Ywada is making a name for herself in the music industry as she has transformed from a youthful talent to a sophisticated, fun sound that she calls “real good, feel good music.” October and November were busy months for Ywada, filled with video shoots, touring and promotional appearances. 
She made time in her busy schedule to talk with SoulTrain.com to discuss her plans for 2013, her unique sense of style and the effect of her music on male fans.
SoulTrain.com: You have had an extremely busy last two months. What have you been up to?
Ywada: I have been touring, opening up for Fantasia across the country, including Dallas, Jacksonville, and North Carolina. I have done several shows and promotional appearances in Atlanta, as well as a show in Miami to benefit breast cancer awareness, a cause that is really important to me.
My first video, “Thought I Was Loved,” is now playing on VH1, MTV.com, BET, Centric and iTunes, so it is very important that I make as many appearances as possible to increase my fan base. I shot my second video, “Why?,” earlier in November, and it is a real meaningful video because the song talks about the questions you have when a perfectly good relationship comes to a sudden end, and you keep asking yourself, “Why?”
Overall, the last couple months have been good to me and I am truly blessed.
SoulTrain.com: You are at a very important place in your career, on the verge of national stardom. How are you preparing to take your career to the next level?
Ywada: Right now I am working on putting the finishing touches of my album and completing a mix tape at the same time, so my fans truly know who I am. This phase of my career is very important, so I have to push myself because in the music industry you only get one change to prove who you are. The industry is 90 percent business and 10 percent talent.
My music reflects who I am, and that being genuine and natural. It is work, but I always try to relate to my fans, so it feels really good.
SoulTrain.com: Having male fans that relate to your music is really important to you. Why is that?
Ywada: I want both men and women to relate to my music, as an artist, your goal is for people to see you and hear you all the way. I want men to pop in my music and receive a certain vibe or message just like a woman does.
One of the most touching stories was from a male fan who related to my song, “Count Me Out” because he worked, cooked and cleaned in the relationship. He played the song for his wife to get his point across and to communicate his frustrations. He said it helped save his marriage and that meant a lot to me. I take my fans very seriously because you never know what people are going through.
SoulTrain.com: You have a very unique and distinctive fashion style. How do you describe it and what does it mean to you?
Ywada: My style is unique because it reflects who I am. If you do not have a strong sense of self you will end up falling for anything in this business.
I describe my style as classy and sophisticated with a young, urban twist. Who you are is defined in everything you do and wear. I have an infatuation with shoes, and that is another way I express who I am, and many of my fans are interested in my choice in footwear.
I have a passion for style and I have a passion for people to relate to my music, regardless of their background. If people cannot relate to you then they won’t listen to what you have to say.
SoulTrain.com: With such a bright future ahead of you, what are your plans for 2013 and beyond?
Ywada: I have big expectations for 2013 that centers around building a larger fan base and exposing them to my “real good, feel good” music. My album should be released in the summer, and I am also looking at getting into acting, whether it is a role in a sitcom or feature film.
It is going to be a good time, and I am working every day to make music that my fans can enjoy. I am always looking towards the future and definitely towards 2013.
–Rodric J. Bradford
