fiaa

If FIAA isn’t already on your radar, it’s time to change that. We talked to the talented artist about her time on The Search, self-love, and more!

words by VANESSA SALLES photo by DEAN FOREMAN

Tell us about your experience on The Search!

What was that like for you?

It was amazing! The whole team/production, Little Mix, contestants, and Modest Management were a delight to work with and meet. I am very humble and grateful that I got so far in the competition!

What kind of lessons did you learn with your time there?

More than anything, that I am not meant to be a pop star. I am a blues, jazz and soul vocalist and this show confirmed it for me; I admire everyone in the pop industry but my aura and spirit is made for a totally different direction, which I hope I’m about to show to people! It also gave me the inner confidence to let my personality shine and tell my story!

What can you tell us about your track ‘One Day’! What’s the story behind the song?

I wrote the song with two amazing friends, Ben Jackson-Cook and Rag N Bone man. It was originally created about a fall out that I had with a friend but when we developed the song even further, I realized it stood for equality overall - a message of hope for anyone that is struggling and, right now, I think most of us can relate.

Any memorable moments from creating the song that you can share with us?

The song was written very quickly but creating the arrangements had its challenges. We hit lockdown so we had to finish the song virtually! I had virtual calls with every musician and singer on the track to create their part. The process was collaborative but the musical director and I had to dig deep on leadership skills to make sure this happened smoothly.

What would you say has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned this year?

I was totally heartbroken earlier this year. I was experiencing very bad anxiety at the start of the break up and felt insecure, depressed and scared. When I took a look at the bigger picture, the pain stemmed from unresolved childhood experiences and the break up had just triggered them. So, I took some time out. I worked on myself and am still working on myself. I cut a lot of negativity out of my life or just things and people that would hold me back from taking care of myself. I began to see good things and people come my way and taught myself boundaries. I was so scared that I would feel the same pain forever but it left like every other painful situation I have had to face, it was only temporary and greater things were arising for my personal journey.

Working in such a chaotic field, what are some ways that you prioritize/take care of your mental health?

Health is wealth. If I’m feeling a little blue, I take a moment for myself. I love a beauty treatment, writing a song, listening to my idols and surrounding myself with people that believe in my art.

Any special message for fans? Simply put, I DO IT FOR YOU!