After a few incredible weeks under the LA sun, I find myself reflecting on just how surreal this journey has been so far. It all started in Hollywood, where I had the honour of performing at Musexpo, Sat Bisla, who has been instrumental in launching the careers of artists like Adele, Coldplay, and Lorde, invited me to take part. I first met Sat at Roy Hay’s home studio, before I’d even written most of my debut album, Roy and I played some early ideas, and Sat immediately understood my vision as an artist. When he mentioned the Musexpo showcase, I thought it might be one of those LA things where people say something but never follow through, Sat isn’t that type of person, he means what he says, and that’s rare in this industry.
Performing at Musexpo, at the iconic S.I.R. venue, was a truly unforgettable experience, I shared the stage with incredible musicians, including David Palmer, the legendary drummer from Rod Stewart’s band, meeting so many talented people and sharing a preview of some of the songs from my debut album reminded me why I love what I do.
The adventure didn’t stop there, I even got to fly on a private jet to Las Vegas, something I still find crazy because I’m usually used to bus back home. It was amazing to see seeing Boy George and Culture Club at their Vegas residency! To stay in a suite at The Venetian, looking over the city I’ve saw so many times on TV and in the Cinema as a teenager made it feel even more like a dream.
Headed back to LA to get back in the studio, focusing on the finishing touches on my album, one of the highlights was recording a choir for one of the tracks in an incredible rehearsal space and studio, I’m so thankful to the Dickinson family for letting me use their space, it’s inspiring to work in a place filled with such creativity.
Another highlight was meeting Walter Afanasieff, whose work with Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, and Mariah Carey shaped the soundtrack of my childhood, to be in a room with someone who’s created music that has meant so much to me and the idea that we wants to work with me next just blows my mind!
Looking back, it’s still hard to believe how far this journey has taken me, every step has been part of chasing the dream I’ve had since I was a kid, it’s surreal, humbling, and exciting all at once, and I know this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see what comes next and for you all to join me on journey.
