Meet Kambria Moncrief | Singer, Song-Writer, Actress & Dancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kambria Moncrief and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kambria, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I am a singer, songwriter, actress and dancer. I have known who and what I wanted to be since I was three years old. That’s how long I’ve been singing; since I was three years old. My grandma says that my baby cries sounded like melodies. My family always asked me to sing and dance at the family gatherings and my parents bough me every instrument I asked for, ranging from drum sets to electric guitars. I was always writing songs and making my own girl groups with the other kids on the playground at recess. I had my first record deal at 17. When I was 18, I was on Season 7 of NBC’s The Voice and later in 2020, I was on Amateur Night at the Apollo. Though they were all great experiences, they didn’t take me as far as I had hoped to go. There was a never another option, or plan B for me. Music and and entertainment has always been my entire being. So, I decided to do it independently. Pursuing an artistic career was something that I felt I had to do because music and performing heals me. I want to be able to help make people feel as I do when I am on stage, or entertaining others: Safe and Confident. I always want to inspire young women to fight for any and everything they believe in, and to always believe in themselves no matter what. Confidence and belief is key. If you don’t have faith in yourself, why would someone else?

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love everything creative. I have played instruments such as the drums, piano, electric and acoustic guitar. I have moments of my life where all I did was write poetry, plays, and chapter books. On top of being a creator, I am also a singer. I am classically and theatrically trained. I have been trained in ballet, hip-hop, tap and modern, and jazz dance. When life becomes overwhelming, I like to tap in to drawing and painting as well. I am an also actress. I trained and earned my Musical Theatre degree from Ball State University. I have worked with a lot of talented actors such as Jamal Woolard, Marcus T. Paulk, Drew Sidora, Karon Joseph, Brian J. White, Bern Nadette Stanis, Toccara Jones, Jeremy Meeks and so many more. The art that I am most proud of is my music. I write all of my songs, and most of them are true stories or moments from my life, or situations from my perspective. I was actually inspired by Kendrick Lamar to take music more seriously. I had met him after his concert in Indianapolis in 2013 and he told me I was “gonna be a star.” That put me into overdrive because he is one of my biggest inspirations. I literally went to the studio the very next day for the first time which led to me getting my first record deal. I competed on The Voice with the judges Pharell, Gwen Stefani, and more in 2014 and went on the compete at the Apollo in 2020. Later that year in 2020, I released my first album called “WLDFLWR” (Wildflower). My second, “The Yellowprint”, was released in October of 2023. I am so very proud of those projects because I definitely put my all into them when it came to the artistry, the flow of albums altogether, the instruments, the lyrics, the features and especially the cover art. I design all of my cover art myself.
Being an independent artist is most definitely not easy, but it can be rewarding and fun. It’s what I love to do, and seeing other people enjoy my art makes me want to continue. It can be hard to keep going if you forget your purpose for doing the work. I’ve faced the challenges of not believing in myself, financial burdens, finding my creativity and so much more. But, focusing on what made me start doing music and becoming a creative is what helps me overcome those challenges. I know that if I keep working and breaking barriers, I will eventually see the reward that is in store.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned in being a creative is PATIENCE. Lord knows that is something I’ve struggled with my entire life. Everything good comes with time, hard work, dedication and patience. What is for you is for you and nobody can take that away.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My friends like to eat and they like the strip club! HAHA! So I’d take them to Pin Up’s and King of Diamonds Brunch.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shout out my mom.. she has literally been my rock. My sisters, Erykah & Kha’Lea, have always been my biggest supporters, They’re my babies! My dad is always there with wise words and encouragement and advice whenever I need it, and I am so thankful. Lastly, I have to shout out my best friend Natalie! I love y’all!

Website: https://kambriamoncrief.wixsite.com/kambria

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kambriadm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kambria.moncrief/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kambriadm?si=chfnZ-04RGd_3fYY

Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/6yQ3AQdtifQaMb273t3gBl?si=7Px84pvQSlWD3w6mHcYq2g

Image Credits
Kaylon Outlaw Instagram: takenby_k.o