"If they want to label me in the Neo-Soul movement they can, but to me this soul music is nothing new. The D'Angelos and Lauryn Hills derive from what we grew up on -- like Donnie Hathaway, Angela Winbush and so forth, it's just modernized. I grew up on every form of music from Bonnie Raitt and Steely Dan to Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan. It's hard to categorize me into one genre of music because it narrows your audience and I learned from them all. It's just good music -- and that's the way I see it." -Conya Doss
Conya Doss is singing about the soul of love and life on her latest album “Love Rain Down”, a mix of jazzy sways, fun beats, love ballads, and acoustic soul. “Love Rain Down”, being her 3rd album in 4 years, which is astonishing on it's own, shows her compassion for words and life. Her song “Find A Way” shows Conya's determination not only in succeeding within her music career, but identifies her observations of life within our communities, which results in such a beautiful and heart-felt track. Conya does not compromise her beliefs or way of life to please others in the outer world of herself, which is soulfully expressed in her song “Only Be Me”. Unlike many albums that are released these days, you are sure to like every track of Ms. Doss' album.
Born and raised on Stevie Wonder, Angela Winbush, Donnie Hathaway and Minnie Ripperton in the city described as the vanguard of soul, Cleveland Ohio. Conya Doss has been singing since the age of five and later attended the famed Cleveland School Of The Performing Arts, a school that produced fellow alumnus, Avant. Conya went on to be a leading member of the Cleveland duo Lyrik comprised of childhood friend Stacy Richardson who currently sings back up for Anthony Hamilton. She has also worked with the likes of Gerald Levert and super producers Tony Nicholas and Myron Davis.
Conya carries a sweet, genuine spirit, which you can hear all throughout her music and when listening to any of her interviews; and she takes a moment to share a bit of that soul and genuineness with us:
ymib: What did you enjoy the most about teaching, and what is something that you can say that you have gained or learned about yourself through teaching children with special needs?
Conya: The visible reward of watching each child grow in accomplishing goals and objectives. I've learned patience and definitely being more aware of how society is affecting our children. I have also learned that every child can learn, no matter the disability.
ymib: If you had to describe love as a season(winter, summer, fall, etc.) which season would you relate love to and why?
Conya: Definitely the winter time, I sit by the heat with my hot Chai and write. It's the best time for me, it puts me in an serene atmosphere.
ymib: What is the most inspirational moment that has happened in your life thus far?
Conya: To be able to record 3 solo records and to receive so much support from my family, friends, and fans. Also, I just received the Henieken Redstar Soul award, this makes me feel that what I am doing is really paying off.
ymib: What is your favorite affirmation or inspirational quote?
Conya: "Stay True To Yourself and you'll see that everything will fall into place" and "It takes a village to raise a child"
ymib: What are 3 things that a woman should always strive to keep in her life and why?
Conya: 1. God, 2. High self-esteem, 3. Confidence
ymib: How would you describe the style/sound of your current album, “Love Rain Down”?
Conya: I feel that this record has touched several aspects of life, love, pain, hurt, and growth. Also, this record is definitely more up tempo than my previous records. I also have some songs that would not fit so well in the Neo-soul category.
ymib: If love came knocking at your door today, what would it look like?
Conya: Peaceful, nurturing, and understanding. Just plain ole beautiful.
ymib: What would be 3 words that you would use to describe your personality?
Conya: Determined, shy, and dingy at times, but I ain't dumb at all. lol
ymib: What is your purpose / mission in life?
Conya: My mission in life is to get to heaven, become a better person, and to continue to grow spiritually as well as creatively. I also, believe that my music has a purpose, which may reach out to someone who is need of hearing a specific message in my songs.
Want to know more about Conya, then visit her website at: www.conyadoss.com
