
Natalie: Oof. I could write endless paragraphs to answer this question. I’ll try to be as concise as possible [cracks knuckles]. Musically, there are quite a few I could mention.
My foremost and steadfast muse has been and will forever be, Sade. I still pray for the day that I might have the chance to meet her and the band. Every artist/musician has a moment when they say, “That’s it! That’s what I want!” Sade (she herself, as well as the band) did it for me. Sade created a space for me. Sade helped me to find my voice. Sade broke molds. While their music had a signature sound, it blurred genre lines (in a time when hard labels were king). Their music felt organic, not trend-driven, and as a vocalist, she delivered velvety melodies without the acrobatics, and the vibe?! C’mon! She’s the Queen. Watching her was like seeing manifestations of my own dreams—the visuals, the drama, the simplicity, the depth, the stage production, the lighting, the fabric, the instrumentation, the recording production, and on and on. In a time, when labels notoriously dictated what, when and how, she seemed to defy that and live her art on her terms, and sell out huge shows. What I can say is for the young, timid, alto singer I was at the time, who didn't have the mega voice of the chart- topping legends of the time, she released me, she gave me permission to be myself, to find my own voice, and OWN it. I never wanted to emulate her, no one can, but she was living proof of the things I had only dreamed of in my head, and proof that you could be true to yourself and your craft AND still be successful.
I’m always gaining new inspiration from artists I discover, but a couple that have been with me for some time would also be Sting—a songwriter who, in my opinion, can look at a stone and write an amazing song about it! Emily King, a native New Yorker, has also carved out a space for herself and her art. Her authenticity feels so organic it seems like you could call her up to meet for coffee. She has the sweetest voice, and just writes superb, superb songs.
“My mom has had tremendous triumphs and devastating trials throughout her life and has met them both with humility, grace, humanity, authenticity, hope, perseverance, and sacrifice.”
In life, there are also many people who inspire me, but this person is the “Sade” of my personal life. My Mama. My mom has had tremendous triumphs and devastating trials throughout her life and has met them both with humility, grace, humanity, authenticity, hope, perseverance, and sacrifice. She’d never say she “lost” anything, she’ll only tell you what she gained. She truly “sees” people, her compassion is boundless, even if she disagrees with you or you’ve crossed her, she’ll tell you like it is, in her sassy-Latina-like way, but also in the nicest way. We have had some dark times, and even in the middle of it, we could find a way to laugh—like stomach-cramps-level laughing, just extraordinary. She pushes us to be our best, and always accepts us as we are. My mother has loved us at our best and at our worst. She gave us our sense of home and our sense of adventure. She’s both couture and good-ol'-classic-jeans. She’s champagne and beer. She’s whimsical and worldly, and through all of it always solidly on the ground.
WG: What are you most proud of in the work that you do?
Natalie: I keep trying and I keep learning. While I can be pretty hard on myself, I can say that I'm not afraid to work, to keep learning, to keep getting better in as much as I can. Whether it's vocal growth, performance, songwriting, time management, social media, production, or playing an instrument.
WG: What has been your biggest struggle as an artist/ creative?
Natalie: I was just about to list a few things right off the bat I struggle with, but after taking a second to think about it, it all comes down to one thing really--staying out of my own way, and more importantly, staying out of God's way is the hardest struggle. It rears its head the most often in two areas:
1. Vulnerability - mostly when it comes to live performances. I put a lot of pressure on myself, and I get in my own way to take risks, to make mistakes—I know it’s how you grow—but letting go is hard to do, and often the what I need to pray about before performing.
2. Letting go of the pressure of always being “on.” There's a lot of problem-solving involved in trying to achieve big dreams; financial constrictions, limited contacts, not having enough time, not having enough help, not having enough exposure. "how do I get to this point?” There's a lot of pressure to constantly be “on," doing something all the time to solve or work through these challenges. I believe in being a good custodian to the gifts & passions I've been given, by growing, being disciplined, and being driven. If I'm not mindful, I'll get in my own way and in God's way, stealing peace and rest from myself, keeping myself from just living life! In doing so I get in the way of relying on Him. So I need to do a better job of inviting Him, including Him in the process, in the challenges, in the failures, and in the victories. Way easier said than done of course, but it's something I'm trying to be more heedful of.
“If I'm not mindful, I'll get in my own way and in God's way, stealing peace and rest from myself, keeping myself from just living life!”
WG: Is there a verse, quote, or life mantra that you live by? If so, what is it?
