Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremiah McClain.
Hi Jeremiah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was truly just a boy from East Atlanta entertaining, even before I knew what performing truly meant. I was raised majority in Dekalb County and briefly lived in Ellenwood Georgia until the age of 13, where I moved near Zoo Atlanta while also spending every other weekend with my mother who split custody with my father. She lived in Gresham park Boulder crest road and then eventually Carver homes, needless to say I spent a lot of time in Zone 6. By the age of 16, we moved to Cobb county in order to escape the effects of gentrification. Atlanta is heavily influenced by the arts, and I had been exposed to and loved the world around me. I was already professionally acting at 12 years old, performing on stages such as The Rialto, Alliance Theatre, New African Grove Theatre, etc. I then began branching off into the film industry which allowed me to be on such amazing studio sets such as Johnson, Bandit, and The Color Purple. As an actor, I learned how to be a storyteller and all the elements it takes to leave an impressionable story. As a songwriter and Recording artist, I do not abandon the actor within me, and I allow the two sides to co-exist and motivate the two parts of myself to collaborate. Which has evolved my music into becoming a message to the masses. I am a messenger using my music as the medium to reach the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve lost count of how many times I wanted to give up and actually temporarily given up. There has been so many doors slammed in my face and teases of success that any normal person would’ve given up a while ago. I can specifically recall there being two instances where I came extremely close to a life-changing experience. The producers of Zeus network called me to inform me that they we’re intrigued by my audition tape and began to interview me. Their qualities for a cast did not align with my views at the time, and I was not willing to settle for an opportunity which led them to go elsewhere. I also made it to the final rounds of casting call for the B.E.T series Tales but did not become successful in getting cast. In music not working under a label requires you to ultimately put things into your own hands which led me to a lot of discoveries and disappointments.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an Actor, Songwriter, and Recording Artist. I just released my first EP called “Lover Boy Tales”. Which Lover boy tales is a story based on myself. It’s about how I went from living in a false “Paradise” by idolizing people in order to heal the void I felt but couldn’t treat. Then eventually reaching the conclusion that I must say “Goodbye” to this illusion and to began seeking help from a “Hero” who has the best track record of saving people from themselves. This Hero is God, and Lover boy Tales is a story about my journey with God.
What makes you happy?
Originally I placed my happiness in the hands of people, but that was unsuccessful. My happiness now is independent from people and focused on my purpose in life and doing things that contribute to my purpose of building up God’s kingdom.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay.mansa/
- Other: https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fffm.to%2F8jkklbb&e=ATPxIeM7snUmxDS1dHMqLSch-rxfaOP7a7IyWBirSGcaxzhvFh5sMyppy4qB65IfcYDI2kP4anwhF3MJ&s=1
Image Credits
Kymani Roach
