Last year was incredible for award-winning singer and songwriter Tracy Cruz and we’re excited for what she has in store here in 2020. Noted for lush R&B, soul and jazz vocals, Tracy took time out her busy schedule to answer THIS questionnaire about her previous 12 months and what to expect from her in the months ahead.
THIS: How would you summarize 2019?
Tracy Cruz: I would summarize 2019 as a year of reflection, awareness, and growth.
THIS: What was your favorite song of ‘19?
Tracy Cruz: My favorite song of 2019 was “Don’t Give Up On Love” by Brandon Williams featuring Eric Roberson. I love the soulful arrangement, passionate lyrics, silky vocals and calming horns!
THIS: What was your favorite movie?
Tracy Cruz: My favorite was ‘ULAM: Main Dish’. It’s the first food documentary following the rise of the Filipino food movement!
THIS: What’s the television show you couldn’t stop watching?
Tracy Cruz: I couldn’t stop watching ‘Law and Order’. I’m a huge fan of legal drama TV series!
THIS: What album got the most play?
Tracy Cruz: I played Chantae Cann’s two albums ‘Journey to Golden’ and ‘SolPowered’. I’m in love with her enticing voice, uplifting messages, and the complexity of her soulful, Jazz arrangements!
THIS: What did you Google the most?
Tracy Cruz: I googled “jazz festivals” the most! I want to attend and perform at more jazz festivals starting next year!
THIS: What was the most shocking thing you heard all last year?
Tracy Cruz: The most shocking thing I heard all year was the tragic passing of Nipsey Hussle and Cameron Boyce. I was deeply saddened by their deaths because they were very young and were humanitarians. In addition to their art, they wanted to make a difference in the community and world.
THIS: Tell us how you evolved over the last 12 months.
Tracy Cruz: I encountered a lot of situations that tested my patience and time management. Through these challenges, I learned how to be more proactive instead of reactive. For instance, I use my energy to create music or find ways to improve my business instead of stressing out and not finding solutions. Also, I learned how to prioritize tasks efficiently based on urgency not comfortability.
THIS: What was your biggest blessing last year?
Tracy Cruz: My biggest blessings in 2019 were headlining the world famous Yoshi’s as a solo act, winning the Bay Area Black Music Awards “People’s Choice” award for my courage, leadership and commitment to improving the lives of others and performing at Bump City Winery, owned by Roger Smith of the legendary group Tower of Power.
THIS: How do you teach someone to have better respect for the value of time?
Tracy Cruz: I would remind that person our time on Earth is limited and we can’t get back the time we’ve spent. Time is highly valuable and shouldn’t be wasted! It’s important for us to respect our own time as well as other people’s time.
THIS: What can we expect from you here in 2020?
Tracy Cruz: People can expect new music from me! I’m currently working on a new R&B/Soul album and will release a single or two in 2020. Stay tuned! |THIS
[Written by Mr. Joe Walker | Follow THIS on Twitter @THISENT1]
