When a woman can rock your soul and energy acapella you know your'e in the grace of some serious talent. The voice of Tamara Wellons is full of sultry jazz, soul, and r&b, and when you hear her amazing voice radiate throughout the room, you will have no choice but to rock to her groove.

Before Tamara Wellons could utter the word "mama" church folks in Ivor, Virginia already bore witness to this little girl with big voice. “I finally realized to get the best out of each performance; I had to push myself to higher and unplanned heights. It’s a beautiful and courageous feeling to challenge myself vocally." she says. “What I do is quite simply soul music and not because of what it sounds like, but because I write and sing from my heart,” responded Tamara when asked in an interview to describe her sound. Tamara is not only a beautiful songstress, but she is also a wife and mother, and she talks with us about how she handles her roles as a woman, a mother, and as a performer:

ymib: How do you want your music to inspire your listeners?

Tamara: I want people to feel at peace with who they are- human with all our complexities. I also want people to feel like “Hey I can do this too” or “This is me.”

ymib: What parts of life inspire you and your music the most?

Tamara: Struggle. It is such a big part of life; struggle with self, relationships, finances, love. The triumph of overcoming struggle is also inspiring.

ymib: Where do you find solitude or where is your most creative place to write?

Tamara: I don’t have much free time with a 4 year old and 1 ½ , plus one on the way in July, but I find solitude in the midst of chaos because I am forced to- for my sanity! When everyone else in the house is sleep, I’m awake. But most times, I get really creative in the car on my way to my hometown in VA. It’s a long drive and puts me in a different frame of mind. I’ve written some of my favorite songs driving on those long country roads/highways- using the cell phone or anything I could find to record my ideas.

ymib: Could you give us a brief description of what the songs "Like Rain" and "Spring Giddiness" are expressing?

Like Rain: Being a young new mother and wife and all the mixed feelings of happiness and abundance, blessings, trials, and uncertainty of life. The change in relationships with other people in your life as a result of being a mommy. The whole experience is surreal.

Spring Giddiness: It’s a poem by Jalaluddin Rumi, written thousands of years ago and interpreted. To me, it’s about the freedom in music, loving life, and the awareness of human qualities- doubt, fear, love, etc. All This Time: This is about me being so preoccupied with trying to understand someone else when I didn’t quite understand myself; Like trying to love someone when you don’t love yourself. It was a revelation.

ymib: What 3 things in life would you tell a woman not to take for granted?

Tamara: Your relationships with other women; your health; and a sound mind

ymib: What do you cherish the most about motherhood?

Tamara: Everything . . . that first meeting, the proud moments when they accomplish something as small as saying “Thank you.” I cherish the cuddle time the most, I suppose.

ymib: What is your favorite affirmation or inspirational quote?

Tamara: "The courage to follow your dreams is one step towards your destiny".

ymib: What/where has been your most memorable performance and why?

Tamara: In my hometown with old and new friends and my family. I felt the most love and just had one of the best performance times. Also in London while I was 5 months pregnant. I just remember feeling free, like . . . “Hey I’m pregnant! . . . And in London performing! . . . and I look cute too!” Everyone was so friendly and welcoming.

ymib: What advice would you give to an aspiring singer?

Tamara: Know what you want and what you are truly willing to sacrifice to do this. Keep pushing forward. 10. How do you feel while performing? I go through stages- anxiety, liberation, and then I’m relaxed.

ymib: Any additional comments or advice for our readers?

Tamara: I have recently become a part of the Ocha Records (house/soul/hip-hop label) started by Osunlade and Carlos Mena. Look for releases of new songs on this label. www.myspace.com/ocharecords and soon to come www.casaocha.com