You might know Sugar Joans from her stint at The Voice. On season 7 of the hit NBC show, the R&B singer performed belt-out-loud showstoppers on producer Pharell Williams’ team. Although she didn’t win the singing contest, Pharell repeatedly declared his love for her. "The experience was phenomenal," she said. "People have no idea how hard it is, physically and emotionally."

She’s currently working on an EP within the alternative R&B genre, but as a teaser, she released her debut single “NVR” independently last November. The soulful, sugary ballad is about the one that got away. “'NVR' is about that feeling of wondering ‘what if?’ about a person. No matter how messed up your relationship once was, you can’t help but think that things could be different now,” she says. “I had a relationship that had a hold on me mentally for many years, and the only way to cope was to write music about it.”

Hometown: Los Angeles! I’m one of the very rare born-and-raised LA babies.

Homebase: I live in the valley — I’m an unashamed valley girl. 818 for life! [Laughs]

Your dad was a musician who toured with Alice Cooper and was featured on albums of superstars like Janet Jackson, Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer. When did you realize you wanted to do what he did?

I knew I wanted to sing from the minute I could open my mouth. One of my earliest memories is when I was around three years old, sitting on a swing set and singing to myself. I remember that it gave me a wonderful feeling of release and happiness inside, and I never wanted to stop singing since that day.

What inspired you to audition for The Voice?

Funny story, I actually auctioned for The Voice three times before making it through to have a blind audition! I guess third time was a charm. I just thought, why the heck not? I thought it would be a great experience if I had the chance to do it.

What’s Pharell like in real life? Is he as sweet as he seems on TV?

Pharrell is a truly amazing human being. Just watching how he works and behaves has taught me the importance of implementing gratitude and relentless handwork into my daily life.

What else did you learn from the show?

I think the biggest thing I learned from The Voice is how important it is to stay true to yourself as an artist. Just to be unapologetically yourself, and never second guess it.

Do you write your own songs? What’s your process like?

I do write my own songs. Often times I like to co-write with one or more person. I love having people around to bounce ideas off. And I love how someone’s energy in the room can change the shape of an entire song.

What was the first song you ever wrote, do you remember?

I honestly can’t remember the first song I ever wrote, but I know I wrote a bunch of nonsense songs In my journal when I was a little girl. I’m sure it would be hilarious to hear them now.

Who are your musical inspirations?

I think my biggest musical hero/ inspiration is Aretha Franklin. She is always and forever the queen of soul and I truly believe has arguably one of the best voices of all time.

Do you have crazy fan stories from being on primetime TV?

I have one fan who has been so loyal to me since WAY before I ever went on the show. I remember being so shocked because he came to see a show I played at the House of Blues in LA, when he was from out of state. I was so flattered.

What’s your big 2016 resolution?

My new years resolution is to eat more pizza than I did last year, if that is humanly possible.