Today we’d like to introduce you to Jalyne.
Jalyne, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in the theater watching my mother perform and naturally wanting to be like mom, I too took to the stage. When I was not there, I was singing at church and taking dance class. Needless to say, performing is in my DNA! By 10 years old, I began taking guitar lessons and that gave birth to a new form of expression that I loved more than anything. Every night, I watched YouTube tutorials, found charts to my favorite songs, wrote my own songs, you name it and I was strumming (loudly) until my parents made me go to bed! Eventually, I began leading worship for church and even had the opportunity to play music in Guatemala. That experience reminded me of my first passion which is helping people. My goal was and still is to use my music to reach diverse groups of people, and ultimately open a transitional living center for the homeless. I am still in the process of deciding what that looks like, but in the meantime, I am learning Atlanta and preparing to release my EP!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I think that being creative minded and living in a corporate climbing society is incredibly challenging. I have struggled with the tension of going to school and getting a real job or wholeheartedly pursuing my dreams as a creative. I am blessed to have supportive parents that have always allowed me to decide what I want to do, and they never pressured me to finish school, but always encouraged me to proactively pursue a career. I currently am dancing in the middle of those worlds, I work a 9-5 job that gives me the freedom to write while I am working, and in the evening I dive into my music. If I could go back and tell myself some advice, it would be to start NOW and stay committed. I was too afraid to pursue music as a career because it didn’t seem stable, but I also did not commit to school. It is a lot easier to pursue your passion and have a cushion when you are young and potentially without the responsibilities of life facing you on the daily. Find mentorship, have a vision and write it out, then make attainable goals and go after them full faith ahead!
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am first and foremost a singer-songwriter. I write songs about my experience as a young woman navigating life as a woman of faith. I specialize in conferences, events, worship leading, and coffee shop style shows. I am known for cultivating safe spaces to feel and experience the truth of existing as beloved. I am proud of my ability to reach diverse groups of people and utilizing my story to provide freedom for those around me. My experience as an actress, model, and behind the scenes support make me an asset both on and offstage. I believe that I have the gift of navigating the administrative and technical aspects of artistry and using that knowledge to fuel the creative side to reach people more effectively.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Instagram has been such a wonderful resource. I relocated to Atlanta from Los Angeles, California and when I left, I only knew a handful of people here. Instagram has allowed me to meet more like-minded people and slowly build a community. Since I moved, it has been very challenging staying in touch with my Band. They are honestly the best resource I have been so blessed to have these guys in my corner because they are incredibly patient and working with everyone in different time zones is crazy. My drummer Alex lives in Paris and he has been so on top of things, it keeps ME on my toes! My bassist Gabe and guitarist Elliot are both in California and they are able to work together which is very helpful. Together we have used Bandlab and the guys are wonderful about figuring out other options to arrange music while we are apart. For my soul I listen to the Transformation Church podcast, and when I get lonely I read Come Matter Here by Hannah Brencher. Other great resources have been BandLab to stay connected to my band and share music, listening to Pastor Michael Todd on the Transformation Church podcast, reading Come Matter Here by Hannah Brencher.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.itsjalyne.com
- Email: contact@itsjalyne.com
- Instagram: @ja.lyne
- Facebook: Ja.Lyne
Image Credit:
Karen Marie Co Photography, Jeorgi Anna Smith, Emilie Jeune Photography, Tudor Williams Videography
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