We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jaslyn Loftin. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Jaslyn, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
During the day, I am a lecturer at Honolulu Community College teaching students about music theory, songwriting, and music business. When that gets done (at around 4pm), I am either performing live around Honolulu, Hawaii, or working on songwriting deadlines for various sync companies and major labels.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Jaslyn Loftin (stage name J.Lyn) and I wear many hats. Many people know me as a singer/songwriter and live musician that performs all throughout the state of Hawaii. My style is all about pop with elements of Jazz and modern R&B that showcase my sweet yet dynamic sound. I also love to help artists succeed behind the scenes, so I also run my own artist development and publishing company called Lemon Lunchbox Music Group. Catering to all musical artists of different experiences, I show artists how to elevate their voice, just how we turn lemons into lemonade.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was a kid, I never thought I was meant to be a singer. I loved doing it, but I often compared myself to peers who had different voices than I did and wondered if I could mimic them. However, I realized how much I was looking outward rather than inward. My vocal teachers as I got older told me to embrace the voice I have and to share my own stories. That was when I started writing my own music, and opportunities finally started to align for me. I realized I could really showcase my true powers once I knew who I was inside and out.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
I actually had a revelation about my own life this past month. I have been doing work professionally in the music industry for ten years, and now I realized what matters most to me. Although many see me as an artist/performer, my love for songwriting is where my heart is at. I also love encouraging the next music leaders to set forth their own path and create a better music community for all. That is where I feel like my path is leading me now. I am ready to step back from performing intensely to start cultivating seeds into projects behind-the-scenes.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
There are so many notions I believe is a myth in the music industry. I feel that a lot of people look towards getting big numbers in terms of music streams, social media posts, etc. I get it, we do it because a lot of labels will tell us that we can’t “sell” if the numbers aren’t there.
However, if this is the main factor that people are looking for, then many are overlooking other qualities of what it takes. For example, being consistent matters more in my opinion than achieving high numbers. Knowing what you stand for and always sticking to it, despite what is hot or not, builds longevity and fan loyalty, and a structure that will always withstand the test of time. For example, one of my musical “sisters” is one of the biggest artists in her own niche genre (they call it the “POSI” movement) and she never felt pressured to adapt to what’s in the public eye. She always stuck to who she was, and that confidence is a magnet that naturally draws in like-minded people. She is someone who really made me see that the music industry goes beyond what people often access online.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
It’s a funny answer: both! Many people in my family thought I would be a teacher because I was naturally good at guiding people, but I wanted to be a singer for so long. I lived out my dreams and at the same time, it has led me to doing something that others said I would do. However, I am now choosing that path because I really enjoy it! Being a teacher at a community college gives me a sense of stability and yet the access to continue doing what I love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jlynmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.lynmusic/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaslyn-loftin-ba963b18b/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jlynmusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@j.lynmusic1710
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/j-lynmusic
- Other: https://www.henrykaponofoundation.org/hawaiis-artists/j-lyn
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