Jada Michael – Freak

By starrymag | June 15, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I still struggle with this question, to be honest! I’m still in the process of discovering who I am musically. I have so many songs I want to create and musical ideas.  My last single “Freak” was recorded over a year ago and my first ever single before that was “Breathe” recorded in 2018. I am excited to get back into the studio to expand on those ideas.  My next step will be an EP or an album that I want to hold all my musical and emotional growth since I started.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Truly every dedicated musician I’ve ever encountered inspires me, but first to mind is Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Rihanna and Lauryn Hill. I have never gone even a couple of days without singing their music since before I can remember. More recent artists I love are SZA, Yuna and The Internet. It’s so much more than musical influence though I use their music to navigate my whole damn life.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Freak.”

A) A lot of times when I hear a track it takes time to think of what story I want to tell. From the beginning, this song just came together on its own. It very chill, sexy, confident and bold, so I just ran with that lyrically.  It’s conversational. Just what you might say to your girl/guy/person if you got in the mood.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) Everybody needs a chill, sexy song on their playlist and “Freak” is definitely that. It’s good for confidence, good for body image, good for the vibe. I want my music to always feel in some way relaxing/releasing and I think people pick up on that through the music and the lyrics.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) A lot of times when I record, I have a visual aspect going through my head from the beginning. So, I just wanted to be true to that while letting Tragik (director) work her magic as well. Sexy, confident, colorful and bold. I represented myself fully as a queer, black women. I was in my zone while I recorded the track and in that same mental space through the whole video.

 

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

A) My songwriting process changes constantly. Sometimes I’ll write a poem and bring that to the studio. Sometimes I’ll hear the beat first and go off the vibes I get from the track. Sometimes the lyrics and the music come together at the same time. I love that’s it is always different.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) I have been so lucky to work with musicians who are very established, so I want to always give them the space to take the lead, but they all have been so collaborative. I have so many ideas and I love when I can get those built into the music. “Freak” was at a time when I felt more comfortable really bringing that in and it was amazing. “Coolin It” was a song when I had that opportunity and that was amazing. In the past, I have been writing my lyrics over tracks that different producers sent me that will be different in my next project. I want to be sure every part of the song is a reflection of me.

 

Q) Why is it so important to you to be body-positive, sex-positive and and self-positive? 

A) Well, there are literally ENDLESS answers to that question I am happy to say! We constantly panic about understanding, communicating, pleasing people around us but giving that respect to ourselves is foreign to so many.  Embracing your truth/power/beauty NO MATTER WHAT IT IS is crucial to be able to build a strong foundation of happiness and love.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or an EP coming in the near future?

A) Yes, absolutely. I’m super excited and eager to create new material. Soooo much musical, emotional and spiritual development has happened since my last time recording/filming and I want to be able to show that. Let’s be real, so far 2020 has been a shit show and, personally, the most difficult year of my life so far even in just this short while. But all the pain serves as a teacher, so I hope to share my experiences/lessons in the new music.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you? 

A) Although I have done a few shows, I am looking to do even more in the future. Everywhere I have so far ended up feels super special to me. Performing at the legendary SOBS was wild. I’m still in shock about that but the big, small, indoor, outdoor venues all come with new energies and lessons. I love it all.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) This list is truly endless. Every time I hear a song I like, I fantasize about what it would be like to be in that environment where the music came to life and to feel that musician’s energy and creative atmosphere. I would have to say H.E.R. most definitely! Oh my God, that would be amazing. I think I have to be that girl and say a long list because ya girl is trying to manifest out here! Syd, Kiana Lede, Blood Orange, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Zedd and Ariana Grande. Every name would blow my mind in their own way.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) For a good minute, I have playing the hell out of “Hive Mind” by The Internet and I’m still obsessing! It’s so cool, different, but classic. I love them because musically and lyrically, I just get the language they are speaking. They know how to move me and get me in the zone of the song every time.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) Music is made to be shared. A song isn’t a song if nobody hears it and is able to connect with it. So as much as I do honestly hate social media, I am grateful for it. It’s crucial for self-starters and people investing in themselves.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I want to say thank you and I wish I could sit and say that in person because it’s from a deep place. I guess I’d also say stick with me because I hope to be an artist who emits positive art. So, hopefully, we can grow together.

 

 

 

Watch The Video For “Freak”