Latifa Reeves is an artist whose music is shaped by lived experience, emotional honesty, and a deep belief in the power of music to bring people together. Blending soul, blues, gospel, and classic rock, she brings warmth and conviction to her songwriting, drawing from a musical journey that has taken her through different creative worlds.
Best known for her years as co-frontwoman of harmony-driven band Mama Said, Reeves built a reputation for powerful performances and emotionally engaging songwriting. She also explored a different side of her creativity through Tika Tika Time, a children’s multimedia project she co-created to encourage imagination and a love of music among younger audiences.
Now stepping forward as a solo artist, Reeves is embracing a more personal direction with “River,” a deeply moving song about trauma, addiction, survival, and redemption. Its striking opening lyric, “I was born in a storm, the rusty spoon in my mouth,” confronts the difficult realities of unequal beginnings and experiences that can leave lasting scars. Rather than allowing the song to dwell entirely in darkness, Reeves uses the imagery of a river to explore spiritual cleansing, surrender, and the possibility of finding life beyond personal struggles.
Recorded in Los Angeles with longtime collaborator Jim McGorman, “River” reflects her desire to turn personal experiences into something that can connect with others. The release also marks an important moment in her artistic evolution, bringing together her musical influences and spiritual journey.
In an exclusive interview, Reeves opens up about the personal story behind “River,” reconnecting with McGorman, her transition from Mama Said to solo artistry, and the experiences shaping this new chapter. Her reflections offer a closer look at an artist determined to make music that speaks honestly about life’s struggles while reminding listeners that their stories are never finished.
AVOLA: “River” deals with survival, trauma, and redemption. What personal experiences or moments inspired you to tell this story through music?
Latifa Reeves: I grew up in Georgia, and my childhood was filled with challenges and experiences that no child should have to endure. Those early experiences shaped so much of my life, and I think when you experience trauma at a young age, you carry things with you that you don’t always understand until much later. I’ve known what it’s like to find myself at rock bottom, to feel like I’ve lost control of my life, and to wonder how I’m ever going to find my way out. But sometimes it’s in those darkest moments that we’re called to reach for something deeper inside ourselves. For me, that became a profound spiritual journey. I’ve spent over 23 years on a spiritual path that has taught me that beneath all the pain, all the experiences, and all the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, there’s something much deeper. There’s a light within us that has never been broken. And that’s really what “River” is about.
AVOLA: The opening line, “I was born in a storm, the rusty spoon in my mouth,” is particularly striking. What does that image mean to you, and why did you choose to open the song that way?
Latifa Reeves: Everybody knows the expression “born with a silver spoon in your mouth.” Well, I was born with a rusty one! That line represents the circumstances I was born into. We don’t get to choose our childhood, our families, or the challenges we’re handed early in life. But I also think there’s a little Southern grit and humor in that line, which is very much who I am. I wanted to open the song with something raw and honest. Because even though we can’t choose where our story begins, we absolutely have the power to change where it goes.
AVOLA: You describe the river as a symbol of cleansing, surrender, and redemption. Has your understanding of healing changed over the years, and how did that influence the song?
Latifa Reeves: Absolutely. When I was younger, I thought healing meant somehow getting rid of the pain or forgetting what happened. But after more than 23 years on my spiritual path, I’ve learned that healing isn’t about erasing our experiences. It’s about transforming our relationship with them. The river represents that journey inward. It’s about allowing ourselves to be cleansed of what no longer serves us and returning to the truth of who we are. I believe there’s a place within every one of us that remains whole, no matter what life has put us through.
AVOLA: Reconnecting with Jim McGorman after so many years must have been special. How did that history between you shape the creative process and the sound of “River”?
Latifa Reeves: Jim McGorman is such an important part of my musical journey. I first worked with him when I was about 22 or 23 years old, when he produced one of my very first demos. And here we are, all these years later, making music together again! Jim is an extraordinary musician and producer. He’s a member of the Goo Goo Dolls and has worked with incredible artists like Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne, and Cher. He’s also produced three of my albums. What makes our relationship so special is that he understands me musically. He knows my voice, my Southern roots, my love for soul and rock, and the spiritual depth I want my music to carry. There’s a brilliance to what Jim does in the studio. He has this incredible ability to take an emotion or an idea and turn it into something powerful. And I think what’s beautiful about reconnecting after all these years is that the young woman who walked into his studio decades ago is still here, but now she has a lifetime of experiences behind her voice. We’re creating some of the most meaningful music of my life, and I’m incredibly grateful for that partnership.
AVOLA: After years as co-frontwoman of Mama Said, you’re now stepping forward as a solo artist. What has this transition taught you about your identity and confidence as a musician?
Latifa Reeves: Being a co-founder and lead vocalist of Mama Said was an important chapter in my life. We made wonderful music together, played incredible shows, and created something I’m proud of. But stepping into my solo career has been an entirely different experience. I’ve spent so much of my life raising five children, teaching, building businesses, and creating music with other people. And now I’m asking myself, what do I want to say? What does my music sound like when I’m completely free to express myself? It’s been incredibly liberating. I think the biggest lesson has been learning to trust my own voice, not just as a singer, but as an artist. I’m not trying to reinvent myself. I’m finally giving myself the freedom to be fully who I’ve always been.
