In this episode of Rooted Resilience, we talk with Pamela Means, a bi-racial and queer singer-songwriter, jazz musician, activist, and educator. A native of Wisconsin, Pamela arrived in Boston in her 20’s, toured nationally and internationally in her 30’s, and is now an anchor to the western Massachusetts music scene.

Pamela has been compared to both Tracy Chapman and Ani DiFranco and has also been described as a cross between Suzanne Vega and Jimi Hendrix, and an heir to the legacy of Nina Simone. In Pamela’s own words, “really, I'm just me."

Pamela shares generously in our interview, opening up a window to her experiences and reflecting on musical inspirations, foundational moments (the good and the bad), and core beliefs, starting with her childhood and teenage years growing up in Wisconsin that shaped her and the music that comes through her.

💌 Episode extras & transcripts: rootedresilience.substack.com

🌱 Support the Rooted Resilience project: givebutter.com/rooted-resilience