Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebony Lockwood.
Hi Ebony, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have to go way back, to my high school days.
I was performing at the annual All-State conference. Students from all over Georgia audition to be a part of this chorus and I had the opportunity to join them. Our choir director was so much fun and for our group, he had us hold hands and close our eyes as we sang this one song, and I’ll never forget: everyone was so in sync. I think I opened my eyes right at the climax of the piece and I knew that music was where I needed to be. The power it had in that one moment showed me that I wanted to create those experiences for others, so, that’s what I set out to do.
After I graduated high school, I went a little all over the place, but settled at The Atlanta Institute of Music and Media where I studied Music and Technology. I created awesome relationships and really built a family with the people there (definitely check it out if you want to go down this music path!). I graduated in 2020 and started working as a substitute teacher for Gwinnett County. During the week I was a teacher and on the weekends I was a corporate band performer. It. Was. Awesome. Not only was I living my dream as a performer, but I was starting to realize that I actually wanted to try my hand at teaching alongside my independent music career. Initially, I was against it, but seeing the kids reactions to learning about music, their want for engagement in the activities, and overall enthusiasm, I gave in. Now, I’m back at school earning my bachelors at Georgia State in Music Education.
When I’m not being a teacher, I’m working on my own projects and currently that’s my first album EVER. It’s called, “Love, Ebony.” It’s a collaborative project
with a team of talented creatives and so far, it’s going great. It’s a follow up, a sequel you could say, to my most recent release “Everlasting.”
In addition to that, I also decided I wanted to give back to my community. I thought about how I was afforded opportunities as a kid with support from those who beloved in me to pursue my passions and I wanted to provide those same opportunities for students, so I created a non profit called Tempo Movement. At Tempo Movement, we provide scholarships and professional enrichment opportunities for minority students who are musically driven high school juniors and seniors through an innovative mentorship program. This mentorship program will give students a head start in discovering where their passion(s) lie, thus establishing a better vision for their future college education experience. We’re hoping to launch our first event in January so be on the lookout for this as well!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not all been smooth, but what’s progress without the struggle right?
Getting used to the traveling with my band was tough. It was my first time performing in heels, and for almost 3 hours at that. Plus, traveling 6+ hours and back the same night, you can imagine how exhausted I was coming home, but it was and still is a lot of fun. Now, I make sure to keep lots of padding in my shoes before the shows and bring a very fluffy blanket to wrap myself in on the bus ride home.
I also had to get used to the practices and that involved going to the gym, warming up my voice, and learning a boatload of songs. I wasn’t out of shape necessarily, but I definitely was not prepared to dance AND sing for 3 hours straight. Luckily, my repertoire was solid thanks to my amazing teachers at AIMM and I wasn’t to blindsided at the expectations for being on the front line.
My biggest struggle right now is school. Navigating how to use my day job to fund my main profession while also studying is a task. The good thing is, the opportunities that I have been given have allowed me to continue to progress, so the end goal is not so far away! I just have to keep pushing. When the opportunity presents itself, I’ll be ready.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Of all things, I’m a black woman first, songwriter second, singer, performer, teacher, and business owner.
I specialize in songwriting and vocal production. This includes harmonizing of background vocals and top lining. For context, top lining is taking a small portion of a beat (for layman’s terms) and creating lyrics to go over it.
I’m known for my singing mostly. I grew up doing that my whole life!
I’m most proud of finding my niche. When I first started out, I thought I would have to sing for operas or teach. When I started learning of all the different avenues you could take as a music creative, I sought out songwriting and grew a passion for it. It worked out pretty well, especially after I learned how to song write AND create beats. Now I’m unstoppable.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to never quit. My parents always told me that I can do whatever I put my mind to and I have held onto that since I was little. It’s my motivation for continuing this journey, but also knowing that I have a duty to change some lives and inspire somebody. I’ve come so far, so why stop now you know?
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I enjoy cooking. Though I do not do it often, I like experiencing with different recipes
Pricing:
- Custom Lyric Sheet: $100
- Custom Beat: $50
Contact Info:
- Email: Ejhanairecords@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recordsejhanai
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ejhanairecords/
- Twitter: @ejhanairecords
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCgzQ4rzxzpLfNh-ETGzmMWQ
- Other: https://linktr.ee/ejhanairecords
Image Credits
Calvin Maurice at Calvin Maurice Media Atlanta Institute of Music and Media
