Pamela Vilorio (Interview)

Pamela Vilorio

Instagram: @bluesismymuse

Interviewed and Photographed by Steven Jermaine

Who are you? 

My name is Pamela Vilorio, born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City. I'm a singer-songwriter, model, and creative director.

What is purpose to you? 

Purpose to me is finding a meaning for oneself. I feel like purpose drives people harder into finding more to life than just what's already given to us once we're born. I feel like once someone finds purpose to something, that's when value comes into play.

Have you found your purpose?

My purpose has always been to acquire my sense of happiness. I didn't always know what the goal was, but I always had the ambition to figure out what was missing/lacking. Music came into play a few years ago, and it's honestly been the only source that has given me true fulfillment and joy. Within my music, I try to create a connection between the lyrics and the listener. I want to create a space where people are allowed to feel okay with their own emotions and that they can relate to others, that there's no sense of loneliness.

How is your purpose reflected in your art? 

I'm a perfectionist, and I always put 100 percent into whatever it is that I end up creating. I don't like half-assing, and I don't like mediocre work. My purpose is to create a movement to leave a legacy in order for others to follow or branch out and create their own; but I always try to reflect that feeling into my art.

If you could describe your art would you? And if you would, what would you say? 

When it comes to music, I would say it's very emotional. It tugs at the heartstrings and makes people want to admit the darkness, sadness, love, desperation and just pure emotion they have within themselves and that many try to hide. One thing I can say is that if you ever got to listen to a song I write, you're hearing a part of my soul, a piece of myself, and I'm letting you keep it.

What inspires you? 

Black culture inspires me. Individuality inspires me. Creating movement and breaking stigmas inspires. Solange is a huge inspiration. Watching my people on the come-up inspires me. Me being my best inspires me. You reading this inspires me. 

What drives you to do what you do? 

My happiness. Watching other creatives prosper drives me to want the best for myself and for the people in my circle and my team.

Why did you start making art? 

I wanted a sense of validation. I felt purposeless like always wandering around just doing things that I was told to do, and they never gave me any sense of fulfillment. I didn't want to continue living a life for others, and if I was going to strive for validation, I wanted that validation with in myself. I wanted to prove to myself that I was capable enough to be part of this artistic world and contribute something amazing.

What about the art you make allows you to be who you are? 

Music allows me to say the words that I often could not say to past lovers or situations because of fear or rejection, and writing it in my music allowed me to gain a sense of forgiveness and just relief in releasing all that energy.

Is there something you cannot live without in your tool kit?

My voice.

What would you tell your thirteen-year-old self? 

Girl I hope you polishing that Grammy.

What would you tell your 60-year-old self? 

I would tell her that I hope she's guiding our family, especially the young generation, into appreciating themselves and more loving whatever it is that they end up falling in love with, and that no matter the case they are so incredibly special.

Other than art, what else are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about mental health. I'm passionate about healthy relationships and strong communicational skills. 

Anything you would like to leave us with? (Words of wisdom, advise, etc.) 

I don't know if you want to take it as advice or wisdom or words of enlightenment, but the fact that you've given me the opportunity, or the moment, to speak about the things dearest to me—that way of sharing and connecting right now—I feel like that's so incredibly important within our community. Not only for black creatives but just all creatives in general. It helps us understand how important community is for our people and our industry, and to just connect and share, leaving the ego and just helping one another.

How important is a space like late fee magazine? 

Late Fee Magazine is such an amazing platform to just connect creatives together and help push further people that might not have their foot in the door like these industry heads or don't have close-knit connections or just in general know someone that knows someone. Late Fee gives you the opportunity to share who you are as an individual and what you can bring to the table while also allowing you to connect with others that relate with you. I feel like that's a gift that many don't have the privilege of ever receiving, and I want to thank you for that.