Channeling Your Creativity ft. Mpress Yara
Many of us grew up with some mode of art as our channel for self-expression. We spent years training our voices, perfecting technique on instruments, shaping beautiful art with our hands, and sharpening movement exuded from our bodies. I hold so much admiration for the artists of the world big or small because I believe that there is a freeness that they’ve continually tapped into through their art form. All of us weren’t meant to be or have the desire to be the next Mpress Yara, but I think her coming of age story as an artist can teach us something extremely powerful about the importance of getting back to channeling our creativity.
Visionary and talented singer, Mpress Yara is proof that we don’t need permission to create. She personifies the inalienable right that we hold as human beings to create, as proof of our existence from our creator. This Sound of Luv songwriter and performer is now unapologetically creating her own lane, through her latest EP, Cheers to Life. Growing up in the Virgin Islands, a culture largely infused with music, Mpress began singing in the 6th grade after her friends encouraged her to join the choir one day. It became clear the very next day that her destiny was to sing solo on a mic as she landed her first solo role. Ever so grateful for her journey, she shares that it began with music, took some detours due to the pressing expectation of earning a college degree, and ultimately led her right back to doing what she loves most… creating her art.
510 Likes, 158 Comments - Mpress Yara (@mpressyara) on Instagram: "I love recording myself 🌺 New music coming soon. Song: Sound of Luv by: Muah Produced by:..."
After years of singing in school choirs, churches, events all over the island, and with the infamously known female acapella group Swans on the Lake it comes as no surprise that Mpress Yara is currently in her element. And we love to see it. Her success thus far took some signs, convincing, and acceptance. Encouraged and supported by her partner and producer Lava Beatz, she began serving as the voice talent on his beats as a means for him to develop his craft. Now, it has naturally served as affirmation that she is exactly where she is meant to be. Her organic re-connection with music serves as an example to us that you can tap out and tap back into your passion at any time.
Inspired by the likes of Jasmine Sullivan, Tink, Kiana Lede, and H.E.R., Mpress Yara’s sultry and soulful voice is infused with an eclectic blend of alternative R&B, reggae, and soul-filled tracks. If you don’t believe me, take a listen for yourself. You can support her artistry and stay tapped into her journey by connecting with her on Apple Music & Spotify and on Instagram & Facebook.
Channeling our creativity requires us to simply let go of our limiting beliefs and go with what feels natural. Mpress Yara proclaims that her belief and confidence was signed off from her grandmother from a very young age, who affectionally voiced how much she loved to hear her sing. She admits that at the time it sounded like too crazy of an idea.
How many times do we have to see people pursue ideas that we held before we permit ourselves to follow our heart? Once I started acting on my own ideas and channeling my creativity, I found that my life was a lot more fulfilling and I’m sure Mpress can agree. Regardless of what is going on around me, I know that I have power over what I create. If we can channel that sort of power during these uncertain times, then I know it will not only make our days a little easier but hold more meaning too.
Mpress Yara states that "Everyone’s story is different, but you can totally do whatever the heck you want in life. No excuses."
