Today we’d like to introduce you to Keyondra Lockett.
Keyondra, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I started as one of the five members of 2x Stellar Award nominated group Zie’l, and continued on my journey as a writer. I’ve had the pleasure of writing a top 15 Billboard song, “State of Emergency”, for Zie’l (Pronounced Zy’el 2014). After the group decided to disband, I took on the role of solo artist in 2015. My first solo body of work, Bring Me To, released in 2015 along with my second mixtape Soul Couture II (Soul Couture I 2012). I am now embarking on the release of my first full album much of which I’ve written, “The Heal”, scheduled to release September 21st 2018 to all digital media outlets. The lead single “Try” is impacting radio currently and can be heard across the country on Sirius XM Kirk Franklins Praise, Rejoice Radio and other syndicated stations. Check your local gospel station for airplay.
Along with my career as an urban inspirational gospel artist, my sister Kimberly Lockett (also my stylist/creative director) and I share the responsibilities of entrepreneurship with our athleisure wear line Jolie Noire. Because we share a love for fashion, we chose to release this line of clothing to show women that it’s possible to be fashionable even in our leisure. Jolie Noire means Pretty Black in French. No matter your color or shade, beauty can be found in us all.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’m a singer/songwriter and entrepreneur. I have a clothing line, the line/brand Jolie Noire stands for Pretty Black in French. My sister (the other CEO) and I feel strongly that women of color have not enjoyed the compliment of society for their beauty. It is our mission as Jolie Noire to help women of color realize their true beauty. We have launched a line of loungewear that we as women can proudly wear showing our ability to embrace black beauty. Not excluding any other race, but making sure we take care of home first. We have a YouTube channel dedicated to our effort as well!
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I believe life for an artist is the same as in past years. What’s changed is the ability to find knowledge on how to thrive and succeed as indie artists. That knowledge is not as easy to find for an indie artist and isn’t as accessible to us as is to record companies. If there were maybe more searchable topics to lead us to major platforms, understanding of the business etc. I think it’d be a lot easier to grind and win.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
People can support my music where all digital music is sold or streamed.
I.e. iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, YouTube, etc.
They can support the online store at: www.JolieXNoire.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.KeyondraLockett.com
- Email: www.KeyondraLockett.com/booking
- Instagram: Keyondra Lockett
- Facebook: Keyondra Lockett
- Twitter: Keyondra Lockett
Image Credit:
Alexander Le’jo
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
