Jade: A Jewel of an Artist
While the entertainment industry seems to be in its own recession, failing to produce enough quality performers, underground music is the best way to hear good music without spending too much. Singer Jade is the perfect blend of an eclectic sound, raw talent and excellent stage persona.
As I walked down the stairs to the basement of a bar in New York City’s Lower East Side, Jade continued to belt songs into her microphone while shooting me a look that screamed, ‘Who is this girl and why does she think she can walk in on my rehearsal?!’ Surrounded by only her band, manager, publicist, and stylist, this was meant to be a private rehearsal. She then turned right back to her business and continued to practice, stopping her cohorts when she felt something was wrong, or needed to change. “Okay, let’s do ‘Up and Out’ one more time and then ‘Wolf’ next,” she instructs the band.
Next Jade pulls out her cell phone from the back pocket of her form fitting skinny jeans and glances at the screen. “Okay guys, we got one more minute,” she informs the band. It is now 11 pm – the time that we are supposed to meet but Jade’s hard work ethic and leadership personality prevent her from putting down the mic and urge her to continue for another 15 minutes to get the most of this rehearsal.
Jade was in her second of several rehearsals for a July 14th performance at New York City’s famous SOB’s. Jade will be the only female and only singer at The Black Apple, a show where she will share a stage with rappers Mickey Factz, Stalley, and FKi. At the upcoming show, Jade will perform pieces from her album it’s my heart, cookie, which is currently available on her MySpace page. The Nuyorican singer who cites Nina Simone, Sade, Gwen Stefani and Deftones as her musical influences is no stranger to the stage having previously performed in various New York locations and even opening up for Pharrell at a concert in Pennsylvania.
Despite crediting her parents with being her personal influences in life, Jade claims her upbringing has had nothing to do with her decision to pursue music. “I wasn’t really exposed to music but I always wrote music on my own – it had nothing to do with my environment. When my parents saw that I was interested in music they put me in programs like ‘Tada‘ where I did musical theatre, tap, jazz, and some Broadway stuff.” Her performance training was well reflected throughout her rehearsal, as she moved to the beat of each tune and contorted her face in such a manner that properly expressed the emotion behind the lyrics of each song.
When asked about the recent passing of fellow performer Michael Jackson, Jade says, “It’s really, really sad. You’re talkin’ ‘bout someone who was raised in the industry. I’ve never known any artist who’s had more money, fame, privilege and was unhappy.” Referring to her own feelings on success in the industry Jade claims, “I’d rather be singin’ in a church broke, than rich and miserable. I tell my team, ‘don’t do anything for the money’.”
The natural-born leader has optimistic yet realistic hopes for her career in the industry. “I wanna learn how to lead my team morally and ethically – they’re already talented. I’m excited for the future. We haven’t even scraped the surface of what’s coming.”
