We had the good fortune of connecting with PEARL Z and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi PEARL, what inspires you?
I’ve been really inspired by the stories of several musicians lately. Specifically women who have changed the music industry as we know it. Lady Gaga, Lizzo, Beyonce, Dolly Parton, Aretha Franklin, and Madona are just a few of the big name artists I am inspired by. I say this because I want to shine a light on women in the industry in hopes of inspiring other women and young girls to believe in the power within themselves to accomplish whatever it is they desire. Learning about the actual lives of these people (and many more) have inspired me greatly to continue pushing forward with my career goals. Another thing that has been so inspiring for me in the year 2020 especially is how connected people have become even during this pandemic. Thanks to the current day technology we are able to stay in touch more so with the people who really matter…even while being stuck at home. The amount of musicians that have been able to adapt to this situation is truly incredible to me. While NOT playing shows is hard my fellow performer friends keep me going with those lives and videos!!!!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am of Polish, Jamaican and Native American descent living as a born and raised Austinite. I’m thankful that my hometown has long been a breeding ground for fantastic musicians. Not only has the town birthed some of the best players one could ever hope to hear, it also attracts peerless musicians from all over the world. While I have been lucky enough to grow up here it still has its challenges. It took a lot of changes within myself and my surroundings to be able to call myself a “full time musician” and feel good about it. I want people to know that while social media, shows and posts can look glamorous and easy to some…a lot of hard work and mental strength is required to go forward with your hopes and dreams. Your version of success will also include a lot of failures that will only benefit you in the future. Learn from you disappointments and keep moving forward. As Cardi B says “Knocked down 9 times but I get up 10”. After all we are all human. My latest focus is my solo career and brand “PEARL Z” where i take elements of electronica, pop, and rock while providing a dark edge for my listeners. My soon to be brand is called PEARLZWORLD an interactive AR AND VR music and product brand. Each product//virtual reality world has the option to make your own world public or private to others. However Pearlzworld is an interactive public experience. PEARL Z as an artist is to provide musical content for the game while also making live shows a VR headset-LESS real experience by using the technology available today. This brand should make people journey inward in Hope’s of filling their self growth wants. I’m currently a lead vocalist in the popular Sly and the Family Stone / Curtis Mayfield tribute band, Sly Curtis, where I perform alongside many of Austin’s finest musicians, from bands including Bob Schneider, Shiny Ribs, Brownout, Brownsabbath, Kalu and the electric Joint, and many more. I also perform and tour with Kalu and the Electric Joint…the group blends the powers of psychedelic soul music with the driving beat of rock and roll and the ancient rhythms of Africa. Kalu and the Electric Joint recorded their latest album with producer Brett Orrison, known for his work with The Black Angels and Widespread Panic, over a year’s time at Nest Recording in Driftwood, Texas. The album features guest appearances by members of Widespread Panic, The War on Drugs, The Sword and Grupo Fantasma. The ensemble’s sound palette integrates masterful songwriting and electrifying performances.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I would encourage them to take a hike!! Austin is surrounded by some of the most magical outdoor destinations. The Greenbelt, Barton Springs, Pedernales Falls, Krause Springs are just some of the great places you can go. Before venues were closed due to Covid-19 i would have suggested Stubb’s, Brokenspoke, The Mohawk, or Cheer up Charlies.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Women account for less than 7% of producers and engineers so i’d like to encourage any self identifying persons to research the #bookmorewomen movement (https://www.bookmorewomen.com/organizations). Specifically I’d like to give a shout to Keychange. Keychange is an international campaign which invests in emerging female talent whilst encouraging festivals to sign up to a 50:50 gender balance pledge by 2022. More than 100 festivals worldwide have signed their pledge.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/pearl_zmusic/?hl=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pearl_zmusic/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pearl-z-8768111a3/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pearlzmusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I7ymt1ZNCI
Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0OpdIoCKdQ

Image Credits
Depends on which ones are used for article but …. Amberly Russell Photography Sean Mathis Photography

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