QUEEVA
Dreams can start really early in an artist’s life, but it takes talent and hard work to make them a reality. She may only be 17-years-old, but Queeva possesses drive, vision and a dedication to her craft that far exceeds her years. Blessed with an evocative voice and a gift for penning insightful, heartfelt lyrics, Queeva’s distinctive gifts shine on her original music.
The young artist was born and raised in the Chicago area in a creative Irish clan with five siblings. With her parents hailing from Ireland, Queeva divides her time between the two countries, giving her a broader world view than many her age. She has a deep love of both cultures and an appreciation for the language and the music. Gaelic is often spoken in their home. “When I was younger that was the only language I knew,” she says with a smile. “All my family members in Ireland are big country music fans.”
Growing up listening to legends like Dolly Parton and Randy Travis, she gravitated to country music’s greatest storytellers from an early age; artists able to illuminate the human experience in song. “When I was three-years-old, I was able to know complete lyrics to songs,” she says. “I knew many of Dolly’s songs because that’s all I listened to. My favorite was ‘Coat of Many Colors.’” Taylor Swift also inspired the budding artist as she started playing guitar.
By the time she was seven, Queeva was competing in talent competitions and stunning judges with her distinctive vocals. At a Los Angeles competition, she caught the attention of an executive who connected her with Nashville-based singer/songwriter/producer Jamie O’Neal, known for such enduring country hits as “When I Think About Angels,” “There is No Arizona” and “Somebody’s Hero.” Under O’Neal’s tutelage, Queeva found her voice as a songwriter and has since been sharing songs that reflect the young singer’s positive spirit. Listening to a lot of the current country/pop music that is out right now, especially artists like Kacey Musgraves and Thomas Rhett, has recently been influencing her songwriting.
Since her 2017 debut single “Who You Really Are” at just 14, Queeva has regularly been releasing music, growing her fanbase far beyond her hometown and Music City. By 2019, the singer/songwriter/guitarist released her first full-length album How Do You Know featuring fan favorites “Live Like A Song,” “Stand Out” and “Dream Big” along with its title track.
“It means a lot to me knowing people are listening to and enjoying my music all around the world, even in places I haven't physically been,” she exclaims. “That's the coolest feeling ever.”
“I wrote ‘Live Like A Song’ about some of the great country music I listened to growing up and how it made me feel,” Queeva adds. “Songs travel the world freely and touch people's hearts and minds, and now the songs I wrote are having that effect on people. My dream is to be able to tour and play music, meet people and make friends. What a great way to see the world!”
Following her 2020 singles “Above Water” and “Waste My Time,” which showcase her growth as a songwriter alongside her youthful spirit, Queeva is starting 2021 in big ways. In January, she issued the ballad “Slow Down Time” and a month later released the country-pop tune “Show Off,” written alongside Trent Tomlinson and Brandon Darcy.
“‘Show Off’ is definitely one of my favorite songs I have written so far,” she shares. “I think it’s important for people to remember that they don’t have to be someone that they aren’t just to impress another person.”About “Slow Down Time,” co-written with Khianna Noel, Queeva says, “I just really wanted to write a song about how fast time goes by. I’ve realized that it’s essential to enjoy the little moments in life, and we both thought that it would be cool to share that message in a song.”
In a few short years, Queeva has been making quite the name for herself in the Nashville scene, racking up nearly 1.3 million total streams and over 1.2 million views on YouTube along the way. Her songs have caught the attention of CMT, Nickelodeon, The Boot, American Songwriter, Just Jared, CelebMix, Nashville Noise, Sweety High and many more, with featured plays on multiple key Spotify playlists, including “Fresh Country,” “Wild Country” and “Next From Nashville.” And this fresh face in country music is only getting started.
“I really want to try to inspire my audience, especially young people,” Queeva leaves off. “That’s the main thing I want to do. Since I’m 17, I can relate to a lot of things they are going through. I feel pretty lucky to have the opportunity to reach out to people and I want my music to make a difference. Music is a way of speaking with your heart, and hopefully mine helps people remember that music is always something they can turn to.”
Look for more new music from Queeva throughout 2021!
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