Meet Patrice Lee | Singer/Songwriter

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

Hi Patrice, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from Bellflower, California, and I spent much of my childhood moving back and forth between Rialto and Bellflower. In middle school, I developed a deep interest in musical instruments, thanks to a wonderful friend, Natasha Parada. I played the bass clarinet in the marching band, and I later explored hip hop and R&B, which led me to create music for my poetry.

In high school, I joined the National Thespian Society, where I had the opportunity to work both on and off the stage in various productions. From Shakespeare’s tragic comedies to playing Dorothy in The Wiz, these experiences were incredibly fulfilling. Theater and music provided me with a sense of focus and purpose, especially during times when my home environment was rocky and ever-changing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Central to Patrice Lee’s work are themes of identity, environment, and human connection, expressed through her vibrant vocals that resonate with touching, relatable emotions. Each song serves as a narrative, weaving together personal experiences, cultural influences, and futuristic visions to provoke thought and evoke deep emotional responses. Her journey began at Bellflower High, where she honed her skills and developed a unique artistic voice. During her school years, Patrice recorded with local producers and rappers, cultivating her niche in songwriting and providing soulful background vocals. A pivotal moment came when she faced adversity with studio engineers, prompting her to become a self-taught vocal and mixing engineer with instrumental proficiency. In 2016, she
co-founded the record label 4HM Entertainment LLC alongside songwriter R.C. Smith Jr., marking the beginning of her journey as a music entrepreneur. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Patrice Lee shapes public perceptions of
societal beauty standards and cultural norms through her music. She aims to leave a legacy characterized by creativity, social consciousness, and artistic excellence, inspiring others to see the world through a fresh and enlightened perspective.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
You can’t come to LA without eating at Tams Burgers! I usually go for the French fries with a side of ranch—you’ll thank me later. Tams has the best fries and ranch dressing! I also recommend the Chicken Pita, and definitely share it, because the portion sizes are amazing. I’m a regular at the Bellflower and Norwalk locations.

We should also hit up Long Beach and enjoy the Pike. There’s something magical about the ocean water and breezes. A day or two on Catalina Island is a must; it feels great to be on an island that’s so close to home. Steve’s Steakhouse has mouthwatering dishes, with a fantastic vibe, delicious drinks, and food. Parasailing is definitely a must as well as driving around the island on golf carts and the Echo Zip line tours.

For shopping, Santee Alley is a must-visit. There are tons of vendors with everything you could need, so set aside a few hours to soak it all in. And when I want to reconnect with nature, I always make time for a beach trip. Bolsa Chica Beach is my favorite spot to relax; I love setting up a quick fire and enjoying the soothing sounds of the ocean.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to give a shoutout to Ray C. Smith, CEO of 4HM Entertainment. His dedication to bringing my vision to life has been instrumental in my development as a songwriter and vocalist. Before we embarked on this journey together, I was hesitant to get involved in the music industry due to some negative experiences that left me feeling unworthy as an artist, especially because I didn’t fit the typical standards for female artists.

Ray helped me realize that I didn’t have to be defined by those past experiences. He encouraged me to embrace my creativity and take pride in who I am. His support and unique perspective on the journey have been key in building my confidence as an artist, and I’m truly grateful for that.

Website: https://linktr.ee/patricelee

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patriceleemusic/

Twitter: https://x.com/patriceleemusic

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theofficialpatricelee

Image Credits
Now U See Me Photography (R.C. Smith Jr)
Make a Scene Photography (Michelle ‘Zoe’ Cunningham)