I started singing when I was about 16 years old, after what I call my “famous trip to Jamaica.” My mom is Jamaican, and back then we were kind of at a butting-heads stage. I got in trouble on a Friday the summer going into grade 10, and the very next Friday I was on a plane to Jamaica to go live with my aunt. It wasn’t until I lived there that I started singing.
I always knew and loved music. Neither of my parents is musical, but growing up I was exposed to a wide variety. Music’s able to change my mood in a heartbeat. I can try to be stubborn and upset, but then I hear a song I like, and it’s all over. (laughs)
Bounce With Me
Some people know when a song’s a hit, but I don’t think I have that ear. I just make music. I didn’t know Bounce With Me was going to be a hit, but when it was, it was really cool. I’m always so worried how people will respond to my music, so it was reassuring.
That song in particular I won in a competition. I’ve had it in my possession since 2005, and in November 2007 it was finally released. I consider it the song that got me signed because it was after I won the competition that I found my management and my label.
Some people who heard Bounce With Me and then heard the rest of my album were really surprised, because my album reflects a lot of different kinds of music.


