This A-Profiler we bring you vocalist, musician, and mother, Tracy Cruz. Find out about her new album, what surprises most people when she performs live, and how she holds it all together by being a super woman.

Your site URL:
www.tracycruz.com
www.myspace.com/tracycruz

What is your ethnicity?
Filipino

What age did you know that singing was your passion? Were your parents supportive?
I began singing at the age of two but realized it was my passion at five. I deeply fell in love with music when I heard Whitney Houston's song Greatest Love of All on the radio. From then on, as a young girl, I sang that song everywhere I went and to anyone who would listen. Both of my parents were very supportive of my passion for singing. They enrolled me in a music school and allowed me to take voice, piano, and saxophone lessons. Also they motivated me to join talent shows and singing competitions.

Who are some of your musical influences? Who would you like to work with in the future?
My musical influences include Jill Scott, Common, Ledisi, Lauryn Hill, J Dilla, and Sarah Vaughn. I would absolutely love to work with Common and Jill Scott because they constantly add new flavor to hip hop and soul music.

What surprises people the most when they see you perform live?
I believe people are surprise to find out that I have a very deep, thick voice when I sing because they expect a high pitch voice from my 4'10" frame.

With an album out, what has been the more memorable part about creating this album? When does the album release and how can people buy it?
The most memorable part about creating this album was the period of time I had to record while I was pregnant. It was an amazing creative process because it was the most emotional time of my life; all of my feelings were enhanced so it was easier for me to musically pour my heart, mind, and soul out. The album will be released on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 and will be available for purchase at www.tracycruz.com and www.myspace.com/tracycruz.

How do you approach your songwriting? Do you find you have to put yourself into a creative frame of mind?
In the process of writing a song, I listen to the beat over and over again so I can absorb it emotionally, physically and, mentally. Then when I discover how the song makes me feel, I write lyrics. Sometimes I come up with a melody and topic and my husband/producer Allen Ross creates a beat for it or he comes up with a topic and creates music for it and I help him write the lyrics. I definitely have to put myself in a creative frame of mind so I can completely focus on creating a song that is concrete, ignites emotion and imagery, and inspires people to listen attentively.

Being a mother, wife, and musician all at the same time, what secrets do you have to keep the creative juices flowing and when do you find time to keep music at the forefront of your career?
It's definitely about being focused and not letting your insecurities or fears distract you from accomplishing your dreams. I also allow my life experiences to inspire me in a creative way. For example, seeing my children grow and learning the deepest side of love with my husband motivates me to write more songs and sing with passion. Music a significant part of my daily life - I'm either thinking about it, dreaming about it, or performing it.

When you do have free time, what do you enjoy?
I love to spend time with my family, write poetry and songs lyrics, listen to music by my favorite singers/musicians, and sing in my church choir.

What advice do you have to aspiring musicians out there?
I would say "Always believe in your purpose in life and never doubt it!"

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This issue of A-Profiler is brought to you by Nelson Wong.
Special thanks to Tracy Cruz.

Photos used with permission.
Copyright retained by original copyright holder(s).