GMO: What made you want to post your videos on YouTube?
ED: A friend of mine introduced me to YouTube when it first came out, and showed me videos of people singing. I thought I'd give it a try. So I uploaded my first video and got some really good feedback. I just continued to upload videos.
GMO: Did you ever think people would watch your videos on YouTube?
ED: I never really thought people would ever watch my videos because there were so many other videos to view on YouTube. I was really shocked to see the number of views my videos were receiving, especially in the beginning.
GMO: How has YouTube helped your career?
ED: YouTube has definitely helped my career in so many ways. Not only did it give me exposure, it helped me establish a dedicated fan base that is still growing today. It also made me realize that maybe my dream to be a singer can happen and that I should take singing to the next level.
GMO: You make a lot of videos singing R&B music. Are you an R&B singer?
ED: I've always been surrounded by R&B music since I was young, so it's really natural for me to lean toward those types of songs. Don't get me wrong, I love me some pop, rock and soul, which is why I consider myself a diverse singer. I try to integrate all music genres in my music.
GMO: I see that you have won a lot of contest thanks to your fans on YouTube. Can you name some of the contests?
ED: In June of last year, I won the Colgate MaxFresh Competition on MySpace. And yes, thanks to my wonderful fans, I was blessed with an amazing experience. I had the chance to work with a Grammy award-winning producer, Brian-Michael Cox, and record a hot track with him at Daddy's Recording Studio, which is owned by Diddy himself. Later in the year, I got to share the stage with Brandy, Lady Gaga, and The Veronicas and perform at Z100's Jingle Ball All Access Lounge. Truly amazing and inspiring!
GMO: Who are some of the people that you look up to in music?
ED: The people that I look up to have definitely changed over the years. Lady Gaga has been my recent favorite. She is such a great performer and artist. I am really inspired by her creativity. Pharrell has always been one of my top idols. I also admire the creativity that he displays in his music. Mariah Carey's strength, Amy Winehouse's originality, Ne-yo's songwriting, and Katy Perry's persona are some of the qualities in other performers I look up to.
GMO: If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
ED: If I can make a song with anybody in the industry, there would be…....well, a lot of them! The Neptunes being one. I would love to collaborate with Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Kanye West, Lil’ Wayne, The Dream, T-Pain, Ne-Yo, and the list goes on and on.
GMO: How was the experience filming your first video?
ED: I actually finished my first music video for my single "My Heels" in February. The video was an exciting and fun experience! The single and music video will soon be released later this month.
GMO: Do you feel you ever have to choose between your singing career and social life?
ED: I never really have to choose between my singing career and my social life. I am able to keep a balance between the two. There is a time for business and a time for friends and family, and it never interferes with one another. However, I know as my career progresses, I am sure that it is going to be more difficult to balance the two.
GMO: If you would have never posted any of your videos on YouTube, how do you think your career would have turned out?
ED: If I never posted any videos on YouTube, I'd almost be done with college. I probably would be performing at local shows and singing in front of my family and friends. I never would have thought of singing professionally, having my own original songs or performing in large venues around the country.
GMO: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their career on YouTube?
ED: My advice to someone who wants to start their career on YouTube is to 'keep on keepin' on.' The more videos you post, the more chances for opportunities and exposure. Just keep believing and don't let anyone tell you differently. But most importantly, never lose the fun out of it!
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