Born June 13, 1972, is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, and has been a major figure in independent music for over two decades. Conya is known as an innovator and is widely known for her eclectic work and light vocal range. She is known as The Queen of Indie Soul. Her music combines R&B, soul, funk, neo soul, and jazz. Her first album A Poem About Ms. Doss was released in 2002. Over a course of years, she would release two more albums: Just Because (2004) and Love Rain Down (2006). Her breakthrough album Still… was released in 2008, which featured the lead single “What I’d Do”. In 2010, Doss released her fifth album Blu Transition and followed up with A Pocketful of Purpose in 2012. Conya released her seventh album Seven: VII in 2015. Conya was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Ronald Pruitt and Carolyn Pruitt. She developed an interest in music at an early age. After recording songs with her group “Lyrik”, she pursued a solo career. Doss has been singing since she was five. She grew up listening to the likes of Bonnie Raitt, The Doobie Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Angela Winbush, Nina Simone, and Jane Child. She attended Cleveland School of the Arts along with Avant and 71 North and sang with childhood friend, Stacy Richardson-Crawford (former back-up singer for the late Gerald Levert and Anthony Hamilton in the duo Lyrik. As an adult, Conya wrote for the group 3LW (singers of the hit song, “No more. Baby, I’ma Do Right”), and worked with Gerald Levert and PAJAM before venturing into a career as a solo artist. While receiving an undergraduate degree in chemistry. She later received her teaching credential and has become a teacher of children with special needs in the Cleveland Public School system. She began using music in her classroom as a way to connect with her students and her debut album A Poem About Ms. Doss was inspired by a heartfelt letter from one of her students. Conya Doss’ 9th LP, “Through Rose-Colored Glasses,” reflects constant duality in its meaning. Doss states. “…..For me, generally, the term means perceiving everything as great and focusing on the positives in every situation. On the other hand, it can also be viewed as giving the perception that all is great but when we look completely THROUGH the beautiful rose-colored glasses, we find a mesh of complexities and imperfections. Often such an outlook is necessary in order to cope…..”. This project is a culmination of all of the above. The first single, “Not Trading You,” consisting of smooth rhythmic mid tempo vibes, shows that despite the ups and downs of a relationship, the good outweighs the bad. Consistent with this concept is “Long Haul” (Antione Amalbert on Trumpet), which demonstrates unconditional love no matter what. The song “It Ain’t Easy” featuring the incomparable Eric Roberson, focuses on the strength of two people who realize that relationships are not always perfect or easy to build, but love rules all and is worth it. Conversely, Seeing things only ‘Through Rose-Colored Glasses’ may not be in our best interest. Sometimes it is necessary to see things just as they are. Occasionally with open communication and transparency, things could possibly turn around. This leads to Conya’s second single from this LP entitled “Wishful Thinking,” featuring B. Golden. “Wishful Thinking” is a feel-good groove that demonstrates that things are exactly how we see them, whether or not we accept it. Another song that draws parallels is “Sand Castles” featuring OsKeyz, which stresses that all relationships have been built on a solid foundation. Other standout songs are “Come on and Get this Love”, “Happy Valley” featuring OsKeyz, “Show Me” featuring Lin Rountree. These grooves are so funky, you will inevitably either bob your head or repeat the hooks. “Black is Beautiful” provides creative songwriting letting us know that no matter what negative portrayals of black people, Conya reiterates in her messaging that black people always have and will continue to be strong, resilient people. “Funny” featuring the talented Micki Miller is another soulfully jazzy tune encouraging others to be patient and true love will present itself right on time. Doss, Myron Davis, and Rodney Jones serve as the main producers on “Through Rose-Colored Glasses” in addition to producers B. Golden Micki Miller. Like roses growing from concrete, all of Doss’ album titles are authentically steeped in the spirit of growth, resilience, and grown-woman femininity. “Through Rose-Colored Glasses” continues to build on Conya’s prolific legacy of excellence.