We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Paty Fernandes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Patricia below.
Paty, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Music has been a significant part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was singing before I even understood what it meant to be a musician—it was instinctive, the most authentic expression of who I am. My heart has always been filled with music, and that passion has shaped every step of my journey. I started working professionally at 16 and later earned a degree in music. Now, at 34, I can tell you—keeping that fire alive isn’t always easy.
When you’re young, the music feels like magic. Every chord, every melody is an adventure. But as you grow, responsibilities pile up, the industry presents challenges, and sometimes, creativity feels just out of reach. In those moments, I remind myself why I chose this life—or rather, why music chose me. Because I truly believe you don’t choose music; music chooses you. And when it does, it becomes impossible to walk away.
To keep my creativity alive, I revisit the moments that first made me fall in love with music. I play songs that moved me as a child, write without overthinking, and always push myself to learn something new. Most importantly, I put my music into the world. Seeing my music inspire others, knowing that a melody I wrote or a performance I gave touched someone—that’s what keeps me going. That’s why I will never stop.
For me, music isn’t just a career. It’s a lifelong conversation, a connection, a purpose. And as long as I’m here, I’ll keep playing, creating, and sharing—because this is what I was meant to do.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a singer and vocal coach, deeply passionate about using music to connect with people. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a singer, and by 16, I was already studying music in college. At 18, I won an international singing competition that took me to New York, where I recorded a single at Platinum Studio NY, produced by Wyclef Jean and co-produced by Fergie (Black Eyed Peas). That experience was a turning point in my life, showing me that music could take me to unimaginable places and open doors to incredible opportunities.
Over the years, I have built my career with hard work and dedication, performing on major stages, taking on challenging projects, and gaining experiences that shaped me as an artist. I spent six years working on a TV show alongside renowned artists, a role that pushed me to grow professionally and learn from some of the best in the industry. Before moving to the U.S., I had the honor of contributing as a background vocalist on a live DVD for a renowned Brazilian artist, sharing the stage with international musicians, and being part of a Latin Grammy-nominated album.
What excites me most about my work is bringing stories to life through music. Whether performing, coaching, or collaborating with other artists, my goal is always to create something that resonates with people on an emotional level. Music has the power to inspire, heal, and connect, and that’s what drives me every day.
One of the most special projects in my career is Duet Paty & Leo, an acoustic voice-and-guitar duo I share with my husband, Leo Testoni, where we blend diverse influences with a unique Brazilian touch. Our repertoire ranges from jazz and pop to Brazilian classics, creating a fresh yet timeless experience for our audience. What makes our duo unique isn’t just the music we play but also how we bring authenticity, warmth, and storytelling into every performance.
We will soon release a new album—a reflection of our journey, filled with heartfelt melodies and rhythms celebrating our musical roots. I can’t wait to share this project with the world.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Resilience, adaptability, and emotional connection have been essential in my journey. A musician’s career is full of challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt, but perseverance has kept me moving forward. I’ve learned that embracing the ups and downs is part of the process. Staying committed to my craft, believing in my purpose, and working hard have been essential in turning obstacles into opportunities.
At the same time, being adaptable has allowed me to grow in ways I never expected. Whether exploring different musical styles, navigating industry changes, or stepping into new roles, staying open to learning and evolving has helped me expand as an artist. I encourage those starting to step outside their comfort zones, acquire new skills, and stay curious—versatility opens doors and creates new paths.
More than anything, I’ve realized that emotional connection is what truly resonates with an audience. Beyond technical skill, it’s the authenticity and depth of a performance that makes people connect. That’s why I always strive to sing and perform with sincerity, making every note meaningful. For those beginning their journey, I believe developing a unique voice, focusing on interpretation, and truly feeling the music are just as important as mastering technique.
My advice is to stay passionate, embrace the learning process, and remain true to yourself. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and every performance is a chance to connect with others meaningfully.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who truly values music as an art form and understands its power to create meaningful experiences. Whether for a live performance, a recording session, or vocal coaching, I connect best with those who appreciate authenticity, musical storytelling, and emotional depth. Professionalism, creativity, and a genuine connection to music are essential qualities I look for in the people I work with. Whether they’re hiring me as a performer or a teacher, I love collaborating with those who see music not just as entertainment but as a transformative and deeply meaningful experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.patyfernandes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duetpatyleo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duetpatyleo/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/duetpatyleo
- Other: https://www.duetpatyleo.com
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