We caught up with the brilliant and insightful AYAM a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

AYAM, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I started my artist journey at 25 in early 2019. I wrote and recorded my first song (Shake) in January of that year, announcing myself as an artist. I was living with my brother and working at a place called AmeriLife, where I am currently still employed. Joining the praise team at my church at the time, gave me the gumption to take the leap into my artistry. Even though I am grateful for where I am now, I sometimes wonder if I were to have started earlier, would I be further along in my career, further in knowing my voice and music? At times I wonder if the opportunities I shy’d away from, we’re failed test. However, these are only moments. I ultimately know that I am blessed and highly favored and that God has me exactly where I am supposed to be.

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

My name is AYAM (pronounced i-am). I am an independent R&B soul artist from Clearwater, FL. I always wanted to be a singer but always thought of it as an unobtainable far fetched dream. I used to only sing when no one could hear me, simply to avoid the attention. My mother loves telling the story that she only found out I could sing at church, when I finally sang a full song. Before that, I used to sing in made-up voices and accents.

I am most proud of how far I’ve come in only four years. I just recently put together my own event in September called Fall Nights: The Vibe Soundtrack that was somewhat of a prequel to a prior event. It was a complete success in that, the music was on point and everyone who came had a great time!

Two things I pride myself on as an artist is; one, being able to leave my audience with goose bumps (that means my words and the sound I’ve provided made them feel something) and two, making sure my people are fed (nothing like good food and music, even when it’s work).

In my music, from my first EP DREAMS to my latest single “What I Want”, you can see the growth in my artistry. Before big events like the one in September I would have mini attacks thinking of everything that I wanted to do and how great I wanted everything to be. I would have quick questions of doubt, like “Who do you think you are?” and for a quick second I would not have an answer. But then I would remember who I am and the many gifts God has given me. What also helps, is realizing that nervousness is just excitement and in order to channel that I talk about my ideas with a close friend.

I love my journey with all of its bumps and rewards and I know I have a full journey ahead because I am far from finished.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Most rewarding aspect of being a creative is putting yourself on the line, in almost your most vulnerable state, and having others not only enjoy but feel connected your work. Opening your heart and putting it on the line over and over again and being welcomed with open arms.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I would saw support comes in so many forms these days. If you can provide support in the financial avenue then of course buy tickets (even when you can’t go) and buy merchandise but there’s others ways as well. Most artist do free events or open mics, simply being an audience member means a lot. If you have a presence of social media; like, repost/retweet, comment, share. Word of mouth, it all matters.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.AYAMMusic.com
• Instagram: @AYAMxoMusic
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com@AYAMxoMusic
• Youtube: www.YouTube.com/@AYAMxoMusic

Image Credits
Nightbeforemedia, Patrick Lamar, T. Ramzy