AVOLA: You draw inspiration from artists like Grace Potter, Susan Tedeschi, and Teddy Swims. What qualities in their music resonate with you, and how do those influences find their way into your own sound?
Latifa Reeves: What I love about these artists is their authenticity. When they sing, you believe every word. Grace Potter has that incredible rock-and-roll energy and powerful femininity. Susan Tedeschi has this deep, soulful blues quality, and Teddy Swims has such a beautiful ability to connect emotionally through his voice. I grew up in Georgia, so Southern music is just in my bones. I’ve always loved artists like Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight, those big, soulful voices that can make you feel everything they’re singing. But I also love rock and roll. I love the guitars, the grit, the groove, and the energy. So my music naturally brings all of those influences together. I call it Southern soul rock with a spiritual edge. I want people to feel the power of the music, but I also want them to connect with the message behind it.
AVOLA: You describe this recording process as one of complete creative freedom. Was there anything you felt more comfortable expressing now that you might have held back earlier in your career?
Latifa Reeves: Absolutely. I’m a deeply spiritual person, and every day I make a conscious choice to turn my life over to the Divine. My spiritual journey is at the very heart of who I am, and I wanted to bring that part of myself fully into my music. For so many years, I think I was trying to figure out where I fit musically or what people expected of me. But now I’m at a place in my life where I want my music to be an authentic expression of everything I am. I want my music to be more than just songs. I want it to be a transmission of hope and love. Something that reaches beyond the melody and the lyrics and touches people in their hearts. That doesn’t mean shying away from the darkness or the difficult parts of life. I want to sing about all of it, because I’ve lived through those things, too. But ultimately, I want the music to carry light. To remind people that no matter what they’re going through, there’s still hope, there’s still love, and there’s something beautiful waiting to be discovered within themselves. Working with Jim has given me the creative freedom to bring all of that into the studio without holding anything back. I don’t just want people to hear my music. I want them to feel the love behind it.
AVOLA: Your music often explores faith, resilience, and personal transformation. How do you balance sharing deeply personal experiences while making sure listeners can find their own stories in the songs?
Latifa Reeves: I think the more honest we are about our own experiences, the more universal they become. We all know what it feels like to struggle, to lose something, to feel afraid, or to wonder if things are ever going to get better. My spiritual journey has taught me that underneath all our differences, we’re deeply connected. So when I write a song, I’m sharing something personal, but I’m also leaving room for people to find their own meaning in it. Someone might hear “River” and think about overcoming addiction. Someone else might think about a difficult childhood, a broken relationship, or simply trying to find their way through life. The circumstances might be different, but the desire for healing is something we all share. And that’s what I love about music. It connects us through our humanity.
AVOLA: You’re preparing to bring your new music to the stage with Latifa Reeves and The Justice. What kind of live experience are you hoping to create, and what should audiences expect?
Latifa Reeves: Oh, they should expect some serious soul and rock and roll! I’m so excited about Latifa Reeves & The Justice. We’re building a show that’s powerful, soulful, and full of energy, with incredible musicians, big vocals, beautiful harmonies, and a whole lot of heart. I love being onstage. There’s something magical that happens when musicians and an audience connect. I want people to dance, sing, laugh, and maybe even cry a little. We’re bringing my original music to life, along with some of the musical influences that have shaped me over the years. I don’t want people to just come hear a concert. I want them to leave feeling more alive than when they walked in. That’s what music has always done for me, and that’s what I want to give back.
AVOLA: You said, “I’m not starting over. I’m rising with everything life has taught me.” Looking at your journey so far, what does this new chapter represent, and what would you still love to accomplish through your music?
Latifa Reeves: I think this chapter represents freedom, faith, and divine timing. I’m a mother of five. I’ve spent decades raising a family, teaching, creating music, building businesses, and experiencing all the beautiful and difficult things that come with living a full life. And through all of it, music has always been there. There were times when I wondered if some of my dreams had passed me by. But I don’t believe that anymore. I believe that everything we’ve experienced has the potential to prepare us for what’s coming next. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to perform at BottleRock multiple times, open for artists like Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs and The War and Treaty, and share the stage with musicians I deeply admire. And I want to keep growing. I want to take this music around the country, play festivals and beautiful theaters, and reach people who connect with what I’m singing about. But more than anything, I want my music to mean something. If one of my songs reaches someone who’s going through a difficult time and reminds them that there’s still hope, then I’ve accomplished something beautiful. And I want my children to see that it’s never too late to pursue something you love. I’m not starting over. I’m bringing everything I’ve lived, everything I’ve learned, and everything I’ve survived into this next chapter. And I really feel like I’m just getting started.
Featured Image: Richard Abagon
