Soul singer Tracy Cruz recently released her new single, “Find A Way” and took time out of her busy schedule to chop it up with Reviews & Dunn.
Reviews & Dunn: When did you realize that you wanted to be a singer?
Tracy Cruz: I realized I wanted to be a singer at a very young age. My mother told me I started singing at the age of two, and I remember singing in front of my family members and in public at the age of five. My grandfathers always asked me to sing songs in front of them, and they would give me money after singing! My first gig! 🙂 In addition, I saw how my grandmother and mother both experienced joy as singers and performers, so their journey inspired me to dive into my own passion for singing and discover the joy they felt.
Reviews & Dunn: What were your three essential albums growing up that shaped your vocal stylings?
Tracy Cruz: The three essential albums that shaped my vocal stylings growing up were Music Box by Mariah Carey, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, and The Boy is Mine by Monica. I really enjoyed listening to Mariah Carey’s extensive range (especially her whistle register) and Lauryn Hill’s and Monica’s deep, rich vocal tones. Overall, I absolutely admired their vocal agility, improvisation, and power. I would sing their songs over and over again to grasp their vocal techniques.
Reviews & Dunn: How did you link up with producer Rodney Jones for your new single “Find A Way”?
Tracy Cruz: I heard Rodney Jones’ brilliant music production on my very talented musician friend, D Maurice’s Mosaic album. I was like, “who is this guy”? 🙂 I was completely blown away by the lush, soulful musical layers and versatility of his production. I really wanted to work with Rodney, so I asked D Maurice for his contact info, and the rest is history. In addition to Rodney Jones working with D Maurice, he has also produced for the Soul greats Eric Roberson and Conya Doss.
Reviews & Dunn: I understand that you will be releasing a new album in 2022. What can fans expect from it?
Tracy Cruz: Yes, I am actively working on a new album for 2022. Expect soulful, uplifting music with feel-good grooves. I cannot wait to share it with you all!
Reviews & Dunn: Going through your music, I have to say you sang the mess out of “Losing In Love.” Is that song from a personal experience?
Tracy Cruz: Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to listen. It was written from my own personal experience. I felt like I was losing a lot in my life all at once. It was such a painful and challenging time, and I wanted to express exactly how I felt. It is one of the most vulnerable songs I have ever written. I also wanted to bring comfort and hope to those who have experienced a tremendous loss in their life.
Reviews & Dunn: You get a phone call from Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Lecrae. All three want to bless “Find A Way” with a verse, but your budget only allows for one. Whom are you going to pick?
Tracy Cruz: They are all very talented. I would pick Lecrae if I could only choose one. I really love the fact that he raps about his strong faith in God. Also, I have always admired and respected his honest, thought-provoking, and motivational lyrics.
Reviews & Dunn: If you could time travel back to 1984, would you rather see the Prince & The Revolution’s Purple Rain tour or The Jacksons Victory tour live?
Tracy Cruz: Oh my! This question is a tough one! 🙂 I would watch Prince & The Revolution’s Purple Rain tour. Purple Rain is one of my favorite songs by Prince, and I want to see Prince perform all of his songs live.
Reviews & Dunn: During the initial onslaught of the pandemic last year, did you find yourself doing any shows virtually to pass the time?
Tracy Cruz: I did a couple of online shows, and I learned a lot along the way regarding having the proper equipment to broadcast a live performance. It took a lot of research and preparation. It felt very different because I was singing in front of a computer, tablet, or phone instead of people inside a music venue.
Reviews & Dunn: How does the bible verse Jeremiah 29:11 play a part in your everyday life?
Tracy Cruz: Jeremiah 29:11 is my favorite Bible verse, and it has gotten me through so many trials and tribulations. It plays a massive part in my life because it always reminds me that God is still in control when life gets tough.
Reviews & Dunn: Is there anything you would like to add? In addition, where can fans find you on social media?
Tracy Cruz: I would like to thank all of my family, friends, and Cruzers who have shown love and support towards my music all of these years. Please continue to support independent music artists! You can find me at:
www.facebook.com/tracycruzmusicpage
my latest interview guest Vocalz Iz. The singer has just embarked on his latest business venture and took out the time to chop it up with me.
One of the greatest things in life is when you can interview one of your on-line friends as they live out their dreams. Shout out to my man Denny “DJ Soulchild” Sutton who blessed my platform with an interview.
Hip Hop Head and author Justin Jones is currently in the final writing stages of his second book ‘Hip Hop Was Dead: The State of the Culture 2003-2007’. That book covers a 5-year era of Hip-Hop and how the culture was affected during that period. Mr. Jones took some time out, though, to chat with me about his debut book Street Dreaming: Reading Nas’ It Was Written.
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