Natalie: I've had some wonderful, life-changing vocal coaches, one of which was Sharon Bryant. During our sessions, she'd give me an exercise and she'd see me thinking and calculating before anything would come out of my mouth, so she'd put her hands on my shoulders, look me in the eye and say to me, "Natalie, just sing!" Those words help me to get out of my head. Creators often strive for perfection, but it really gets in the way of just doing whatever it is we need to do, including the need to make mistakes. Something I really don't like! I know it's a necessary part of the process, so I have to tell myself, "don't think, just sing." This translates into other areas too. Her words have turned into somewhat of a Nike-like slogan for other things, "don't think, just write," "just trust," "just rest." I've started to write "Just Sing" on my setlists to give myself permission to let go, and give myself over to whatever comes. Thank you for this Sharon.
WG: What does faith mean to you? How do you live it out practically? Natalie: A question that's hard to answer in just a few words. A basic definition of faith is, "a belief and trust in and loyalty to God." But it's more than that, isn’t it? To me, it's a trust-fall into God's hands. It's believing before I can see versus seeing and then believing. It's trusting God's promises. It’s an invitation, a relationship with God, through Christ.
I live it out practically knowing that I'm not perfect, my faith isn't perfect, but He is. I miss having a dad, and it helps me to understand faith, by seeing Him as a parent, my heavenly Father; He wants to provide. He wants to be invited into my life, and He wants me to trust Him even if I don't understand. And when I fall, He's there, every time. There's no question my mother loves her children; she loves all of who we are, the good and the ugly. So if I can believe that, then how much more does God love us?
WG: What has God shown you as you continue to grow in your craft/career?
Natalie: He constantly surprises me. I've thought of or prayed for something, and ever so gently or suddenly He answers it. He's given me strength-physical and mental-when I've asked for it. He's given me creative clarity and inspiration when I've asked for it. Having spent so much time by myself the last couple of years during the pandemic, when I had been so accustomed to working with others, I had to ask for His help to give me the ability, the mental bandwidth, and patience, and He answered all of it overabundantly.
Ephesians 3:20, "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."
He's also showed me to trust the "no's." Another area I struggle with, but so important to be cognizant of. Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano, known as the duo, Johnnyswim, said it best in their book Home Sweet Road, "...When God closes the door sometimes, walk away from the damn door. [Abner] You're at the wrong door [Amanda]...You're at the wrong house. On the wrong block. You know what I mean?! Keep walking, keep moving [Abner]."
WG: What has brought your happiness while dealing with the pandemic (since March 2020)?
Natalie: So much. At the height of the pandemic when we couldn't really go anywhere, picnics on a blanket in the yard made us feel like we were away, we created little seating nooks in our house, so when we made cortados and cappuccinos it made us feel like we were in a cafe somewhere. The first food we got to-go was a bacon-egg-and-cheese from a local spot in Beacon, NY [Beacon Daily]. We would drive an hour just to get out of the house to our favorite town of Hudson to buy coffee and croissants to-go from one of our favorite spots [Le Perche]. Sitting on the front stoop, watching live stream concerts over several weeks of one of our favorite artists, Amos Lee.
One of my absolute favorite things was (and still is) reading my Ian Fleming, James Bond books! They offered blissful escapism and inspired me so much that I wrote my own "Bond song," called "Love is a Gun." The thrill writing it made me so happy you would've thought Barbara Broccoli had asked me to write it for the last Bond film. We made cocktails to celebrate the song's premiere (aka uploading it to SoundCloud lol) at our favorite lounge (aka, our living room). Above all else, what not only kept us afloat through it all but helped us to find happiness amongst the chaos was, gratefulness. Grateful to be healthy, grateful to have everything we needed; work, food, a home, a peaceful home, and each other, having a partner, the best companion, my hubby by my side through it all was everything.
WG: What are you listening to right now? Who's on your music playlist?
Natalie: Ooooh ok, here goes! RY X has been on repeat for close to 2 years now! His album "Live from the Royal Albert Hall" and various classical music playlists were what got me through some of the toughest parts of the pandemic. Amos Lee is always on heavy rotation. Emily King has a permanent address in my playlists, and artists like Lianne La Havas, London Grammar, Yola, Lauren Daigle, Johnnyswim, Max Richter live in the playlist neighborhood too. Can we talk about Adele's new album, 30?! I couldn't be more thrilled for her. Most recently, I listened to Yebba's "Live at Electric Lady." wow. It's been a while since I've wanted to get lost in headphones listening to a record. She's incredible, I find myself hanging on every note that comes out of her, and what I would've given to be a fly on the wall for that session.
WG: What has been your favorite venue to perform in at this point and why?
