Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Priscilla Cruz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Priscilla thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

When it comes to music one of my most meaningful projects would be my first and only mixtape I put out in 2010. The mixtape was titled Beautiful Stranger and it was a compilation of written works by myself featuring some very talented musical friends all over J Dilla instrumentals. What made this project special was there was no boundaries on creativity, I was having fun experimenting and exploring whatever came to me. This piece of work was authentic, something different and came together organically. J Dilla has been a huge influence musically for me as I admired his unique sound and ability to flip samples with his own style. He had a passion and dedication to his work that was inspiring. At the time of working on this project and with the power of the internet I was able to connect with people who were not only good friends with him but like family. I felt extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to put that project out. It was an unforgettable moment in time and I am forever grateful. J Dilla is still one of my favorite producers, and remains one of the most influential producers to many many people all over the world.

Priscilla, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello everybody! My name is Priscilla Cruz and I am a singer, songwriter and producer. I have loved music since I was little. I could memorize lyrics easily, I would stay up and listen to the radio when I was supposed to be sleeping, and I just remember loving the way music made me feel. I always imagined what it would be like on stage, to make my own music etc and it wasn’t until I was in my 20’s where I was able to take the leap in following that dream. I had built some momentum with the few years I was pursuing my music career but life happens and I stopped making music for a long time. Through the years the thought of making music stung because It was attached to a very personal time in my life. I didn’t think I would return. But no matter how much it hurt, the idea of never making music again killed me. I knew in my heart that creating music was an experience that I loved too much to just let go. So here I am after all that time starting again but with a different outlook. My goal is not to “make it big,” my mindset has changed. My only goal now is to inspire and connect with people who can relate to my music and give them apart of myself through my craft. With all that being said, I am most proud of myself for not giving up on my music, for believing in myself and following through on sharing my journey. Music is a beautiful thing and it is powerful. I hope that my music will always leave someone remembering how it made them feel.

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

Hands down I believe the most rewarding part of being an artist or creative is the feedback or appreciation from people who enjoy what we do. Those who resonate with our creative expression. The sweet Dms, the ones who vocalize how much they loved a song you made, or someone who appreciates and understands the amount of time and effort that goes into creating.

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

I think one of the lessons I had to unlearn was that “everyone is your competition.” In the music industry, in any industry people have been conditioned to compete against one another. Yes It can give you a push to become better because you are trying to out do someone else but it can also keep you in a negative space. When I was pursuing music years ago, I felt like I was always comparing myself to other female artists; which kept my focus on what they did better, how far ahead they were in their career etc. So instead of seeing it as inspiration, I saw it as competition. Through inner work, healing and growth I have realized that there is no competition with anyone. We all have our unique vision and execution, we all have our own gifts and light to shine. There are so many talented and beautiful people on this earth and that is a beautiful thing. I am always inspired by the many amazing humans on this planet.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/itspriscillacruz
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/priscillacruz__
• Youtube: http://youtube.com/@priscillacruz_
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0VYmeOVssA8c0ZHnWBjarS?si=YkHXvY9HQHq9VNVnrE_WzA