We recently had the chance to connect with Jasmine Diane and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Jasmine , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I have been working on this new album for a couple years now. I feel like it has taken a lot of different parts of me to bring it to fruition. I have so many plans for it, the look, the feel and overall emotional aspects. I cannot wait to share it with everyone. I still have another before its ready to be shared with the world. But, with the way the world is now with instant AI images and music. I consider a privilege to have original art at the ready.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an Indie artist and musician. In my music I champion the little guy. The stepped on, the unseen and exploited. In my music I fight for my people and the preservation of our culture. We are being erased, and that scares me. I hope my music reminds them we will never be erased. We are history. We are black history.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My father. When I was younger, I was subjected to all the traditional elements of being a girl in the south. Dresses, pageants and everything else associated. My father on the other hand found my proclivaties for dirt and sports amusing. He encouraged all parts of me, together we amassed a large assortment or remote control cars and sports equipment. Once he caught on to my interest I music her taught me the foundations of vocal training. He also seemed to just see me, even the future me. He gave me the ability to know myself just by supporting all of my interests. He was magnificent.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I grew up in the south. I almost gave up everyday. Surviving the south as a black, lesbian woman is a feat. No one can tell me differently. The cruelty where I grew up is hard to convey. As a society we were just starting to have a conversation about racial trauma, and right now unfortunately we will not have the ability to continue that conversation for some time. Racial trauma is real and it matters. As we embark upon this difficult period in our countries leadership, I am constantly reminded that the things I thought I could escape, like my ancestors I will not. All I can do is keep surviving and when I want to give up. I keep going.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That our opinion is not important. In the music industry, a lot of leaders just want to sell units. Units of merch, or songs or tickets. They believe in order to sell those units, we cannot speak our minds. That people do not care about our issues, they just want to dance or fuck. I don’t subscribe to that kind of ignorance. Music heals, it captures history and bears the soul of nations. Music is power, and yet most leadership at the highest levels, use that power for monetary gains. I am not knocking the importance of commerce, however I believe we can trust our audiences to make that decision. We should not put ourselves in a position to make it for them.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Everything, I feel like I am in a position right now where I can constantly building for the future. Every move I make right now feels like it is so crucial to things being set up years down the road. Every decision I make is connected. I am always writing, planning and organizing my life for my next steps. I know what I need and feel good about my ability to get those things. It was incredibly hard to get to this point and I am so grateful to be here. It meant sacrifices, late nights and rooms I did not want to be in. Looking back, I appreciate all things things I faught for.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasminedianemusic?igsh=MTRjNTE5ZjQ4Y3VpcA==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jasminedianemusic?si=yjEcAuHbC2oO06Tn
Image Credits
Ezra Foxx
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