Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennell Smith.
J Latoy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today..
Music was and always has been near and dear to my heart, I’ve been professionally singing since the age of 15, came close to signing with a label (that didn’t work out), gave birth to two lovely boys and been living my journey in life. I’ve faced ‘let’s downs’, lack of self confidence, and fear, but I could never let music go.
My journey really began after I finally began to believe in myself around the age of 20. I performed at a few open mics, networked with producers and musicians, and even recorded a few songs with intentions of producing an album, but the follow through, connections and marketing wasn’t there. (Honestly, I still battled with fear and self confidence, so my push wasn’t there.) I began to book gigs, and every time I sang at private parties or functions, they would ask me when my project was coming out. I would always say I was working on it but battled the inner fear of what it would mean to actively pursue my passion with the potential of failure… But I kept performing and singing. Saying the same excuse… “I’m working on it”
Finally, here comes my 30th year! 10 years later!! I decided for my 30th birthday, I wanted to put on a live show and release my EP. I finally had sustainable income from working as a music teacher, so in the two and a half months we teachers have for summer, I wrote, produced (composed all the instrumentation), funded and recorded my EP at a friend’s studio where he engineered, ALL BY MYSELF! I worked hard!
I worked Tirelessly in the studio, producing and pouring my heart out in this project. I booked photo shoots and, with the help of my team, including my amazing sister and number one supporter, we promoted the heck out of my EP release party. I performed my EP live for all my family, friends and loved ones and it was THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!!
The amount of support and love that was in that room was the most amazing feeling! I finally completed a project and carried out the work to produce success! I finally have music out that the world has access to. I finally believe again that I can and will make it! I’m finally ready to say that Music is my pursuit and I won’t stop until it becomes my career that financially sustains and emotionally edifies. J Latoy is here!
I’ve since released my first ever music video for the first single off of the EP, “ Feels So Right” and will be working on my second music video for a summer release! I’ve also launched my monthly live show “The J Latoy Experience” where I bring a music friend to jam out with me! It’s also live streamed on Facebook.
With consistency, I know The J Latoy Experience will grow and I’m excited! I’m putting in work! All while being a Mom, Church Leader and a music teacher for Atlanta Public Schools. I’m working towards my purpose and, although exhausting at times, I will not stop! My purpose is to share my gift of love through song, and so I will!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely has not been smooth! Struggles outside of the inner fear mentioned previously would be being a single mom to two boys, and being financially unstable during my college career from 2010-2017.
I had to move back in with my mom, was in a long distance relationship, was engaged for 6 of those years living with my mom and I fell into a depression. If it wasn’t for God working through my spiritual mother, my pastor, I don’t know where I would be. But it all worked out. I remained persistent, continue to stay focused on finishing school and graduated college “Summa Cum Laude” and began my music teaching career where I’m now financially stable.
Please tell us about J Latoy.
J Latoy produces genuity. When you hear my music you feel me. You hear me; my vulnerabilities and my authenticity. I don’t hide behind any gimmicks, I just produce what’s true to me and that translates to all of my listeners. I sing about love and all its facades. Relationships, Spiritual and Self-love. These are the areas I address on my EP.
I’ve been compared to India Arie on numerous occasions and I take that as a compliment because she’s an amazing artist that pierces the soul of her listeners. I do this (music) because it’s near and dear to my heart, it’s therapeutic for me and tends to be a blessing to my listeners. I’ve been told that my music touches hearts and I truly believe that they hear and feel the God in me speaking to the God in them. I would not have made it this far without Him and I share the gift that He has given to me. I put Him first and I continue to be received well.
My listeners connect with me spiritually through my music and that’s an amazing feeling! I’m not in this to try and be the next big thing, but if that happens, then that’s what God meant for me. I just want to share my gift with the world and encourage someone; to let them know that Love does, in fact, heal all. Spiritual love and self-love. It’s all about Love!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wouldn’t have done anything differently because it was all necessary to make me into who I am today. I had to go through all of the struggles of life to be stronger and to appreciate my gift even more. I’m more mature now and I have a clear understanding of who I am, what I want, and what my purpose is.
Had I done anything differently, had I received that deal at such a young age, I believe my life would have been completely different. And not necessarily for the better. I’m pleased with where I am, and I appreciate my journey.
Pricing:
- Price of my EP $5.94
- Performance Booking for 150/hr
- Guitar/vocal lessons for 40/hr
Contact Info:
- Email: jlatoymusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: @jlatoymusic
- Facebook: @iamjlatoy
- Twitter: @AllAboutMuZiK
Image Credit:
Atlanta Creative Photography
Global Flo Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
