We were lucky to catch up with Precious Perez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Precious, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I’ve learned that being the only one in the room is not only impactful to others, but empowering for me, too. As a disabled artist in the latin sphere within the music industry, I tend to be the only blind latina woman in the room. I have unique perspectives based on all of the communities I represent, and this is what makes me stand out. More than that, this gives me the power to use my voice to advocate and shed light upon barriers that impede the progress of those who look like me. I get to break down barriers as the only one in the room, and I feel blessed and grateful to be a part of the change.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My name is Precious Perez, also known as La Reggaetonera Ciega. I am a latin music artist striving to be the first blind latina at the forefront of the latin music industry. I currently serve as Vice President of RAMPD(Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), the premiere platform connecting the music industry to a global network of music professionals with disabilities, neurodivergence, and mental health conditions. RAMPD’s mission is to amplify disability culture, promote inclusion, and advocate for accessibility within the music industry. I recently performed at both the Kennedy Center in DC and the Lincoln Center in New York respectively, and my novel “Vission: My Story of Strength” through Norton Publishing hits bookstores on August 8, 2023. I’ve just released my new single ”Melanin Queen” under the label We Could Be Music. The song is a Jersey club influenced dembow/EDM dance anthem celebrating myself as a Puerto Rican queen with a white cane and curly hair. This anthem is also for all of the melanin queens out there who deserve to be uplifted and celebrated for who they are. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were talent, reliability, and consistency. There are so many talented musicians out there, but only a handful of musicians who show up consistently and work hard in addition to being talented. I’ve learned that talent only goes so far, and it’s so important to show up when you say you will, be prepared, and do your job well. I would advise anyone early on in their journey to take every opportunity seriously. Smaller gigs lead to bigger opportunities, so build a positive reputation by showing up and doing the work. The results will be rewarding as you continue to grow. And one more thing, stay humble.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Everyone in my life from my friends to my family to my teachers, mentors, and colleagues have all helped me develop all of these qualities and work through different parts of my journey in order to be successful. No one gets anywhere alone, and I am blessed to have the village around me that I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.preciousperezmusica.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preciousperezmusica/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/preciousperezmusica?mibextid=9R9pXO
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/precious-perez-a0548915b
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/preciouspmusica?s=21&t=BcXtaYFdjwOnRK5Vh2d3Kg
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@preciousperezmusica
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1WitAZrQD8ujMJ9RN0K0p6?si=-oIQUT3aTAiXvFyNgQOBAw
Image Credits
We Could Be Music, Lachi Music LLC edited by Brian Snyder for the photo with the pink cane