Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazmin Crumley.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I have been singing for as long as I can remember being alive. Born and raised in church, as a small child, I had awful stage fright as I would get up to sing in front of our congregation every 2nd Sunday night, but I always sang then cried hysterically while walking off the stage. It’s amazing how the things and ideas that once frightened us can become the greatest foundations for the beautiful paths we become blessed to walk.
I always knew that singing would be a part of my life in some way, but I never knew the real possibilities until later in life. After singing in choir choirs and at every school function for years, I was afforded the opportunity to attend Dekalb School of the Arts, a performing arts High School in Atlanta, where I began classical vocal training as well as broadening my experience in opera, musical theater and show choir. After high school I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Management from Georgia State University where I continued to study Voice as well as learn the business of music and the music industry. Simultaneously, at 19 years old, my career as a professional background vocalist began. This quickly became a passion of mine that I never knew I could have. Since then, things haven’t always been the easiest, but my mind has been blown!
After graduating college in 2012, I began my career as a vocal coach and eventually founded The Outlet for Vocal Expression, LLC, (called The Outlet for short) where singers, both nationally and internationally, of various ages and backgrounds could receive quality, affordable vocal training relevant to their genres and field(s) of interest. We’ve been blessed to do various workshops for vocalists across the country and recently sponsored our 1st event called, BLENDED, The BGV Bootcamp, where our goal was to offer training, knowledge, experience and a strong network to aspiring professional background vocalists, which is something like our specialty. As both a background singer and vocal coach, I have been blessed to travel the world, train, sing with, record with, vocal produce and even film for television with some of the greatest artists and talents in the world such as Musiq Soul child, Monica, Kirk Franklin, Jermaine Dupri, Anthony Hamilton, Avery Sunshine, Donald Lawrence, Tina Karol of Ukraine and many more national and international recording artists. Currently, I also work on OWN Network’s hit series, Greenleaf as a background vocalists for both seasons 2 and 3. The best part is, there is much more on the way and I am so thankful!
Please tell us about your art.
Well, if it has anything to do with singing, I do it! In addition to primarily being a vocal coach and background vocalist, I am a vocal producer, songwriter and have even released a single of my own called “Perfected Me”! Music has always been a love and passion of mine.
My gratitude for being afforded the opportunity to have a career that is married to my passion drives me, daily. When God opens that kind of door, you show your appreciation by giving every opportunity you receive one hundred percent. I study, hard. I practice and don’t ever plan to stop. I do my best to take care of my body so that I can always be at my best. Some of the greatest opportunities come with little to no preparation time. Therefore, I work to stay prepared. I know what it’s like to receive a phone call that can change your life in 1 day and I never want to miss it because I was unprepared. I listen to various types of music to be as versatile as possible so that I can fulfill any task in any facet and in any genre. Although I work in various sectors of the music industry, everywhere that I go, the message is the same. GOD IS REAL. He loves us. No matter how far we may walk away from him, he is always standing there with open arms to receive us back to himself. When people are in my presence, I just hope they feel the love of God, even in unlikely places. That is the truth that I desire for all of my work to lead people to.
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?
In my opinion, life for artists in music, in particular, has become a bit easier for the indie artist in that it doesn’t necessarily take the backing or support of a label or big machine to gain attention. However, with music not being purchased directly the way it once was, it is definitely tougher financially on many artists and all involved in the music creation and releasing process. I always say, if this is the world that you desire to live in, do it because you love it. Do it because your purpose lies here. If you do it for any other reason, you may be enticed to lower your standards and risk losing your authentic self for a dollar.
That may or may not happen, but it will never guarantee happiness. I encourage artists to stay true to the art that they were created to make. Show us who you are and tell us what you have to say. Even if it’s only meant for one person, that person could be the one to change the world. Also, I encourage consumers to support those who spend thousands of dollars to create excellent product to often sell for $0.99 or less. If you enjoy someone’s work, buy it, purchase tickets to their shows, post their content on social media and never ask for freebies! We must support one another so that we can continue to produce our art with excellence!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I would LOVE for everyone to download my debut single “Perfected Me”! It’s available for purchase and streaming on all digital music outlets! People can also go to www.theoutletforvocalexpression.com to find out what’s going on with me and my company. There are links to my music, upcoming events and workshops as well as my social media accounts that lead to vocal and industry tips and allow people to get a more personal look into the things I’m doing and projects I’m working on!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theoutletforvocalexpression.com
- Phone: (770)580-3367
- Email: info@theoutletforvocalexpression.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sangjazzy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theoutletforvocalexpression/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/theoutlet4ve/
Image Credit:
Calvin Finklea
JP Moore
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