We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Changamiré. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Changamiré below.
Hi Changamiré, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
As a kid, I always created things. It was how I played. I remember making string art on black fabric for my cool, older cousin’s apartment; building a roller coaster out of cardboard and charging friends to ride on it to raise money for charity; and sewing my high school graduation dress from a Vogue pattern by Chloe.
Today, that creativity largely supports my music career and other endeavors. However, now, something else has come into play.
My work ethic is driven by an innate goal to create something different from what’s typical or expected. And the fact that I love creating does not make me feel like I’m working. I work a lot!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a Jazz vocalist and independent recording artist from Washington, DC, who straddles the genre in honoring all of the magnificent music I’ve been exposed to.
Similarly, I was led down the path of the recording artist more than that of the performing artist. That decision was informed by the potential revenue from the “business” side of “music business” and has awarded me three self-produced, critically-acclaimed albums.
My debut project “Only Human” (2001) included a 14-piece string section from the Philadelphia Orchestra, something unheard of being done by an indie, not to mention by a female lead singer. The album was well received and launched my music career. For my second album “Love” (2014), I had more confidence as an artist and dabbled in songwriting.
My recent album is the most special to date. “Seeking Billie: The Unusual Tribute to Billie Holiday” (2025) returns me to where my introduction to jazz began; listening to my aunt’s vinyl records whenever she was away at work. The great jazz singers were represented in the album collection, yet I was mostly drawn to the longing and sadness in Billie Holiday’s recordings. I adored Billie’s music.
“Seeking Billie” is full-blown me! I’m doing what is absolutely unexpected in honoring the iconic singer, from jazz standards to Hip Hop and original compositions. Of course, and for the first time, I released the project on vinyl. A curated listening series is currently on tour.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
First, curiosity. The same aunt who had the jazz album collection exposed me to art, fashion and fine dining. We were in no way wealthy. Many museums and art galleries in DC are free; she would have old issues of Vogue and W magazines probably from her job; and we went to a fancy French restaurant once.
I have been curious about all things ever since. I have voracious courage to meet people from all walks of life and demographics, because of it. This has resulted in impactful collaborations across the music, art, fashion and restaurant industries.
Next, tailored communication. Life is too short to engage with a form letter. Engagement is spectacular when communication is tailored for the recipient, whether via email, phone or a mailed Thank You card. It isn’t cliche; people remember how you make them feel, and they respond accordingly.
And finally, share all interests. I am a Jazz vocalist and recording artist with many interests, as already described here. Because I love art, posters were created for each of my albums. For “Love”, I took it further by hosting an international art competition for the cover art, partnering with notable gallerists. I love giving gifts and sell small gifts via my online lifestyle collection, “Robinette Kimberley”. I want to help the underserved and usually partner with nonprofits for my concerts, and I advocate for Jazz musicians via my broadcast/podcast “The New Jazz Listener”. I often gather friends and/or colleagues to dine in groups at uncharted restaurants for fellowship or attach the dining experience to my concert.
My advice for those early in their journey is to fearlessly explore the world around them and beyond. A uniqueness will result, and all facets of it should be proudly and consistently shared. It builds a remarkable character. Most importantly, listen, be kind and give. Education, partnerships and a glorious sense of purpose come from them.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
If you have not realized it by now, partnerships and collaborations are certainly welcome!
I am currently curating the listening session series “Jazz Conversation & Listening Salon with Changamiré”, where remarkable, behind-the-scene stories about the making of my new album “Seeking Billie” are told alongside playing songs on the vinyl record. The salons have been unforgettable experiences.
I am seeking collaborators in NYC/NJ, California, Japan, Switzerland and France for the series. The goals are to provide a top-tier program for the collaborator and to sell the “Seeking Billie” vinyl LP, a tribute to the iconic singer Billie Holiday.
The ideal host is a location or individual that already presents public programming. While I more than welcome thinking outside of the box, some typical examples of a collaborator are a cultural center, jazz organization, jazz patron or connoisseur, museum, music or record store, bookstore, clothing boutique, art gallery….
In general as a recording artist, I am always seeking partnerships with pro audio brands, including but not limited to stereo system, headphone and microphone manufacturers.
As a fashion lover and visual creative, I welcome collaborations with clothing brands, lifestyle brands, fashion magazines, photographers and videographers.
Inquiries should be emailed to [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: http://WhenSunnyGetsBlue.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/changamireslove
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/changamireslove
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/changamirejazz
- Youtube: http://youtube.com/@changamirestyle
- Other: http://NewJazzListener.com (view in new window not alongside tabs)
