Utopia: Creating a voice for people who are shy but want to speak through their art. I feel like at times we are looked at not having voices but a picture is also 1,000 words. So without saying much but having a burning passion, whatever that may be, is totally acceptable. To show girls/women especially, being in a male dominated field, that you can do whatever your heart desires career wise, even in life. It’s okay to be yourself, someone will love it.
Do you dream a lot? Does it influence your art? Do you have recurring dreams?
Utopia: Yes, a lot. Being the only child I learned to use my imagination and to dream. It most definitely influences my art to push the agenda of anything is possible. I have recurring dreams that usually turn into reality. I often feel like dreams have a hidden meaning.
I’m constantly expressing myself in 2 totally different ways that connect. I’ve been around musicians and second liners all of my life...
What's the most exciting part of playing the saxophone or performing in second line?
Utopia: The most exciting part about playing saxophone and second line is doing something that I truly love daily. I’m constantly expressing myself in 2 totally different ways that connect. I’ve been around musicians and second liners all of my life, being related to the Rebirth brass band's Keith and Philip Frazier, my mom’s brother, with my grandma also being a musician . It was the highlight of my childhood but I also get to carry the tradition and add more the culture that I grew up in.
What is your favorite time of day? Why?
Utopia: My favorite time of day is the night. I usually do most of my gigs around this time and I have the most energy around this time.
Utopia: My favorite song at the moment is Claustrophobic, by PJ Morton. He is one of my favorite New Orleans natives that’s a musician. I truly relate to it now, going into the world as a woman who plays music and loves to dance. That I have to always stay true to myself but never give up. There may be challenges but this all a part of life. Life is like a big gumbo pot but everyone’s gumbo is different and so is our lives. I also feel like clothes truly express who you are and how you feel, but to totally step out of the box is where you find your creative side.
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