Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Pollard.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’m 27 years old from Decatur, Ga, and I moved to Los Angeles in 2018 to pursue my singing career full time. I have been singing since I was four years old! I’ve always known I wanted to sing and perform. I would follow my mom around the house and mimic her while she sang because she’s a singer too. When I was around 8 or 9 years old, I was repeatedly sexually assaulted, and dealing with the aftermath of that, singing was the only thing that helped me get through it. I’d even go so far as to say that it saved my life. After that, I became obsessed with performing. I won my first talent show in the fourth grade and I haven’t left the stage since! I’ve performed behind Usher, and I’ve been extremely blessed to open for some of the biggest names in R&B such as Keke Wyatt, Kelly Price, and Bobby Valentino, to name a few. I started writing music in 2015 and released my first single “Queen Anyway” in June of 2016. Currently, I have three songs available on all streaming platforms and I am working on my first EP!
Please tell us about your art.
Singing and music in general for me has always been a part of my life. My family has never really had it easy per se, and a lot of times I would question why things happened to me. Through music, I began to realize that we all go through the same things just in different bodies. Music is what connects us all and reminds us that we aren’t alone. For me, I want my music to be the thing that helps someone get through a tough time, or reminds someone to let loose and have fun. I want to make the kind of music people will play at their wedding, or jam out to when they’re at the gym. I try to tell my story through my music in hopes that someone will hear it and be inspired to keep going!
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
I think it’s become more difficult for artists because it’s easier to become famous nowadays thanks to the internet. I think for the newer artists, it’s hard because I think the older generation criticizes us and our methods of doing things a lot but there aren’t that many people who have made it in their respective fields who are willing to reach back and help newer artists navigate the industry. It’s an every man for themselves mentality. I’m sure that people will say it’s always been that way and to that, I would just say that means change in the entertainment industry period is long overdue. How can we continue to cultivate great art if we never help to cultivate great art? I think cities like Atlanta can do more for artists by creating more opportunities and spaces for artists to learn more about their respective craft and train to become better. Most people I know including myself navigate the industry by trial and error but I think we could do so much more if we were willing to help each other. I always say there’s room for everyone on my playlists!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
On Instagram I’m @jas.pollard, and Twitter I’m @lolasongstress. My music is available for streaming on all platforms, you can search Jasmine Pollard!
Contact Info:
- Email: BookJasminePollard@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/jas.pollard
- Twitter: twitter.com/lolasongstress
Image Credit:
Photo 1 by: George Pettigrew
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