Since being on Season 12 of “American Idol,” songstress Seretha Lichez, has opened up in her music to allow her listeners into her life. Revealing intimate and personal details of her relationship, her new single “Real 1one” truly gives her fans an inside look at her love life.
The Charlotte, North Carolina native sings about longing for a greater love experience and finding a new love interest. She compares and talks about the differences between her past love experiences, and her new journey to discovering a better love, and a better companion. In an interview with rolling out, Lichez talks about the details of her career, thus far.
Why did you start to make music?
If you hung with me, I would make you sing with me and pretend to be TLC, En Vogue, Destiny’s Child and any other female group. In the 9th grade, my dad realized that this passion needed to be channeled properly and invested in recording equipment for me to record at home.
What influences your music?
Life events influence my music. I am much better at writing than I am communicating and expressing my feelings. I find my creativity in my emotions. Typically when I write, I am alone with my thoughts and my feelings and I just sing to release stress, tension, happiness, or whatever mood I’m feeling.
Where did the concept for your latest single come from?
The concept for the new single, “Real 1one” came about because I felt like I had a lot to get off my chest. Not only for me but for so many women/men who may have fought hard for relationships and given their all to a situation only to feel taken advantage of or not appreciated. I wanted to talk about the light at the end of the tunnel. After heartache, you can find a real one who will do all the things that you deserve and more.
When did you know that performing was actually going to be your career?
I knew it ever since I lead my first song at 6 years old in church. It was something about people standing and cheering for me. This shy, timid little girl turned into someone else as soon as I had the microphone in my hand. I knew this dream could be a reality.
Who helped you get your foot in the door in the industry?
I would have to say my manager, Myron Jones has been my biggest mentor through it all. He has taught me a lot about the music industry in general and invested a lot of time into me being where I am today. He pushed me and is still hard on me. Along with him, my good friend Dennis Reed has been a big motivator for me as well. Because of him, I have had the opportunity to sing in front of the late Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, the Obamas, the Clintons, and more.
What differentiates you from other artists?
Honestly, my ability to create any and every sound. I know and love music. This is who I am. I sing to heal souls, I write to bring awareness, and I say the things that many may not be able to express themselves. I do it with passion. I let the music take over me when I perform and people can feel the energy when I am singing live.
Describe your “American Idol” experience.
I learned so much about myself while doing the show. However, that was a very difficult time for my family. My daughter’s dad almost lost his life. I had to stop working for a while to take care of him. He wasn’t working because of his accident. I remember London starting pre-k and telling her teachers that I was a doctor and her dad was superman. That situation just made me want to chase after my dream more than ever. I realized first hand that you can be here one minute and may not be the next. I knew that the only way that I could feel as if I was living the life I wanted to, I needed to be singing. Prior to my audition for the show, I had given up singing for 5 years before auditioning. I was willing to throw my gift away. I kept the audition a secret for a long time.
What was it like hearing Nicki Minaj call you a star?
At that point, I was almost numb. She had her chair turned while I was singing. I thought she hated it. She turned around and was crying, and was at a loss for words. That is what made me cry. She said that my voice was unparalleled and she couldn’t imagine what I was going through dealing with London’s dad being injured.
Talk to me about life after “American Idol.”
Life after American Idol has been one big roller coaster. I became engaged shortly after but before walking down the aisle, London’s dad and I decided that we both wanted different things in life. Honestly, that was a hard adjustment in itself. It literally took so much out of me that I thought of taking another break. It took a lot of prayer and my family encouraging me but I started writing about it and headed to the studio to start on my project. I began performing in Charlotte, opening up for artists such as Tank and Lyfe Jennings, and I continued to do background singing for artists as well. Though I was happy that I was back on the scene, I felt a need for change. I relocated a few hours from Charlotte to Atlanta, and I think that was the best decision I have made. I am a full-time single mom, pursuing my career.
