Andra Day

thumb Cassandra Monique Batie (born December 30, 1984), known professionally as Andra Day, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and actress. Quotes I can be very much a people pleaser, like playing Billie Holiday. She was just such a straight shooter and she could be really almost intimidating in that way. And I feel like I was really impacted by that aspect of her because it's something I've always desired for myself. All of those things and the different relationships, the ones that worked and the ones that didn't work for a variety of reasons, just helped me to be more clear in understanding people and reading people, which had a huge impact on the project and more deeply understanding myself and being able to use my voice in a clearer and sometimes more stern way when necessary. And I think that sort of marks the difference between the two. It was a lot of growth, honestly. I felt really kind of out of alignment for a while. And I feel like I'm starting to come back into alignment with God, with myself, and with who it is I'm supposed to be in this season. And so it's garnered sort of this new appreciation for the song, and I'm re-reminded and re-grounded in how powerful it is. I think that's in general in anything I do, I'm okay with sacrificing some of myself for that, because I think that's how you leave a legacy. I think it should be approached with 150% effort and willingness to do what's necessary to bring this character or this person to life, because you just never know who you're reaching through these different characters. I really love that this movie is a journey of faith. It's a really honest one. I think people really focused on the demonic aspect or the horror, of course, because that's the type of film it is. But really, it’s a true story about a woman whose kids got possessed. And then there is the metaphor about the demons that we don't deal with in our past will absolutely affect our children and future generations. This woman is fighting the idea that this journey is supposed to be something that's constantly peaceful and beautiful and sugarcoated and perfect and all. I think sometimes we get to the other side and we forget not to look at people who are in the middle of their journey with such disdain because it's like we were there before, and I think she represents that to me. So, it was an honor playing this woman. IN CONVERSATION WITH ANDRA DAY;By JANA LETONJA You had a lot to do with that. The first scenes I shot were with you, and I was thinking to myself, “I’m so glad it’s with her,” because you are a monstrous talent. It was really cool to be in the trenches with you. I would just watch your gestures and moves and be like, “Okay, that’s how I need to hit it.” And you were my smoking instructor, so I appreciate that. I’m starting to get back to myself, but I spent a lot of time in her headspace. Right now, I’m just trying to figure out how much of Billie Holiday is going to stay with me forever. Like, will I ever stop cussing? But even though we are definitely not the same, we share similarities. I’m still a Black woman. I still live in America. I grew up and saw some things. And as a woman, we all have a share of emotional, sexual, verbal, physical abuse or trauma, particularly when it comes to men. But generally speaking, I don’t smoke cigarettes and I didn’t historically cuss or drink or even have sex. When I first got back, it was really fucking difficult. I didn’t want to let her go. I didn’t want to leave Montreal. I didn’t want to leave the movie set. I didn’t want to leave Lee. I didn’t want to leave you guys. I didn’t want to leave the magic of that place and that moment. It’s been difficult unlearning her. Andra Day Tells Natasha Lyonne How She Became Billie Holiday;By Natasha Lyonne External links Category:Actresses from the United States Category:Women singers from the United States Category:Songwriters from the United States Category:Living people Category:1984 births Category:Women born in the 1980s Category:R&B singers Category:African Americans