When I was younger, the music around me didn’t stay in one lane. At home in Lincolnville, I heard Caribbean music, R&B and Latin music. I sang in church, too. That mix is still there when I perform.

A Cellus show is built around original songs. Depending on the room, I can bring them with a DJ or a band. The arrangements may change, but I want the words and the feeling to come through either way.

Playing Murray Hill Theatre and the Historic Lincolnville Festival gave me chances to take that music in front of people. The hometown shows mean something personal to me. I know those streets because I grew up on them. When I sing about love, loss or getting back up, I’m bringing my own life into the room.

I want people to hear a song, feel where it came from, and carry a piece of it home. That’s what I keep working toward every time I step onstage.