“Be Free” is one of the most honest songs I’ve ever written. I was in a really tough place emotionally — stuck between the weight of where I wanted to be with my music career and where I actually was. It came from feeling lost, discouraged, and questioning whether my vision was even possible. But writing it became a way of fighting for myself — for hope, for healing, and for the freedom to keep going without burning out. It’s a song about trying to hold onto belief when everything feels heavy.
Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?
I recorded this song over a year ago, so some of the memories are fuzzy — but what always stands out to me is that feeling when you finally hear something you imagined in your head come to life. Whether it’s a vocal run or a harmony idea — when I hit play and it sounds just how I hoped? That’s always magical to me.
You’re a graduate of Berklee College of Music. What’s the biggest thing Berklee did for your career?
Berklee gave me access to the tools I needed to create independently — especially Logic Pro X, which I still use to record all my music. But more than that, my time there taught me the importance of trusting my voice. I had to learn how to stand firm in my artistry, even in spaces where I didn’t always feel seen or understood. That lesson has stuck with me ever since.
Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?
Michael Jackson is my number one influence — his music, his vision, his character, and his relentless pursuit of excellence shaped everything for me. I also draw a lot of inspiration from the Yellowjackets, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Erykah Badu. Each of them brought something bold and emotionally honest to the table, and I want my music to do the same.
What is the most challenging part of your music career?
Honestly, the climb. When you’re a big dreamer like me, the gap between your vision and your current reality can feel huge — and not everyone around you will understand what you’re trying to build. That can be lonely and emotionally taxing. It takes a lot of inner strength to keep going, especially when you’re doing it independently. But I remind myself why I started and keep pushing forward.
What are your immediate music goals?
Right now, I’m building what I call my “vault” — a catalog of songs, whether it’s full lyrics or just ideas, that I’m developing and shaping into future releases. My goal is to create music that connects — songs that hit people deeply and stay with them. I’m also focused on finding my core collaborators — a team of people who understand the vision and want to build something timeless together.
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That sounds like a great goal!
As always, I want to thank Drèa for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to accompany the interview.
I'm sure you’ll all want to follow her and see what she has going on. I would follow her on Instagram to make sure you don't miss a thing.
Thanks, Drèa, and good luck reaching your goals!
