Formula Indie Sessions – Interview with Jael
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I remember hearing Whitney Houston playing on the radio and I became obsessed with her voice
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I used to sing to a tape recorder and listen to myself sing some of my favorite songs as a kid. I loved to go back and listen. Then, after studying poetry in middle school I loved the way the words rhymed and flowed together and I began writing poetry. And then that led to me writing my thoughts down on a regular basis and making words rhyme, which then developed into Songwriting.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
My current music project has been in my brain for the past two years. I last released an album in 2017. I was living overseas in Japan at the time working. My ideas at the time were just flowing endlessly and I had unlimited resources. Then after moving back to the States I became really busy working and would release a couple singles between 2017 and 2026. And at times I felt like I had writer’s block and couldn’t just write a song as fast as I used to. But then in the last few years, I began to hear my thoughts again and was determined to put out another album. I believe that writing and sharing music is a part of my calling. Even if life gets busy, I must do it to share and inspire others and it’s also therapeutic for me. So I decided to name this latest project, “Reactivation,” because I had to reactivate and motivate myself to get going and to keep going.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I would describe my sound as a mix between Beyonce, Whitney Houston, and R&B singer Tamia. It’s RnB, Soulful, and a mix of Pop and Acoustic vibes. It also had some upbeat tunes that you can dance to as well as lots of inspirational messages.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I learned to listen to my audience. How are they feeling right now and what kind of music are they feeling? I like to get feedback from my fans because I want to move and inspire them as well. And I want us to be able to relate to each other. So though I’m true to myself and my style, I also try to be versatile and pay attention to changes in the music and sounds people wanna hear. For this album, I added an Afrobeats tune and a Southern Soul tune, because it’s what my fans asked for.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
A microphone, a keyboard, my Macbook computer, Music recording software like Garageband and Protools, a notebook, and pen.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Olivia Dean
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
My triumphs, my challenges, and happiness, and my heartbreaks are all a big part of the music I write and release.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I want listeners to be inspired to keep going when life gets tough. And I also want listeners to experience joy and dance to some of my music.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
To express myself and that we all have a story. And we all can relate to each other through music.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
The Grammys!
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would like to collaborate with Mariah Carey. Her voice is amazing and her tone is so beautiful. I can hear her smile in her music. I would like to just have fun seeing how many high notes we can hit together and make great harmonies. She’s one of my inspirations.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/61QlqqpUm3jXEp2x7QCqlC?si=AXn7GQVPTKWWwj1gD3-Mzw&utm_source=copy-link
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/reactivation/6779963575
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_l7Iw0NEysUq-6Y0QDmpCXIEf7MDpCWi-w&si=P8vpnxOBnxigi29A
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I would like to continue writing and producing music for myself and other artists. And I would like to make more albums and put out great music for the world to enjoy.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope listeners will discover that I’m down to earth, we’re not so different, and that my music is something they want to listen to on a regular basis.
