‘Bare Minimum’ is a lovely song, those moments of realization where one first starts to see that they deserve far greater than the effort they have been given in a relationship. What is the story behind this song, and what does it mean to you?
Wendy: 'Bare Minimum' is the story of that moment of realization that you are nurturing one-sided relationships. You’re the one everyone turns to, but who do you turn to? I wanted to capture this moment in a song because it’s a significant turning point in your life. 'Bare Minimum' is a reminder to myself and anyone else who wants to value themselves. You deserve to be treated the way you treat people.
Has hailing from Boston and being of Portuguese American descent influenced your musical style?
Wendy: When I was growing up, my parents would play a lot of Portuguese music in the house. I remember listening to Mariza’s Fado. I do think my exposure to different genres and cultures has influenced my music. I love mixing genres and adding different elements to my music.
I see that you are a multi-instrumentalist and the guitar features among them. What else do you play, and do you have plans to learn anything new in the immediate future?
Wendy: My favorite thing to do is sing, but I do play piano and a little guitar. I just bought a mini bass that I’m excited about, so I’ll be learning how to play that asap! I’d love to rip a bass solo one day at a gig.
'Bare Minimum’ definitely has an R&B/Soul vibe to it. If you could go on tour with or collaborate with a band or artist, who would you choose and why?
Wendy: If I could go on tour or collaborate with anyone, I’d choose H.E.R., John Mayer, or Lizzy McAlpine. I love H.E.R’s melodies and voice, I love John Mayer and his legendary writing and guitar timbre, and I love Lizzy McAlpine’s lyricism and harmonies. These are all attributes that I aim to include in my music.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, where would your interests lead you instead?
Wendy: In college, I minored in speech-language pathology, and now I work in childcare on the side. I love working with kids and building them up. If I weren’t a musician, I’d probably be a teacher or a speech-language pathologist.
Aside from your own, what is your favorite music to sing?
Wendy: I love singing anything with soul and good lyrics. My favorites to sing are 'If I Ain’t Got You' and 'Fallin’' by Alicia Keys, 'Best Part' by H.E.R. and Daniel Caesar, and 'Ceilings' by Lizzy McAlpine.
Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass
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