Today, we’d like to introduce you to Halo Wheeler.
Hi Halo, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey started at the tender age of seven. I led my first solo at church and I knew from that moment that I wanted to be an artist. By the age of ten, I was singing at events around the city with a live band. I would always write my own songs, and by 2013, I had released my very first album called “This is Who I Am.”
After high school, I attended the illustrious Howard University where I studied Music Business and Jazz Voice. My time at the University shaped my artistry in so many ways. I was a member of the premier jazz ensemble, Afro Blue, and then went on to form my own group called The Soul Sistas.
(@itsthesoulsistas) I also had the opportunity to perform on many stages, such as The Kennedy Center, Capitol Hill, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Upon graduation, which happened at the height of the pandemic, I returned to my hometown. Since my return, I’ve performed at The World Games and opened up for Chrisette Michele and Big Krit at Freedom Fest. In between performances, I spend my time both in the studio and doing musical theatre. Some of my favorite roles include Lorrell (Dreamgirls), Squeak (The Color Purple), and Dragon (Shrek).
My original music can also be found on all streaming platforms. As a creative performer, I am always searching for opportunities to contribute my gifts to this world. I live by the Eric Thomas quote: “If you want to succeed as much as you want to breathe, then you will be successful.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The life of a creative is never easy. I’ve had many obstacles and challenges up to this point.
My biggest obstacle, however, happened in college. I found out that I had a cyst on my vocal cords. Because of this, I had to sit out of my studies for a semester and relearn how to both speak and sing in a healthy way. This moment showed me how much singing meant to me.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a singer, songwriter, and actress (musical theatre). I am most widely known for my jazz and soul influence, but most recently known for my ability to transform into different characters on stage. I am most proud of my tenacity. I’ve had many opportunities to give up and go in a different direction, but I refuse to give up on my purpose!
I believe that my ability to reinvent myself without compromising my true self sets me apart from others. This industry requires constant adaptation, and I pride myself on not staying stuck.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I would consider myself to be a risk taker. I think anyone who puts their art into the world with the understanding that the general public will have opinions (whether good or bad), is a risk taker.
One huge risk I can think of is choosing Howard University in Washington, D.C. over staying home for college. I was a recipient of the Gates Millennium Scholarship which would allow me to go to any college of my choosing.
As a homebody, I could’ve chosen to stay close to my family. But my risk was most certainly worth it.
Sometimes, taking risks doesn’t always work out in your favor. But I always ask myself, “What if it does?”
You’ll never know unless you jump.
Contact Info:
- Website: Linktr. ee/halo-wheeler
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halowheeler?igsh=MW93czk4OXI1b3Njbw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kayla.wheeler.7?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@twkvs97?si=9p8fNBuslhhu6nSv
Image Credits
Dokk Savage Photography
