Turn on your television this Saturday and you might just spot a familiar face.

Bermudian singer Twanée Butterfield is in an episode of Starz Network’s new hit series Power.

It’s one of several opportunities New York City has brought her way including the release of her song Rock Ya Body featuring rapper Young Buck.

She spoke to Lifestyle about the lessons she’s learnt so far in her career and how she’s inching closer to her dreams of making it big in the international music industry.

Q: So I hear you’ve been involved in a few television and movie projects. How did those come about?

A: My very first acting opportunity was the Southpaw movie. I received a call from my producer Ky Miller, who was in Pittsburgh at the time on set with [rapper] 50 Cent. He said the director was looking for a female to sing the Star Spangled Banner in one of the scenes.

He saw this as an opportunity and showed the director footage of me singing the US National Anthem at the Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park back in 2010. Just like that, I booked the job and within an hour I had to quickly pack my bags, as there was a car on its way to pick me up and take me to the airport.

Unfortunately, my scene in the movie ended up being cut, but it was still an amazing experience.

Then a few months later I got another shot to be on television when 50 Cent arranged for me to be cast in season two of Starz Network’s hit series Power, which debuted with a record-breaking 1.43 million viewers. It now ranks as the most-watched Starz original series season debut in the channel’s history. I am in episode nine, which airs [Saturday] on cable TV worldwide.

What was the experience like on set? Did you get to meet any celebrities? Take part in Red Carpet events?

Being on both sets was incredible! I literally felt like I was floating on a cloud because I was completely in awe that I was present and actually had a part to play — talk about a dream come true.

On top of that, they treated me like royalty.

I had car service pick me up from the hotel to take me on set and immediately when I got there was taken to my own beautiful private dressing room where I was offered anything I wanted to eat or drink. I was then escorted to wardrobe, hair and make-up with my own set of stylists. Needless to say, I felt like a real live celebrity. I did get to meet and bump into a few celebrities such as Omari Hardwick, Lela Loren and Jake Gyllenhaal, just to name a few, and I also took part in the red carpet events. The whole experience has so been so surreal.

Did the process teach you anything new about yourself? Did it challenge you in any new ways as an artist?

[Having my Southpaw scene cut] was heartbreaking for me. I was so disappointed at first, and then I began to remember how many opportunities emerged from it. Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists has offered me membership and I have also received a few more acting opportunities since then. Also, I’m currently still credited as part of the cast on imdb.com so I’m hoping that I can catch my scene on the DVD as part of an extended version or maybe even the deleted scenes.

Although it was challenging, what I’ve learnt about myself is that adversity motivates me to be stronger and wiser. As author Bob Proctor stated, “Through every crisis there’s always opportunity.” It’s up to us to find it and grow.

Are you considering getting more into acting? Why or why not?

From a very young age I’ve always envisioned myself to be a famous singer, actress, and dancer, so I will most definitely be pursuing more acting opportunities.

How are things going overall in your music career? Do you feel like you are making lots of headway or is it more slow and steady progress?

Overall, everything is going really well in my music career. It is such a blessing to wake up everyday and have the opportunity to be focused on doing what I love. And it’s still mind-blowing for me to be fortunate enough to record in the same studio with the same producer/engineer as 50 Cent.

I’m very humbled and inspired to be able to observe a legend’s work ethic, determination, and success as it transpires right in front of me. I have a live example and endless advice on what it takes to attain my goals everyday, and what I’ve learnt is with patience and persistence, failure is not an option.

I have made a lot of headway in the past five years that I’ve spent here in the US, but the progress to reach my personal goals has been slow and steady and I’m satisfied with that. I am enjoying this ride as I watch my dreams become a reality.

How do you feel you’ve grown or changed throughout all of this?

Throughout all of this, I am now wiser, more informed, and even more hardworking. Half the battle is knowing what is required to achieve success.

I have learnt to always keep an open mind and to constantly look for opportunities to grow and become the best version of myself both professionally and personally. My mom always told me I could be anything I wanted in life. She was right.

What’s a typical day like for you in the States?

In this industry, there’s really no such thing as a typical day. You have two choices, you can either lie in bed all day or discipline yourself to get up and get moving.

When you choose to move, you have to be prepared for spontaneity because opportunities don’t come with a schedule. The only constant in my life is to make sure I get my workouts in at least five or six days a week as my image is my brand. Other than that, my day usually consists of studio sessions, rehearsals, meeting with producers and writers, attending events, interviews, keeping up with my social media, and the list goes on.

What are some of your favourite places to frequent in New York City?

Honestly, I love my job so much that my favourite place in NYC is the studio. That’s where I am 85 per cent of the time. I’ve had the chance to visit and work in many beautiful studios.

It never feels like work for me. I’m in my element. I do occasionally enjoy a drive through Times Square at night. The bright lights, busy streets, and honking of dozens of yellow taxi cabs never gets old for me.

Do you have any plans to come home to Bermuda and perform? Can we look forward to you releasing any new music or songs soon?

At this time, I do not have any performances booked in Bermuda but I am releasing a few projects soon. Also, I just released a new song called Rock Ya Body featuring Young Buck, one of G-Unit’s platinum artists, which is now available on my website www.twanee.com.

How does it feel to be at this place in your career? What advice would you give to other young artists starting out?

Being at this place in my career is nothing short of astonishing. It has definitely been a thrilling roller coaster ride and I have no plans of getting off.

My advice to other young artists starting out is to truly decide if this is what you want to do, and if it is, go hard to the paint!

There are no limitations other than the ones you set for yourself. There are infinite ways to get from point A to point B. Find and explore them. Read success books and learn who you are as individual. Also, find your sound.

That’s the only thing that will set you apart from the rest. This business is all about investing in YOU. There are no handouts or freebies. You have to work hard to become successful and to stay successful. And lastly, have faith, be positive, love yourself, and always love what you do.