93.9 WKYS is embracing local talent, and every Monday, we will prominently feature a local artist on the WKYS website.
If you would like to be featured on 93.9 WKYS New Music Monday please submit your song in an MP3 format, your photo, your bio and contact information to our DMV’s OWN page and every Monday we will feature a deserving local artist.
My name is Ayana Songstress. I was born and raised in Washington, D.C. I have always been very outgoing and an achiever in all that I make a commitment too! In school, I ran track and played basketball, and although I was pretty good, I’ve always had more of a passion for the “Arts” and especially music! I recently released my debut single and first video entitled “Lost Yo Mind” ft. rapper Sunni Mone’. I don’t generally compare myself to any Artist because I have my own style, but, if I were to come close to an artist it would definitely be Mary J. Blige. Our voices aren’t so much alike but our styles are similar. We’re like that “ Cute girl from around the way, who all the guys love to chill and play basketball with, but all secretly have crushes on.” I would say our swag is more “Tomboy Chic.”
What are some of your musical influences?
My biggest musical influences were my maternal Grandmother who played electric guitar and sang in a Gospel Band called the “Haywood Sisters”, Gladys Knight, Anita Baker and Beyoncé. I grew up listening to Gladys Knight’s entire “Claudine” soundtrack. She and Anita Baker are all my mother would play. Beyonce’, isn’t my favorite singer but she is my all-time favorite entertainer! She is a phenomenal performer and always keeps the audience’s attention whenever she hits the stage!
My biggest challenge so far has been trying to stay focused with all that comes with this business. Even in the small realm that I’m in, it tends to throw alot of ups and downs at you, but staying busy and just writing and delivering the music helps me a lot, so I don’t become discouraged.
How are you different other artists in the area?
I would say that all Artist’s are naturally different in their own way. No matter how much one tries to duplicate another. I’ve been told over the years that I’m an “ole soul”, but I’ve grown to accept it and really understand what that means. Quite simply it means I think with and live life full of passion, and I live everyday as if it’s my last! As an artist it also reflects in my music. My feelings and expressions come out through song as a struggle and a pain… because on the outside I’ve always masked it by strength and anger!
My upcoming projects include the completion of my EPK entitled “Diamond in the Ruff” (releasing Fall 2012), and off of that will be my newly released single “Lost Yo Mind” and my new Singles “Miles Away” (releasing: 08/12) and “Ain’t Nothing But a Party”!
Check out Ayana Songtress “Lost Yo Mind” video below!
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