Toni Redd released her album, Her Reddness featuring Kirk Whalum in October 2015. She is an internationally known performer. Her smooth style of singing infuses R&B, contemporary jazz and classical soul that gives her a unique sound.
Do you most often actively seek inspiration or does it find you? Or is it a combination of the two?
Inspiration is easy to find because it’s all around me. I really don’t have to seek it because, it will find me. When you keep a positive attitude and keep the spirit of appreciation it’s easy to be inspired.
What led you to becoming an artist?
I was led to become an artist because music has always been a big part of my life and I believe that music was a gift in my life and I am thankful for it.
In addition to mastering their art, what other skill sets do you recommend that artists develop if they want to be successful?
Outside of mastering your craft, I think an artist needs to know as much about the business of music as possible. There is so much information at our disposal that we need to familiarize ourselves with to make sure we are protected on any and every level.
How do you stay at the leading edge of your craft?
I stay on top of my craft by staying motivated to do better and to be better. I always strive to bring my A game.
Do you think that there are any widely held misconceptions about art or artists? If so, what are they and how do you work to dispel them?
I don’t really think that there are any widely held misconceptions about artists, I don’t think that way. I think people pretty much judge you by your individuality. We are just like anybody else, wrong or right.
How do you map out your goals? How do you measure your success?
I have long-term and short-term goals. I try to not overwhelm myself, so I take one day at a time and one goal at a time. When I am able to do my music, spend time with my family and friends, wake up every day healthy with a smile on my face then, that’s how I measure success.
Name two of your top role models: one in your world and one from outside of it.
My number one role model was my mom, Ruby Walker. She was an amazing woman and human being. She was smart, funny, wise, strong, loving and a survivor. I could go on and on about her. … She was truly an inspiration! I have also admired Tina Turner for all the obvious reasons.
Name three books, works, performances or exhibits that changed how you view life, yourself or both.
I read a book called The Power of the Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy. The book is powerful! I read it at least three to 4four times in its entirety because every time I reread it, I would see something I missed. It’s amazing the effects of our subconscious mind and how it helps to manifest in our lives. You become what you think on all day and night. This book talks about harmony, peace and abundance because it is what we all desire on some level. It talks about helping to manifest these good things in your life.
The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson. It is an easy read and also a powerful book. It has also helped me on my journey.
The Stand by Stephen King. It did not change my life but it helped pass the time away when I was in Taipei, Taiwan. It was an absolute horrible situation on this gig. I had to be there for three months and The Stand helped me to not think about the fact that I had to be in Taiwan under difficult circumstances for three months until my contract ended.
Why do you consider continued learning important?
Continuing education is a must! There is always something new to learn. Learning is exciting. Knowledge is power. Learning helps to expand your mind and your world.m
What affirmations do you repeat to yourself that contribute to your success?
I love daily affirmations. Mine are simple.
I have a spirit of thankfulness and appreciation. I thank God for waking me up every day and I am open to all that is good and good for me because I am deserving.
What role does technology play in your day-to-day life? How do you utilize it?
Technology is everything and it is forever changing and evolving so, I do my best to stay on top of it as much as possible. Technology is so cool because I can record a song, send a wave file to another city or even country and record with another musician and finish the song. It’s just that simple. Thanks to modern technology.
Please define your personal brand.
I am still defining my brand because I am forever evolving, but so far I can say that my brand is great musical artistry, soulfulness, class, musical integrity, perseverance and fearlessness … continued ….
What does it take to be iconic? In your estimation, who has achieved that status?
An icon is someone who is very admired and successful. There are a lot of them but, these are the ones that immediately come to my mind. My all-time favorite, Michael Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, Tina Turner. So many of them, but so little time.
