Soul singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and bandleader Vanessa Collier has been honored with three 2025 Blues Music Award nominations for her acclaimed album, Do It My Own Way (Phenix Fire Records). The project is nominated for Best Contemporary Blues Album, Best Contemporary Blues Female Artist, and Best Instrumentalist: Horn—a testament to Collier’s dynamic musicianship, vivid storytelling, and unwavering dedication to forging her own path in the music industry.

Fresh off a milestone year in 2024—where she performed for more than 100,000 fans at marquee events such as the Chicago Blues Festival, headlining shows, AMERICANAFEST, and tour dates supporting Blues Traveler—Collier has announced a 32-date 2025 tour (listed below). At just 33 years old, she is already a 15-time Blues Music Award nominee and four-time winner, and Do It My Own Way showcases the depth of her talents and experiences.

A Soulful Statement of Independence

Recorded primarily on analog gear with her band performing together in one room, Do It My Own Way evokes the classic Memphis soul vibe of Stax and Hi Records, replete with impassioned horn arrangements, rich vocal harmonies, and Collier’s signature saxophone work. From the funk workout of opening track “Elbow Grease” to the rumba sway of “Just One More,” each song merges captivating grooves with timeless songwriting.

Reflecting on the album’s sonic approach, Collier says,

“It’s a warmer and darker-sounding record, recorded intentionally to reflect a throwback to older-school soul, R&B, and blues—back to the days of great songs, great songwriters, tube amps, and analog gear.”

Empowering Stories & Universal Messages

A driving theme of Do It My Own Way is the experience of women—particularly Collier’s own story as a rising star who often found herself confronting outdated industry biases. The anthemic title track, for example, stands as an artful commentary on the sexism Collier has encountered from those who insisted she dress “sexier” or “tone it down.” Instead, Collier chose to follow her own vision—writing, producing, arranging, and performing her music on her own terms.

• “Rosetta” pays tribute to electric guitar pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a groundbreaking artist who deeply influenced gospel, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll.
• “Warrior” is both a universal statement on women’s strength and a loving homage to Collier’s mother, featuring resonator guitar that gradually builds into a rousing band performance.
• The album’s second single, “Wild as a Rainstorm,” offers a soulful and empowering message—“Be a tapestry of dreams”—dedicated to anyone who’s ever felt they didn’t fit into a particular box. The track features legendary Hi Records organist Rev. Charles Hodges (famed for his work with Al Green and Ann Peebles) and has been added to Spotify’s official Retro Soul playlist.

 

“’Wild As A Rainstorm’ is a love letter to the next generation—particularly my little sisters—who feel out of place in the world,” Collier explains. “I want them to see my journey and discover their own personal power, to realize there’s no one path to success or happiness—you can do it your own way.”

Finding Her Own Path

Collier’s desire to pursue music on her own terms dates back to childhood. Growing up in a biracial family and moving across various parts of the U.S., she felt “everywhere and nowhere at once.” Her earliest inspiration to pick up the saxophone came from a Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen television special, Two of a Kind, and she later discovered soul, blues, and Americana greats who shaped her artistic identity. Determined to chart her unique course, Collier has become a boundary-pushing figure in contemporary blues, earning widespread respect for her powerful vocals, exceptional horn playing, and fearless storytelling.

Album & Tour Information

Do It My Own Way

• Released late 2024 via Phenix Fire Records
• Produced, arranged, and largely performed by Vanessa Collier
• Featuring:
  • Rev. Charles Hodges (Hi Records organist for Al Green, Bettye LaVette, etc.)
  • Laura Chavez (BMA-winning guitarist for Sue Foley, Mike Ledbetter)
  • Scott Sutherland (bassist for Elvin Bishop)
  • Byron Cage (drummer for Otis Taylor)

Vanessa Collier 2025 Tour Dates
1/31 – Columbia, MD – The Collective
2/1 – Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater
2/2 – New York, NY – Iridium
2/4 – Lima, NY – Fanatics Pub
2/5 – Westland, MI – Token Lounge
2/6 – Forest Park, IL – Robert’s Westside
2/7 – Fort Wayne, IN – C2G Music Hall
2/8 – Mason, OH – Cincinnati Winter Blues Experience
2/14 – Boca Raton, FL – Funky Biscuit
2/15 – Vero Beach, FL – Vero Beach Blues Festival
2/19 – Woodlands, TX – Dosey Doe Big Barn
2/20 – Austin, TX – Antone’s
2/21 – San Antonio, TX – Sam’s Burger Joint
2/22 – Fort Worth, TX – Tulips FTW
2/25 – Tucson, AZ – Hotel Congress
2/26 – Phoenix, AZ – Musical Instrument Museum
2/27 – San Juan Capistrano, CA – Coach House
2/28 – Escondido, CA – California Center for the Performing Arts
3/1 – Sutter Creek, CA – Sutter Creek Theatre
3/2 – Carson City, NV – Nashville Social
3/4 – Oakland, CA – Yoshi’s
3/6 – Portland, OR – Alberta Rose Theatre
3/7 – Tacoma, WA – Jazzbones
3/8 – Seattle, WA – Triple Door
3/9 – Penticton, BC – Dream Cafe
3/12 – Denver, CO – Dazzle Denver
3/15 – Kansas City, MO – Knucklehead’s
3/29 – Burghausen, Germany – Jazzwoche Burghausen
5/7 – Old Saybrook, CT – The Kate
5/9 – Fall River, MA – Narrows Center for the Arts
5/10 – Andover, MA – Crossroads Music Series
9/15 – Seattle, WA – Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea