We were lucky to catch up with Yancyabril recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Yancyabril, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

The first time I got a paying gig was so exciting for me, I was like, “No way! I’m getting paid to sing?!” I got a gig at some bar in Harlem when I was 16 or 17 through a mentor of mine and it was a lot of fun. Although I had been performing since the age of 10, it was definitely scary at first learning how to truly entertain people for two hours and get them to pay attention and engage in that setting but I like to think of those days as practice for me and my future as a performer. It helped me build the confidence I needed to do my own shows and have them leave with a great impression of me as an artist. I definitely had awkward moments on stage but I’m so grateful for those cringy moments because I now know how to handle anything when performing.

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

Growing up Dominican-American in Washington heights by a single mother who LOVED music, dance, and literature, music and all things entertainment has been a part of my life since I could remember. I would perform for anyone who would listen! I officially knew music was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life when I did my first talent show in the 5th grade. I didn’t know I could express myself in such a way. I told my mom this is what I wanted to do and she fully supported me. I was a part of many after-school programs and enrolled in extra curricular activities in music and arts with Harlem School of the Arts and CUNY in the Heights. I always had a busy schedule even on weekends and Sundays were my family days (and it still is).

In High School, I won the National Youngarts Competiton for Popular voice and songwriting, I received two full rides for Berklee College of Music’s Summer program in both 2015 and 2016, I had the privilege to sing at Carnegie Hall for an Aretha Franklin tribe concert, was a featured singer for the Gospel Messiah at the United Palace, and did gigs too. I knew after high school I wanted to continue enhancing my musicianship so I decided to study Jazz at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music and later graduated from SUNY Purchase’s Jazz conservatory as an Ella Fitzgerald scholar. After college I wanted to continue my work outside of music volunteering which I did in High school with the YMCA of New York and of Haiti so I became an Americorps member with city year. In 2022, I was a contestant on the Voice Dominicana where I placed top 8 in the completion.

Now, I’ve done a mini domestic tour and a press tour in the Dominican Republic for my recent Spanglish single ‘Solita’ and working on new music and a new sound! One last thing, I was also Miss Washington Heights in the Miss NY Pageant which was the coolest thing ever and my platform was being an advocate for youth development programs centered in the arts because they were such a huge part of my growth. It kept me focused and allowed me to dream big.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One lesson that I had to unlearn was that unfortunately, not everyones willing to help. As discouraging as this may sound, you’re mostly on your own and have to figure it out on your own and no one owes you anything. I had this idea when I decided to pursue my music dreams that people were going to be so willing to help me and be a part of my journey but it wasn’t/isn’t like that. I’ve had to prove myself so much that I’m worthy of the success in my career I’m looking for. But that of course doesn’t mean you shouldn’t continue to ask for help or ask for anything. You’ll get a lot of no’s but you’ll also find people who truly believe in you and want to join you in your journey. You have to keep pushing, keep opening your own door, prepare, and when the world says no, you say YES.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

It’s really easy to support independent artists and here’s a tiny list: 1. Like and share their posts
2. Leave a comment. Even if it’s just a fire emoji, leave something in the comments. It really helps!
3. SHOW UP… Most of independent artists shows are less than $25. If you can support Beyonce for over $500, I think 20 bucks to support a local artist doing the thing is fine
4. Buy their merch OR donate to their cash app
5. This is silly but listen to at least 30 seconds of their new release… it counts as a stream lol
6. Share any cool opportunities you think they’d be good for
7. Sign up to their mailing list
8. Just show them that you’re there!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/yancyabril
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamyancyabril
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamyancyabril/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9VJJHI8QRtRTyRE63nOMSA

Image Credits
Michael and Abigail Brewer Erewil Ferreira