Today we’d like to introduce you to Anjolee Williams.
Hi Anjolee, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a musical flower from a musical garden. My whole life has been a journey of musical cultivation. From my father to my brother, my mother, boyfriend, grandmother, cousins…God has surrounded me with an endless well of inspiration, influence and information based on not only the family and town I was born in but the relationships that he brought my way. I am the daughter of a musician turned preacher and a teacher/wonder woman born and raised in Los Angeles. I have written songs since I was at least around seven and been singing since before that. I remember being a little kid and watching my father play the piano everywhere from my church to my school and I remember sitting with him during choir practice as a child and absorbing so much without knowing it. I watched my mom dance in church, sing in church, play the flute and I also remember my grandmother and her sisters forcing us all to sing at family gatherings. I was born a singer and songwriter I believe, but my journey had some… detours.
In my late teens, I started going to studios to write and record, singing at open mics and doing shows around LA and I also sang in the worship team at church. I am grateful to have met my boyfriend Chuck when I did. I have to give a lot of credit to him and the McCrary family. He grew up in the industry and really encouraged me to practice more to hone my skills. We have collaborated on so much music throughout the years. I was able to work with him and his family doing a lot of singing work and professional gigs which really helped me to grow as a background and session singer. I was blessed to perform with them on TV shows and historic venues like the Hollywood Bowl. I also worked with artists such as Chaka Kahn, Devin the Dude, Aloe Blacc, Nicole Wray, Jon Bellion, Jamie Scott, King Mez and Scarface. This is what really allowed me to grow into a professional musician. I have continued to book gigs through the relationships I’ve built.
Since then, I have also worked with H.E.R., T.I., Choc, Local Natives, The Killers, and became a member of Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir (aka The Samples). I took all of the songs I had created and experience gained and with the help of Chuck Heat, released a project called “BLOOM” in February of last year. The message of the project is that we can BLOOM right where we are, and regardless of what anyone else is doing around us, we can be our fullest most complete selves. I also released a music video for one of the songs off of the project called “Feel the Love” and I have a couple more on the way!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
My biggest obstacles have been overcoming lack of confidence and limiting beliefs. I am kind of a loner and have always felt like I had to do things all by myself and that I had no support. I realize now that was only my perspective and not reality. I am not alone. I had to learn that I could build my confidence through practice and self-discipline. So I started practicing a lot and that changed the way I felt when I was performing which changes the energy that I show up with. I have worked hard and I’m honestly still working on changing my limiting beliefs.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in the sauce!! I am a singer and songwriter. I love dope lyrics and cool harmonies. I’m most proud of my recent project, “BLOOM”. It’s available everywhere!! What sets me apart is the TONE of my voice…I don’t like to brag so I’ll just say my voice has been described as “Melted chocolate” and leave it there… I love writing songs and really look forward to continuing to work with the amazing local artists (so many of which I am blessed to call family/friends) and also working with some of the major artists that inspire me.
What does success mean to you?
I would define success as complete peace and contentment in ALL areas of my life… Also, winning a Grammy Awards, working with the artists I respect and admire, traveling the world singing/performing/writing, and having a home for my family. Success is being an owner and working for myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.anjolee.online
- Instagram: @anjoleethefree
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anjoleethefree/
- Twitter: @anjoleethefree
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTmDkWEim0qCFovcbbQxTJQ
Image Credits:
Brandon Hicks – 3rd pic, red dress Serrandon – 1st pic, album cover Omniklix – Tha Juice Joint shot Nico Ballesteros – Photo with Kanye West Charles Henderson – Shot of me with the Sunset
What to check out next:
Aleasha Bahr is a sales & marketing strategist known for showing introverts and ambiverts the Secret Art of Subtle Selling. She personally sold millions in revenue while discovering introverts are usually top sales people – as soon as they stop trying to act like extroverts. We’ve partnered with her to produce Introverted Entrepreneur Success Stories. Check out episode 1 below:
