Could this have been the song of the summer ?
Lessons from releasing my debut single as a self-managing artist, going through a ADHD diagnosis and major life update !!!!
Heya - It’s me again.
Last month, I released my debut single called Belly Full and it’s been a journey. Not only because it’s been 9 months plus of work to make this song but also because life has been lifing.
Belly Full is a story about how breaking bread with your loved ones makes you feel whole. We all bring different spices and flavours to relationships but just being ourselves and showing up for one another.
You see in the pandemic, I moved out had to find new place to live due to housing space. I missed my family dearly - my Mum’s Chapati’s :(.
What kept me full - was visiting Esme’s store Deserted Cactus — a vegan Caribbean spot in middle of Peckham. The restaurant taught me to slow down and connected me with a community of plant lovers.
Food creates communion, because we all need it to create and live life.
As part of this release, I was blessed to shoot my first music video at my friend Iyce’s house (who I am forever grateful for) - you see shooting the music video has a sentimental meaning. Iyce hosts these Sunday dinners - where friends bring a dish to share and get to make new friends.
As a single person, who lives in London - now out of home it feels like the opportunities to break bread with loved ones has to be intentional.
I am so gassed that people have get the opportunity to listen to my music. I’ve had features on playlists, co-release party and even radio play. However, all the plans that I had for releasing had to be put on hold.
When life tackles your plans
July to August were hard monthssss - as I shared on IG in depth.
TLDR: As much as it’s important to have resources to make the thing, the thing has to be sustainable to manage. Made more money from 4 people on bandcamp then 400 listeners on streaming.
What I haven’t shared on IG, is that right now I am currently going through getting an ADHD diagnosis as well as going through some other personal stuff which I will not share publicly.
But this release plan has been delayed not denied.
Music Streaming is a key way in which we experience music. Part of my new journey is relearning how I self manage but also giving me space for rest.
So, I am attending this amazing series of free workshops by Attitude is Everything and BAPAM for neurodivergent musicians.
Let’s make the music industry more accessible
Ableism shouldn’t have to be a barrier for any artist or musican. As an artist I understand this first and seek to work to a better future. Last month I joined Attitude is Everything, as the Artist Development Manager.
I will be looking after the Next Stage Program that seeks to break down barriers for Disabled, Deaf and Neurodivergent Artists as well as facilitating peer support for Artists.
By the joining the organisation, I have been able to bring my professional experience of community management to organise with inspiring leaders in the organisation and across our networks.
It’s been so refreshing to work in an access focused organisation, we have conversations about our work and other such as this podcast episode on Musicians and ADHD to Unseen Unheard report.