We were lucky to catch up with Veronica Tynes aka LayDee Vee recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Veronica, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Although, I have have been blessed with many opportunities, I’d say being able to collaborate a song with the iconic reggae legend “ Sizzla Kalonji”, takes number one!

Not only is Sizzla a legend, but I’m also a big fan! To be able to collaborate, with such a remarkable musician at this late stage and time in my musical career, shows the younger artists coming up, to never give up on their dreams! With hard work all is possible.

Sizzla is not the first reggae artist I collaborated with, but the first song released. I’m presently trying to finish recording my album, Year of the Woman” after suddenly losing my manager, Dj Marlon “Mack” Mackenzie while recording in Jamaica, the end of last year. I have another song to be released with reggae artist “Inoah” to be released soon. Reggae is a love I have and as much as R&B is in my soul, I’ve found reggae is in my heart!

Veronica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m from Halifax, Nova Scotia by way of Toronto Ontario and my real name is Veronica Tynes. Halifax Nova Scotia being the most native/black populated in Canada.

I always knew I was destined to sing from a very little girl. I started my professional career in gospel music, sharing the stage with big gospel artists. Then, started to sing with my fathers peers while bartending. I was the “ singing bartender”  they called me. They took me under their wings and taught me to lead a live band and a be a front liner. We were called “Profile” See, my father has a musical family, which all his siblings sang or played and instrument. Music is in my blood and bones from a child. I have never been classically taught but I was culturally and church taught from a young age. I’m an OG out here where vocals are concerned!

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

In my early 20’s, while still living in Halifax, Nova Scotia and singing with the band “Profile”, as well as a soloist for the well know Nova Scotia Mass Choir I auditioned for a musical “ Little Shop of Horrors”, at Neptune Theatre. I did this just to see if I could at least make the first cut! At no time did I think I would be casted, but I was casted as “Ronnette” one of the singing trio. This was so exciting not just for myself, but for other young girls of color in the city, to know it’s WAS possible. I was one of the first young women, of color, out of Nova Scotia to be casted in a musical, at Neptune. I took that role on with confidence and excitement! We did two shows a day ( except Mondays) and I sang with the band at night, at one of the most popular bars in Halifax, called “ Cheers”. It was very tiring to work a musical AND play in a band, but I did it! I knew then, nothing could stop me from perusing my dream to sing!

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

Toronto has been the Worlds Epicenter of music for decades, its funny because at least now we are being recognized for it. Toronto’s diversity has allowed me the opportunity to explore & express my creativity with other musicians, artists, producers along with some of the most supportive fans in the universe! But, as a Canadian R&B artist, I think Canada’s music industry and radio could open more doors for our music to be heard, especially on the radio stations. We have to give our blood sweat and tears to be played. I want to make a difference for the young artists, up and coming, as a seasoned artist, starting her career again, which is why my daughter and I created VCJ Productions. To have our own production company’s, is what my manager Marlon Mackenzie taught me. To have the rights to your own publishing and make platforms for the young artists to be heard.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/laydeevee45?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LayDeeVeeMusic?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LayDeeVee
• Other: http://www.tiktok.com/@laydee_vee2021

Image Credits
NIL . I own my pictures