Natalie: I have a couple of favorite venues like Daryl's House, owned by Daryl Hall, for its first-class hospitality and tremendous sound design--Pete Moshay is the best. The Falcon, also for its heartwarming hospitality, and community is its heartbeat. Tony Falco, a legend and its founder, was a champion of artists and musicians local and worldwide, and while he's no longer with us, his spirit has stayed with us all. But one of the most recent venues I had the honor of playing was the historic Tarrytown Music Hall in Tarrytown, NY, the sound was crystalline and getting the chance to play a historic stage like that in my backyard per se, left me pretty inspired.
WG: What do you do to rest and pour into yourself?
Natalie: Movies. Books. Croissants. And coffee. I love me some movies and a bag of Bjorn Qorn popcorn (I'm terrible at sharing popcorn though). I loved books all my life, but I feel like, for a long time, I couldn't finish them, or I didn't make enough space for them. But over the past few years, I've been able to renew my book love, and really enjoy diving into a book, so much so that I try to carve out 30 minutes at least three times a week to read. Especially if it's a Bond book, James Bond, 007. If I didn’t emphasize this point before, I am a Bond fanatic! My hubby gave me the first book of the series a few years ago, and since then I've been gobbling up the subsequent books, just loving the escapism in them. But the best is when the hubby & I can find a new or favorite spot to grab a coffee and a croissant, those moments are precious and really renew me.
WG: What was your most recent TV show binge? Why did you like it, or why didn't you like it?
Natalie: Ted Lasso! oh, man. Easily one of the best, and favorite shows ever. It was unexpected, I fell so fast in love with his character, rooting for him, and ended up rooting for so many more characters as the episodes unfolded. The character arcs were brilliantly written and executed. I belly laughed, and full-on cried. Touching on so many relatable subjects it was easy to latch onto the emotions (here comes the deep stuff). Honestly, I kinda feel like Ted sometimes, like I'm the new kid trying to convince people why I'm here. I'm often the obnoxious optimist trying to be the hypeman for myself and others (if I could walk around with a "Believe" sign I would), and I think people assume that because I'm an optimist or positive I must not have any trauma or grievances of my own. But like we learn in Ted Lasso, don't judge a book by its cover. Ted Lasso did a great job of punching through expectations and assumptions, with a full range of emotions and did it in a way that when you finished an episode you couldn't resist a smile on your face.
WG: Which of your songs is your favorite to perform?
Natalie: As of late, "Love is a Gun (a tribute to James Bond, 007)”
WG: Tell me about the top 3 people in your life who cheer the loudest for you.
Natalie: Yikes. This feels like the Hunger Games trying to narrow it down to 3 spots: #1. My husband, Saverio. That's easy. Spots #2 and #3 I'm gonna have to give to my whole family (to avoid a chancleta (a flip flop in Spanish) getting thrown at me. My mother, my siblings, my Abuela (my grandmother), and the whole family tree is shaking, cheering for me, I can feel it.
WG: Lastly, where can people find you or your work?
Natalie: www.NATALIEFORTEZA.com. My music is available on all major platforms and social media via Instagram: @natalie_forteza and Facebook: @nataliefortezamusic.
WG: Anything else that you want to share about your passions or that you want our readers to know about you?
Natalie: Random trivia? Hmm... I have a serious popcorn problem, I loooooove Popcorn. I LOVE shoes. I'm not an excessive person, but I can never have too many shoes. Maybe it's a hidden talent, maybe not, I don't know, but I have this thing, a game really, "Who's voice is that?" When watching commercials, I can usually figure out who the celebrity is in the voiceover—it’s not a superpower I know, but could be a fun talent for a skit on Jimmy Fallon one day.
Kendolyn Walker is a creative based in Harlem who serves as producer and founder of The City Love Collective: City Love on the Radio, City Love NYC and the City Love Picnic.
Being Present in the Process
Amanda Davis candidly shares about difficult decisions, sacrifices and personal growth in her career as a music artist.
By Kendolyn Walker
Last year, from IG Live comedians to virtual concerts, creatives kept me fully entertained. I remember putting online events in my calendar to make sure I was tuned into whatever platform was hosting. Ups and downs, 2020 was quite the year for the creative community. It was no different for singer/songwriter Amanda Davis. Let’s go back a bit. I was introduced to Amanda by a mutual sis, for the City Love NYC artist showcase that took place in Manhattan once a month. When I sat down with her at The Langston Hughes House in Harlem, in February of 2018, she started to tell me her story.
In her final year of college, Amanda had her sights set on staying in Philadelphia with her family and friends to begin her music career. On the night of her graduation party, her mother’s good friend pulled her to the side and said “You need to go. You need to go to New York.” Without question, Amanda heeded the counsel and moved. Her apartment, a job, and friendships all fell into place.
