Meet CRUZ The Dame | Singer-Songwriter, Entertainer, Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with CRUZ The Dame and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi CRUZ The Dame, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most crucial factor behind the success of Vintage Music, embodying the brand promise of “something old and something new,” is authenticity. Authenticity serves as the cornerstone, distinguishing Vintage Music from other brands in the market. While many may associate vintage with a sense of nostalgia and the past, Vintage Music goes beyond mere retro aesthetics; it introduces a novel and innovative flair to the experience.

Authenticity, in the context of Vintage Music, means that the brand stays true to its promise of blending the classic with the contemporary. It’s about creating a musical atmosphere that may evoke a sense of familiarity, yet it consistently introduces elements of innovation. This commitment to authenticity resonates with your audience, establishing a genuine connection.

In a world where the concept of “something old and something new” can be challenging to navigate without sacrificing one for the other, Vintage Music successfully integrates these elements seamlessly. This authenticity not only appeals to individuals seeking a nostalgic musical experience but also to those who appreciate the infusion of freshness and innovation.

Moreover, authenticity fosters trust among your audience. When customers recognize that Vintage Music consistently delivers on its promise, they are more likely to engage with the brand, become loyal patrons, and share their positive experiences with others.

Authenticity is not a static quality; it evolves with innovation. The commitment to presenting something old and something new demonstrates a dynamic approach to authenticity. This dedication to innovation ensures that Vintage Music remains relevant and captivating, addressing the evolving tastes and preferences of your audience.

In essence, authenticity is the guiding principle that defines the soul of Vintage Music. It is the driving force behind my brand’s success, creating a unique and compelling identity that resonates with a diverse audience seeking a harmonious blend of the timeless and the contemporary in their musical experience.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
There are timeless artists and then there are timely artists. Very rarely has there been an opportunity for the two qualities to juxtapose, then along came CRUZ The Dame. Blending old soul with new sound, her Vintage Music sound captures the spirit of the classics that made our mamas and daddies snap their fingers along with today’s instantly captivating style. Fusing the Doo-Wop and Gospel music she grew up on with the Soul of the Blues, the sensuality of R&B, the innovation of Jazz, and the precision of Pop, CRUZ The Dame is bringing originality back to the future.

Glimmering in bright reds, whites, blacks, and luscious yellows, manifesting her sexuality through her classic Pin-Up Girl style, CRUZ The Dame is seductive yet sophisticated, the type who flaunts her disdain, your bad-ass chick. The consummate tease, CRUZ is the sort of girl that lives in every man’s fantasy. She is a social butterfly unafraid to express herself, flirtatious, sassy yet classy, glamorous yet intelligent and strong-willed.

Fearlessly sexy and bodily creative, CRUZ The Dame views the world through a different lens. Born of Spanish descent with the blood of six different nationalities running through her veins, she is a self-proclaimed “hybrid.” This multi-dimensional perspective pops in her writing, helping to bridge racial divides through her music.

She awakens the music she sings through a fiery live show backed by her band, The Co-Hearts, further enhanced by her passionate movements and warm outgoing verbal prowess. With the inborn spirit of a true entertainer enhanced by her beauty beyond skin deep, CRUZ The Dame is equipped to captivate her audience both young and mature. She is a throwback troubadour whose style and grace will make you fall in love on-sight, destined to intrigue and inspire people throughout the world.

Groomed for showbiz since the nascent age of 4, her parents taught her the classics and the fundamentals of artistry which translates in her poised performances and confidence she brings to stage. She learned early to study the greats in order to be a great and her soulful, jazz-tinged vocals tell the story of lots of intent listening to the legends like James Brown, Etta James, Brenda Lee, Nancy Wilson and Aretha Franklin.

Her current EP, is entitled Modern Sound in Rhythm & Soul Music Volume 1. The EP is an adventure in listening and the first in a trilogy of EP’s to be released. Boasting eight original tracks written, arranged, and produced by the triple threat artist herself along with Rev Slim/ Grown Productions. Modern Sound in Rhythm & Soul Music Volume 1 includes the hit single “Sweet Thang” along with a heartfelt tribute, “Something In The Wata” dedicated to Jackson Mississippi, who continues to deal with water crisis after two years. CRUZ The Dame, along with Music Executive Demmette Guidry (who helped launch the careers of Destiny’s Child, Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, Mary Mary, and Maxwell, to name a few) has begun a new era in entertainment, launching VINTAGE SOUND RECORDINGS.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d take them to Little Five Points for a day of shopping and a great lunch. I would make sure to take them by the HBCU’s to see Black Excellence in the making.. My next stop would be the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame to show them what a black Monument looks like, a recognition of our Icons. It’s our Hollywood Walk of Fame, for us by us! That evening we would attend St. James Live to checkout TrapJazz Allstars perform while feasting on some great food. Of course we would take in a CRUZ The Dame show experience at the Pink Lion Jazz Club located inside the New Black Wall Street Market. Other eateries we would visit would be OZ Pizza and by my fave authentic Mexican spot, EL LLano Restaurant both located in Fairburn, GA.,

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shoutout Music Executive, Demmette Guidry (Columbia Records, Warner Brother Records, Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame) for his dedication preserving, protecting and promoting the most amazing art form on the planet, Black American Music. His mentorship and guidance has been invaluable to the development of my career and so many others. He is Founder of the Black American Music Foundation, check them out at blackamf.org.

Website: cruzthedame.com

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Image Credits
John Millington