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KEY POINTS

Background: A classically trained violist turned soul singer from St. Louis, Missouri. Comes from a rich musical lineage with a grandfather who was a jazz pianist during segregation. Currently works as a trauma therapist.

Musical Style: RnB/Soul/Singer-Songwriter with influences ranging from Nina Simone to Chaka Khan to Sade to Fall Out Boy to Chronixx. Previous EP "The Unbreakable Aida Ade" showcases her eclectic sound.

Professional Experience: Has been making/releasing music for 8-15+ years, has recorded four projects, performs live frequently, and is registered with a performing rights society.

Current Situation: Primary breadwinner for family (including immigrant spouse and foster teen), working 7am-2pm as therapist and 3pm-11pm as Uber driver. Earns under $10,000 annually from music.

Project Status: Has nine songs ready for recording, aiming for a full live-studio recorded album. Plans to record in March 2025 with release in early April.

Technical Plan: Will work with Firebrand Studio and engineer Brian Scheffer for recording, mixing, and mastering. Emphasizes preference for recording with live band.

Marketing Strategy: Plans single release with live performance video and acoustic version, followed by full project release party featuring local artists. Will leverage local news outlets for promotion.

Business Understanding: Demonstrates knowledge of copyright, distribution, and music industry basics. No current professional representation but actively networks within local music scene.

Impact Potential: Grant would enable transition from classical constraints to more natural soul expression, provide financial relief from demanding work schedule, and help achieve goal of worldwide play and touring (some tour dates already confirmed).

QUOTES

"Music is something that connects me to my ancestry and my culture. My grandfather was a jazz pianist who learned piano at a time when black people lived in segregation. Jazz and music was my grandfather's legacy and his escape from a world that hated him."

"As the wife of an immigrant and the foster mother of a teenager, I am typically the sole income in my household... My typical work day is 7am-2pm as a mental health therapist and then 3pm-11pm as an Uber driver."

"There was a time when I was not making music because of complex grief and I felt caged and lost. I am most myself when creating and sharing music and I would love to continue."

"Being classically trained, I was taught to follow the notes and follow whatever is written. This grant would give me space to record a project with a much more natural flow and help me to let go of the strict, classical methods I was taught which I believe hold me in a box."

"I love working with producers and going to the studio to record because it allows for creative connections with others. Creating with others feels intimate and helps me to feel connected and as though I belong to a community."