Jazz and gospel on her mind . . . Dawn-Mari has big plans for her future

It was at age seven that she hit her first note. And since then Dawn-Mari Springer has been serenading others with her beautiful voice.

Her journey, like so many others, started in the church. She told Bajan Vibes: “I started singing at my church, Emmanuel Baptist, from the age of seven. I also gave my life to Christ at this same age. From that day, I was known as the songbird. From then on, my pastor Rev. Vincent Wood was very involved in my vocal development. He made sure my voice was enhanced by sending me to one of the best vocal trainers on the island, Norma Bowen. I spent three years with her and achieved a Merit in Grade 5 in the Trinity Academy of Music.”

The 20-year-old also credits her years spent at St. Stephens Primary and Springer Memorial Secondary for allowing her to use her gift.

“I was known as the “chubby girl that sings”, still to this day. Both institutions allowed me to use my gift and grace many stages as part of a school choir.  I chose a career in singing because it’s not just a hobby, it’s my passion. The many times I have been on stage and ministering or performing around the nation and soon the world, is phenomenal to me. I’m great at it, so why not pursue it?”

However, Dawn-Mari was quick to point out that a huge part of her desire to sing has been influenced by her family.

“I am always surrounded by music and my grandfather has a big role to play when it comes to that. He played guitar and piano, my mom sings at church and my sister can sing as well, so with motivation or inspiration, it’s a natural gift from God himself.”

She continued: “I made my first singing noises at the age of six months. When my mom came home from work, she would sing a little jingle: ‘I see my baby’ and one day, I was in my grandfather’s arms outside in the veranda, she was walking towards me and I started to bounce and proceeded to sing the tune in La’s.”

Dawn-Mari, who is currently pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Music at the Barbados Community College, hopes to become a well-rounded gospel/jazz musician.

“Honestly, I love to perform jazz and gospel because they allow me to show my range of vocals and they fit me just right! I’m in love with ballads because I feel more in tune with them.”

At present, the artiste is a step closer to achieving her goal of becoming a well-rounded musician. She was recently accepted into the University of the West Indies Mona Campus, Jamaica to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Music.

Along her journey, Dawn-Mari has been influenced by some remarkable people she admires.

“I’m influenced mostly by composers and people that are in the background that piece music together like a puzzle and make it become something beautiful. These persons are Nicholas Branker and Roger Gittens. My dream is to be a lead singer in at least one of their masterpieces.

“Internationally, I am very drawn to jazz singers Lalah Hathaway and Rachelle Ferrell and Jill Scott. Their techniques in singing are remarkable and I would like to meet them and just start singing and record an album with all four of us.

“My gospel influencers are Tye Tribbett and Tasha Cobbs. They are both my favourite artists in the gospel arena and I WILL make it my business to meet and record many tracks with them!”

One day Dawn-Mari also hopes to perform at a sold out concert at Madison Square Garden and to conduct an orchestra while singing. Her mantra: Anything is possible with God.

“Right now, I am a session musician. A session musician, studio musician, or backing musician is a musician who is hired to perform in recording sessions or live performances. I am mostly seen with the two upcoming bands TRC (The Right Combination) as a lead vocalist and Kloud 9 as a back-up vocalist.”

Dawn-Mari is hoping for a change in the local entertainment scene. “The local music industry, honestly, is very closed and small circled. It goes by who you know and who knows you. However, recently it’s opening up to accepting other upcoming musicians. You should have the mentality of not being laid back and always ready to work, because Barbadian musicians work very hard, so you have to be persistent and humble.”

The singer said her second choice career would be that of a makeup artist because she loves the art of makeup and fashion.

This is her advice to potential musicians: “Take it seriously, practice your passion religiously. Be prepared to work hard and be humble and be yourself. Also, don’t turn down opportunities that can help with your passion and put God first.”

Dawn-Mari likes taking photographs and hanging out with friends. She also enjoys listening to music and talking to her very close friends, or simply watching Netflix.

“In life, my mom Kathy Springer, my sibling Ashli Moore, my nephew Masiah Moore, my grandparents, aunts and uncles along with Rev. Wood continue to play a very important part in my life. I also have my best friend\other sister, Ieashia Browne, a fellow upcoming artiste. All I want to do is make them proud and I can’t wait to take them on this amazing journey with me.” (IMC)