Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricquélle Badger

Hi Ricquélle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

My story doesn’t differ from many people. There are unique details however, one can find similarities in their own personal story. I grew up in a household of music. You could hear everything from Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston to Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson, and Earth Wind and Fire. We most certainly can’t forget about the gospel legends like The Clark Sisters, The Winans, Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin, Shirley Caesar, and Yolanda Adams just to name a few. I was raised in the church so Gospel and Christian music was a heavy influence on me. I started singing in the Children’s Choir at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. When my father, William T Badger Jr. became pastor of New Beginnings Alliance Church, I became one of the church pianists where my younger brother was one of the percussionists and my mother was one of the praise team leaders. My older brother worked in the audio visual room so the whole family was involved in ministry. I have always been intrigued and impressed with how a performer can command and captivate an audience with music and their stage presence. Whether it be power vocals, intricate choreography, guitar or drum solos, or just strong engagement with the crowd, music has such a power to empower, inspire, and motivate people. My parents recognized my gift, passion, and talent for music early on by having me take piano lessons. I was around 7 or 8yrs old. Initially I was not pleased especially when it came to daily practice. My mom was so on top of my schedule that if I missed a practice, she would wait until I was sound asleep and wake me up in the middle of the night to complete my practice time. Here I thought I got over on her and she reminded me that was not the case. Looking back I’m thankful for her dedication and persistence because it attributed to my discipline when it comes to creating music today. When I started with lessons, I studied classical music, hymns, Christian contemporary, gospel, jazz, and had multiple teachers who helped mold and develop my ear. My parents often encouraged me to use music as a creative outlet. My mom would write songs and I would put music to her lyrics. Those memories encouraged me to begin writing my own words and putting music to it. I would perform in talent shows and summer music clinics in Wisconsin as well as perform my original songs at high school talent shows. I wouldn’t always win first place, but every performance provided a take away or lesson for me to learn and improve further developing my artistry. I would watch artists like Aaliyah, Eve, Janet Jackson, and Jennifer Lopez who were triple threats in entertainment dominating both music, dance, fashion, and film. Growing up I took ballet and jazz dance before committing fully to music lessons. While attending University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, I linked up with my sis Kryssy Lyric D and we would write and create songs together. Me on the keyboard and her with the pen. I’ve mentioned before that after my mom’s battle with cancer and her passing in 2010, I temporarily lost passion for writing, creating, and performing. When I became a mom in 2011 and having my second child in 2013, my focus shifted to parenthood and finishing college. It was my bro Profit Made who reignited my passion for creating when he asked me to sing background for a group he was working with called L.I.E (Loyalty Is Everything). I enjoyed the recording and studio process so much that it sparked something in me to get back to writing my own music. I’m forever grateful to L.I.E because without them, I wouldn’t have released my first project in 2017. From there I was provided the opportunity to perform live at venues such as 414 Spotlight and Miramar Theatre as well as getting my song Cover Girl on the local radio station Heat from The Street in Milwaukee. I collaborated with Bridstylz, King Quis Productions, and Ebony Adell of TSXDH to shoot the Cover Girl visual which was an amazing experience. We continued to collaborate with other artists and released CoverGirl Project 2: Mind Over Matter in 2020. That release provided the opportunity to not only perform my music live for Milwaukee PBS but also have my music featured in LA Fashion Week and International Digital Fashion Week for TSXDH. My music was also used in the web series S*x Eyecon. Make sure you check out the promo also shot by King Quis. We kept writing, grinding, and collaborating with talented artists and released CoverGirl Project III: No Magazine in 2022. That release provided the opportunity to not only perform my music live at venues such as Cactus Club with Dj Quilla, but also radio air play for Madison radio station 97.3 Jamz. We couldn’t stop there so we kept writing and grinding collaborating with dope artists and released BRB in 2023. That release was a defining moment for me because after its release, I made the decision to transition out of Wisconsin and on to Arizona. It was scary at first but that brought about the opportunity to perform my music live at venues such as Poetic Soul. The grind didn’t stop and we kept writing and collaborating and will be releasing CoverGirl Project IV: Uncovered in 2024 so stay tuned!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

