Meet Lady A | Vocalist, Songwriter, Producer, Storyteller, Activist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lady A and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lady A, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
In the beginning of my career, like so many. We work hard to create and push our brand that at times, we lose sight of family, friends and yes, they understand, they support and push us. However, as your brand, your business, your artistry comes to fruition; even in the slightest way, we need to remember life balance, self-care, family and friends are important. After working so hard to have Lady A become a brand name not just in music, but in the Ladies luncheon’s I held, the charities I supported and the work in the community, I found that even though I was with family and friends it was the quality of that time I was spending that was not as “quality time” as I thought it was.
So I began purposely not booking so many gigs during down times (Jan thru March) so I could spend more time with my family and friends, and taking care of myself. Taking naps, enjoy dinners with friends, purposefully being present at functions that supported my friends so that they understood that they are important in my life as well as what I do for a living.
My church is important to me and even when I’m tired, I’m now realizing I need to be present in the moments of all aspects of my life, but especially when interacting with those important to me.
I also, as I said, take naps ( and I’m not ashamed) If gives me peace, recharges me during the day. Even a 20 min nap or silence can give you back some energy and clear your though process. It works for me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is I truly hope that my audience leaves differently than when they attend a show. Meaning… some folks come to shows to hear the music, some because they need an outlet, whatever the reason I hope they leave my show with a more positive outlook in relation to how they can help someone else while enjoying their respective lives.

I got to where I am with the amazing support I received from not only the music-fanily, but my bandmates, my producers and love and support of my true friends. And no, it was not easy. Singing is easy, traveling can be easy, but the industry itself is not easy. Especially for black women in the blues industry as manager, booking agent, travel agent, scheduler… all while learning as I go.

I overcame challenges by listening, some research, support of my friend John Oliver III, God and shear hustle.

I’ve learned valuable lessons along the way. To definitely sit at the feet of those living legends that I have access to; (ie. Bobby Rush) listen, learn and ask questions.

I’ve learned to value my talent, and expect others to do the same.

I’ve learned to give myself some grace when I’m overwhelmed and to practice patience without apologizing for taking care of my brand/business.

I’ve learned I can always learn.

I want people to recognize that I’m not the normal blues-soul singer. I hope they come away with a sense of understanding the lyrics and feel encouraged, inspired and in turn take that and share it with others. I walk my brand, I walk my story everyday. I’m not perfect, however, I strive to share love and encouragement and when I’m not walking right or talking right, I hope someone would pull me to the side or sing a song that would remind me to be kind, to be encouraging and that I am important.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love when people visit me in Seattle, so first stop: Monday, Pike Place Market for stroll on the waterfront, shops and then lunch at Ivars or Anthony’s on the waterfront. There are hills, so they will be tired after all that.

Tuesday If they are music enthusiast, then I take them to the EMP ( Experience Music Project) to check out the museum, lunch at the Crabpot down on the pier. You have to go there if you love seafood. later that night perhaps listen to some music at Jazz Alley, depending upon who is playing.

Wednesday They definately need to visit in the summertime, so then we can take a ferry over to one of the islands ( Vashon, Bainbridge, Bremerton etc) and walk around one of these small cities with amazing hiking paths ( for those that like to hike) and great food at local restaurants.

Thursday, I’d love a drive over to Tacoma, WA and take them to Point Ruston, which is on the water with amazing shops and great food ( you will notice food is a big thing with me and my guest); then we’ll head out to an All-Star jam or head over to Egan’s ballard Jam house to hear some music

Friday, we’ll need to just relax at the house, my mom likes to cook, so we’d eat some great food, catch up on our lives and then have some quiet time for the day… then head out to the city at the Flight Path in Burien or Esquire Club for some music and/or dancing.

Saturday, peaceful breakfast at the house, a little shopping at Southcenter Mall. Lunch at my favorite Chinese Restaurant ( Green Valley) in Kent WA Saturday would be total do whatever you wanna do day… leave up to guest. but Saturday night is dinner at my favorite italian restaurant to show off before it gets dark, at Verranzano’s in Federal Way – only thing better than the food is the service and the scenery.

Sunday morning we go to my church New Direction MBC – have lunch at a local restaurant, Simply Soulful is my favorite in Seattle after church. We’ll be good and full. Go back to the house relax, as my guest generally like to leave Seattle on the late flight. Take them to the airport and its a wrap.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Shoutout goes first to my play-brother, my producer, my songwriting collaborator, my best friend and always in my corner supporter John Oliver III. John has been with me since the beginning of Lady A ( he was a part of the Baby Blues Funk Band) and pushed me to do my first CD. Without his support, I would have stopped singing long ago. He is an amazing songwriter and vocalist in his own right, but continues to push me to the forefront at all times. When I was going through the trials and tribulations with ( that other band who will remain nameless); John was the one who assisted me in getting representation with Cooley, LLP ( shoutout to them as well)! John was the one who listened to me cry, scream and still pushed me to do music and believe that “NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST ME WOULD PROSPER” We are family! and his love and support from he and his family is beyond words.

My next Shoutout goes to MS, Guitarist and vocalist, Dexter Allen, who was introduced to me by 3x Grammy winner and living blues legeng, Mr. Bobby Rush. Dexter drove 3 hours to stand in for band who deserted me during a tour after a call from Bobby Rush, and he has not turned back yet. He has produced and co-produced 3 CD projects with me, written songs and has become family as well. An amazing guitarist and vocalist in his own right. I am beyond proud to be a friend and associated with such talent.

My last Shoutout goes out to my Family, my friends and Music-fanily, that consistently show up for me, who support me and are there when I come home to show me love. You have seen me from beginning to where I now stand in confidence, in my own boldness in music and community.

I love you all, thank you all and are forever grateful for each of you.

Website: www.ladyababyblues.com

Instagram: ladya_bluesdiva

Linkedin: Lady A

Twitter: Lady A@ TheRealLadyA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LadyABluesDiva

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb19UqaBjWjvGpFs3JQ4cZg

Image Credits
Lady A Nathan McCommon