We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lydia Dye. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lydia below.

Lydia , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project that I’ve worked on, was when I hosted my very first Jam session in Manhattan. I believe it was 2023, and I took a leap of faith to create an event that was bigger than I thought it would be. I knew that I wanted to create a safe space for musicians, singers, and rappers to exchange musical ideas; I knew that would result in us creating masterpieces together and that it would leave room for future collaborations.

My first issue was that I didn’t have a lot of funds. I had to worry about the venue, security, having food accommodations, having enough space for everyone, how I would accommodate the musicians, and how I would keep track of all the artists that wanted to participate. I had on a huge Curator hat on, and tons of think about. Luckily, I had a great friend, named Temi, that helped me organize a lot. Along with my brother as the Dj, Obie, I was able to have some stable support. When I thought I didn’t have help, many of my friends volunteered to help with tickets at the door and other ways to help the event move smoothly. I am really blessed for the friends and people who helped me fulfill my vision.

My second issue was solidifying the musicians and equipment I needed. I had nothing really. I can honestly say that God sent musicians and equipment out of no where. People came just to help out because they loved the idea and maybe, they saw how determined I was to make this night fulfilling for us all. On top of having all the equipment and musicians lined up, I was blessed to have a podcast that agreed to cover the Jam session, LIVE! It seemed that everything was going to work out and it did.

I remember looking around the room as creatives from all walks of life, grabbed the microphone! People from the audience were locked in and singing from their seats. Poets released and healed! Dancers danced all night. We created, we collaborated, and we all still create together. The night was full of love and peace. I was so proud of myself for taking the leap of faith. I was so overwhelmed with the amount of love and the encouragement after the event.

In all, I learned so much. I learned to take a chance with myself. I learned to let genuine people help me. I learned to trust God in everything I do, because he will bless everything my hands touch. I learned that there is power in collaboration and networking amongst your peers. I learned to sing and allow people to hear my voice. I learned to be comfortable with being a curator as well as an artists; I had to learn how to balance both positions, so that I wouldn’t get burnt out. I learned how much I really like harmonizing with other artists. I learned how much I like to see other creatives perform. Most importantly, I learned that I can do anything I put my mind to and that if I stay consistent, More blessings and opportunities will fall into place for me. Everything will fall into place if we believe it and go for it!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Since I was younger, I have always been surrounded by the arts! I used to sing in church on the choir and I played the organ and drums for a little bit. In middle school, I was apart of my choir and we performed across NYC. I was apart of a choir called Gospel for Teens where I met som many incredible peers and performed on big stages, like Madison Square Garden and The Apollo. In high school and in college, I continued my music path until the present. Right now, I am in Studio Audio Engineering school, learning how to produce music through Daws and how to mix and master music. I’ve been collaborating with new friends and singing with other musicians. I’ve even taught basic music notation and instruments to 5 year olds and they grasped the information thoroughly. Aside from being apart of choirs, as a soloist I’ve sung at weddings, funerals, intimate dinners, open mics, jam sessions, etc.

For people who don’t know me, I’d like to share that I am not just a singer; I am a painter and sculptor as well. I’ve been painting just as long as I’ve been singing, which is all my life. From designing bulletin boards and window displays, to becoming an art teacher for toddlers, to live painting and hosting paint and sips, I’ve had my fun in the art community as well. I sell art when I find the time lol and I make adult ashtrays by hand and I paint them myself as well. I’ve done portraits (although it’s not my favorite type of art to do) as well as cartoon and inspirational art pieces.

What sets me apart from other artists is my heart, my swag, my voice and my vibe. I like to think I have a loving heart and in an industry where things can get a little dark, I think it’s good to have a level of love & respect for each other and for the craft. My swag is different. I don’t have to dress up or be in the spotlight; my energy is the swaggiest thing I own and it illuminates on its own. I believe that I’m respectful; I believe that I’m a genuinely nice person. I am very optimistic, encouraging and I won’t stop until I get what I want.

My voice is really what sets me aside. How my voice sounds usually surprises listeners; people usually expect me to rap because I’ve been told my voice doesn’t match my appearance. I love when people expect one thing from me and they get something even better. My buttery, soothing voice matched with my high notes, usually surprises many.

The main thing that I want future clients/followers/ fans to know is that I love what I do. I’m still learning about my voice and how vulnerable I want to be with the world. I am a lover and I’m learning how to express what’s in my heart— the good and the ugly parts of it. I want them to know that I am supportive and that I hope all my peers can achieve their goals, whatever they are. I want to make music freely. I want to make music for those that can’t express how they feel but need someone to say it for them. I want my music to heal wounds and trauma, and to uplift spirits. I also want my music to be something that lifts the hairs on their neck and wipes the tears from their eyes. I want music to make you feel like you’re laying in daisies, in the meadow and everything is alright.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In 2018, I was hit by a car. My younger niece and cousin were with me and were injured pretty badly. It all happened really quickly and it was in my neighborhood as well, considering that we’re coming home from a birthday party for a family member, and that we’re only a few blocks away from my house. We all ended up in the hospital and there were five other bystanders who were hit by that collision.

It was probably one of the darkest times for me. I had just turned 20 years old and I had to use a cane to walk around for months. It was embarrassing and it slowed me down from my usually adventurous and spontaneous personality. Aside from that, I couldn’t work or go to school for a bit. It was very depressing for me; at the time I was working with toddlers and negative thoughts made me feel like I could never secure the safety of children around me because my family got injured with me. I felt that pain and I felt like I was in a dark space. I wasn’t creating. I wasn’t singing. I barely answered the phone. Luckily, after a few dark days I decided that I was being dramatic and that I didn’t need to feel guilty when I wasn’t the one driving those cars that hit us.

It took lots of prayer and talking the negative thoughts away. I eventually got up and started walking everywhere. I started bike riding after a month of just walking up stairs and to the corner store or park. Even some friends would come walk with me. That year I ended up going back to work. I was able to stand up straight and. It have to use the cane. I went back to school over time as well. I learned that I can pick myself up out of dark spots. I also learned that I can feel emotions and feel pain, but I wouldn’t allow myself to lose myself or get too far into the darkness, that I couldn’t see that I wasn’t mean to dwell in that dark space. I learned from it. I healed from it. And I turned out mentally, physically stronger and by 2019 more blessings and opportunities followed for me.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

There’s a few lessons that I had to learn and still relearn. I’ve always been sensitive about my music. I’ve been confident in my voice but at times I can get a little shy when people hear it. Sometimes I can be critical about my music and sometimes I’m not super satisfied. What I’ve learned is that, I still must push past those feelings and release everything that I have inside me no matter how sensitive I am about the vulnerability of my music. I have to push past certain feelings because I think it’s imposter syndrome or just some fears that like to distract me from where I’m supposed to be. Ive learned to ask questions and be assertive, accordingly. Ive learned to accept help from genuine people. I’ve learned to take advice and constructive criticism from experienced, supportive and loving people about my music. I’ve learned to be less hard on myself and again, push the music out. In the past week, I’ve been in the studio at least four times creating new music for my album. It’s always been a dream for me, but now it’s a reality. What I’m saying is that, I have learned to fight past those thoughts that try to dim your light/ hold back your creativity. It’s time to stay focused and just put everything out to the world. I’m not perfect at it but I’m more confident and stronger than I was before. I’m fully ready to create at least two albums right now.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @_lydiannnna @theaura_popup
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/9WJaEh8F1zs?si=SZFYAMweQtMuvyG0
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/4XxTf2xAauKbBkev8