After taking a few years to working in the fashion industry and get settled in a new city, Amanda has just recently started taking time to start singing and songwriting. Her friends and family have supported her every step of the way. Amanda credits her parents and mentors with helping her to make hard decisions about her career so far. She adamantly believes that when it is time, the right doors will open. It was in this first conversation that she coined her songs as “life music.”
I hope you enjoy the full conversation in the audio clip below.
“This really takes sacrifice… You have to give the art the time that it needs. It almost demands it”.
In our most recent conversation, over Zoom, Amanda shared more about her music career and her transparency really moved me. She spoke of the sacrifices she made last year to check her motivation for singing, participating in two writing camps, one of which was hosted by Maverick City Music, being present in the process, and how collaborating with other creatives deepened her creative horizons.
*Amanda will be a featured artist at City Love NYC on November 4 at Shrine in Harlem.
“I’m learning to sit in that space of … ‘Amanda don’t think about results, but do be disciplined and take the time to cultivate something that you feel like - I’ve given my best”.
Kendolyn Walker is a creative based in Harlem who serves as producer and founder of The City Love Collective: City Love on the Radio, City Love NYC and the City Love Picnic.
Meet Damaris Giha
I was so happy when my sister-friend Damaris Giha accepted my invite to sit with me and share her story. I wanted to know what prompted her to take a leap of faith and quit her day job to become a full-time singer/songwriter. In our interview, we talked about her inspiration and how creatives can stay true to the calling that God has given them.
Check out the video and enjoy getting to know her!
What has God shown you specifically about your voice?
Taking this leap of faith forces me to trust that my voice is worth being heard. Like most artists, I’ve struggled at some point with feeling worthy. There are days when I don't feel good enough to reach success. But leaving my job is a statement of faith that I am good enough, that I am called to this, that my voice and my songs are worth being heard. I believe that God is affirming that it's okay, even good, that I write music that's not worship music and that I can still have a successful career and bring Him glory through it. My voice still blesses people.
What was the inspiration to do so?
I knew since 2019 that I wanted to pursue music seriously, and I tried to do it while working "full time +,” as I like to call it. But really, Ari Herstand's "How To Make It In The New Music Business" was the real push. It's like a Bible on how to be a successful independent musician. The passage on day jobs really resonated, specifically his conviction that creatives need to have day jobs where they work with their hands so they can preserve all the precious brain juice for their art. And then I read the section about the one-year plan. This involves getting the highest paying job you can (or staying in my current corporate job, for me), aggressively saving up, seeing as much live music as possible, and preparing to leave in a year for full-time musicianship. Reading that, something in my heart clicked. I knew this was what I had to do. There was no question, no "Maybe I'll consider this." My heart quickened, and I knew there was no other option for me. I believe that was the Holy Spirit confirming this desire in my heart.
What do you do to rest and pour into yourself?
I read a lot of fiction, mostly fantasy and sci-fi, or fiction by Black women authors. I recently read Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams, a novel about a young black woman trying to make sense of her heart and past trauma after a breakup, and I "Oooooh, chile!"-d A LOT. I stress-baked quite a bit during the pandemic, which ideally I'd like to take into a less-stressed life. I practice yoga regularly and love taking care of my body, which includes skincare, stretching, self-massage, and walking around my Crown Heights neighborhood. When I can get out of the city, I adore hiking, kayaking, and most outdoorsy or water activities. Moving my body and striking up conversation with folks, strangers or otherwise, always makes me happy! Also, naps.
What was your most recent TV show binge? Why did you like it, or why didn't you like it?
There are three:
1) The Chair - Sandra Oh is DIVINE in absolutely everything she does; the lady has a Midas touch. Watch it simply for her, or her incredibly funny on-screen co-professor Holland Taylor.
2) Lupin - I missed the first wave when Season 1 aired last year, so I caught up recently and watched Season 2. It's a fun James Bond x Sherlock Holmes x Ocean's 11 vibe that we don't get to see Black people in a lot, and just loved seeing Assane win in super impossible situations.
3) Modern Love - A cute and mostly compelling anthology show, although I felt the lack of major protagonists of color. I'm about to embark on the second season, so I'm looking for that to be better this time around.
If you could collaborate with three people, on a song, who would it be and why?
Ugghhh, an impossible question. Off the top of my head, there are three pairs, kind of an either/or situation.
Childish Gambino to bring a vibrant, "produced R&B" sound to one of my songs (which tend to feature more live instrumentation), Doja Cat to rap on this feature and be sexy in a music video with (I've got a major crush on her).
Donny Hathaway or Aretha Franklin, as the King and Queen of Soul. Both were incredible songwriters and I find myself imitating them.
PJ Morton, as he is another one with a Midas Touch. The man is a genius, so much soul, and melts me every time.