To say I have faced challenges is an understatement. First and foremost being a female in a predominately male industry is a huge challenge. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to be assertive and take charge when it comes to reaching out to artists, radio stations, DJ’s, publications, venues etc. for opportunities for promo or collaboration. Sometimes the opportunity proves to be mutually beneficial and sometimes it doesn’t. People will push you as much as you allow. Like the saying goes “Business and polite don’t mix.” I’ve definitely learned to be firm yet fair and stand on my beliefs and values. I never take anything personally because it comes with the business. Just as when I was younger, I walk away with a lesson that shows me how I can better improve and navigate through the industry. It’s also character building. Even more so, it provides me with writing material I can channel creatively into my music. Another challenge I faced just like the rest of the world was the effects of the pandemic. It definitely put a temporary stop to how we worked in the beginning. Turning a negative into a positive, we focused on working virtually and utilizing more tech via e-mail correspondence and use of zoom to communicate and maintain efficiency. A constant challenge is the financial aspect of being an independent artist. Not having a major label to cover costs of studio sessions, visuals, cover art, photo shoots, purchasing tracks, promo, hair/makeup and all the things that come with marketing, the financial responsibility falls on me. People forget that a key word in music business is the business part. Marketing, promotion, and seeking out collaborative branding opportunities is the more difficult piece that people don’t see. I believe timing is everything so if an opportunity doesn’t pan out how I envision, I know that God will provide the opportunity in his timing. That being said, I’m also a mom and my children always come first. Thankfully I have a good co-parenting relationship which provides me the opportunity to work on music. It’s definitely a balance and when I need to shift my focus for any reason, I do just that. One of the biggest challenges in the past year was the transition to AZ. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make in my life. I literally started all over with life, looking at schools for my youngins, and meeting new people, networking, and cultivating relationships to set up a better situation for me and my family. I had to learn to embrace solitude and isolation and channel that energy into creative space which essentially inspired me to write CP4. Thankfully I have family in AZ so it wasn’t a completely lonely transition but adding on the fact that I don’t physically have my mom here with me made days very difficult. I had to remind myself on the tough days that I need to stay focused on the positives, the blessings, and the opportunities that God is going to send my way. I was also able to reconnect with my spiritual journey by praying and meditating a lot more. Just like everyone I have fears, doubts, and insecurities. I don’t ever want to put myself or my family in a position to fail. I’ve learned to turn those fears and doubts into passion and drive that ultimately motivate me to go harder on my journey knowing that all of the greats face challenges and hurdles. Like all of of the world who was tuned into the recent 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, I watched athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson and Simone Biles whose stories and journeys are both so inspiring to witness. Seeing the challenges they faced and ultimately conquered to become the living legends and champions they are today is so empowering. They continue to overcome adversity and thrive. I know with God, determination, perseverance, and the constant support of my family, I too can conquer anything.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I am an artist, singer/songwriter, model and actress. I’ve had the pleasure of creating and releasing music consistently since 2017. I’ve been writing and performing my music live and virtually. My music has been featured on Spotify playlists. I’ve also had the opportunity to model for TSXDH and have been showcased in art exhibitions at the Nicoleta Gallery in Germany. I’ll be portraying Katera Reign in the web series S*x Eyecon. Make sure you check out the promo which is out now! I like to incorporate a variety of genres in my music such as orchestral or classical vibes along with heavy 808s. I also like to blend R&B, Hip-hop, and Afro beats experimenting with different sounds. I also incorporate Latin culture utilizing Spanish language in my music. I enjoy the fact that I can’t be put in a box which is one of the things that I feel sets me a part from other artists. What I’ve enjoyed most about this journey is the collaborations and opportunities I’ve had. Between working with new producers, collaborating with amazing, talented, and incredible artists and musicians, seeing their growth encourages me to push my pen and challenge myself creatively. One of my favorite collaborators are my youngins. My oldest youngin has produced tracks for my past projects and those moments are always magical. When asked the question of what I bring to the table that differs from other artists, I revert to my supporters. Only my supporters can answer what makes me stand out whether it be my work ethic, my ambition, my talent, or my grind. The fact that I’m very focused on perfecting my craft and strive to put out quality content that my audience and listeners can be proud of is super important to me. With this upcoming project I really wanted to tap in to my female supporters and touch on topics such as friendship, relationships, and just feeling confident in yourself and embracing your imperfections. For those who have been listening to my music since day one, you’ll definitely hear the growth in production, lyricism, vocals, subject matter etc. You’ll have those empowering songs that make you feel motivated and unstoppable. You’ll hear those party vibe tracks that’ll make you want to have funners and dance. I have a special surprise on this project for my supporters that I’m not going to give away so you’ll just have to wait for the release. I hope you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

I want to give a special thank you to all of my supporters for all the love yal have shown and prayers yal have sent to me and my fam over this journey. Those who have been there since the beginning and the new supporters I appreciate yal so much! I can’t say enough thank you to every producer, engineer, artist, DJ, graphic designer, stylist, choreographer, hairstylist, makeup artist, musician I’ve had the pleasure of working with I sincerely thank you for contributing your time and talents to my vision. I also want to let yal know we have so many exciting things coming up so stay tuned!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/quellez
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@_quellez_
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100011275866467
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@quellez0313/videos
• Soundcloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/quellez_3

Image Credits

@bridney @quayology @bedsidenailz @rosebudteemakeup @kingquis74 @tsx_design_house @maniigee @fashionabledemand @shunpfilms @poeticsoulevent @qosmic_quadence