Paola Proctor
Interview conducted on March 06, 2021
By Dan Locke
Singer/songwriter Paola Proctor manifests herself through art and performances, breathing life into the skills that mold her life’s journey.
First performing as a child in church choirs, Proctor discovered an innate talent and passion for music performance. Guided by world-class teachers and through classical singing and cello lessons, Proctor furthered her musical prowess.
Proctor draws inspiration from living and traveling in Europe and the Middle East. Her musical career includes performances with the Doha Community Orchestra for the Prince of Wales, the Youth Orchestra of the Middle East at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, and Florida All-State Choir with Gulliver Preparatory Academy.
How did you discover music?
I have been singing and listening to music for as long as I can remember. I’m pretty sure I was singing before I could form full sentences. I started getting serious about music when I started classical singing lessons and learning to play the cello in 5th grade.
Back in 2015 you made a statement “Not all those who wander are lost”, what did you mean by that statement?
Back in 2015 I was going through a lot of changes in my life, mainly regarding what I wanted my future to look like. I had no idea where to start so I spent a summer in Los Angeles, CA where I started learning about the music and film industry. It was a great learning experience and helped me get a clearer vision of the direction I wanted my future to take.
Let’s go back to the day you did the National Anthem?
I’ve sung the national anthem many times throughout my singing career. I think the coolest one was singing for the Miami Marlins in 2015. It’s funny because it’s the largest crowd I’ve ever sung for but I wasn’t nervous at all.
Tell me about the first time you heard yourself on the radio?
Still to this day one of the coolest experiences ever! It was so surreal and I go back to that moment every time I feel like giving up. I was so honored to share that memory with my day 1 HBIC Shelly Morse who has believed in me from the beginning and continues to support me through everything. We sat in my car just chatting until my song came on. I was in total shock! I couldn’t believe I was hearing my song not the radio for the first time!
Tell me about the making of the video “Tongue Tied”?
I had the privilege of working with Jeano Brooks from Raindrops Productions from early on in his career as a film student at the University of Miami. I got a call from him after he had a great internship in Los Angeles after he decided he wanted to open up his own studio. He wanted to create some samples of his work so he asked if I’d be interested in a music video for his collection so I could use to promote my song. It was my first official music video and I’m so proud of how we put all of the parts together.
Give me the back story of “How Can I”?
2020 was a tough year for everyone but I’m very grateful to say that it was not my worst year ever. I did, however, go through my first real heartbreak; the soul-crushing, gut-wrenching heartbreaks that I had only heard of. It was one of the most painful things I’ve ever experienced so I wanted to translate that into a song. It was a really cathartic process but really healing for me to create. I wrote it with Goldenwest and Ryan Sorestad, we all became really close over 2020 which I’m so grateful for.
During the lockdown are you still doing kickboxing and your clothing line?
Yes, I have been continuing my MMA training; I’ve been sticking to only standup fighting at the moment to keep things more covid friendly. Also, yes, I am very excited to say that I released my first line of merchandise in 2020 all with the help of my incredible media manager extraordinaire, Shelly Morse.
What is your happy place?
My happiest place is on my cousin’s farm in Maquoketa, Iowa. They have a beautiful farm out in the country and I love to visit and get off the grid when I can and recharge my batteries. I can socialize very well when I need to but at my core, I’m an introvert so I need alone time to recharge my batteries
