WE ARE BATTLING AGAINST MAINSTREAM ARTISTS WITH DEEP POCKETS

-MULTIPLE AWARDS NOMINEE AND AWARD WINNER 
-I LEFT THEM AND DECIDED TO CREATE MY CAREER ON MY OWN-NATALIE JEAN

Natalie Jean

Natalie Jean- Singer/songwriter performer. She is also a Voting Member in the Recording Academy (GRAMMYS). Natalie Jean is a versatile performer
and singer. She sings and writes for many genres , such as Jazz, Pop, R&B, Blues, World, Adult Contemporary, Alternative, and, Dance. She can also sing in French, Spanish, English, and Creole. Natalie Jean is mostly
influenced by artists such as Lena Horne, Celine Dion, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Ella Fitzgerald. She has performed at many venues in the MD/DC. She also has   performed in LA, NewYork ,Nashville, and North Carolina. She also appeared on WPFW, a Jazz station in Washington DC. She has been nominated over 90 times for her music and has won many awards.

For those that don't know you, can you briefly tell us about yourself?

I was born in the USA, but my parents are from Haiti. So, I consider myself Haitian American. I am a Voting Member of The Recording Academy. I write and perform for several genres, including Jazz, Blues, R&B, Dance, Americana, Country, Adult Contemporary, Rap, Singer/Songwriter, Folk, and Pop. I can sing in French, Haitian Creole, Spanish, and English. I have been nominated over 100 times for my music and won several awards.

Tell us about your roots as a Haitian American as you like to call yourself?

I was born in the USA, but my parents are from Haiti. So, I consider myself Haitian American. 

How did your music career begin?

I grew up in a household of musicians. My father, Guy R. Jean is a singer, my aunt, Sandra Jean, started the first all female band called "Riske" in Haiti, my cousin Moses Jean is a music producer, and I have uncles that are into music as well. When I was younger, I always wanted to be involved in music. However, it was until later in life that I started my journey. I started out by writing poetry. My poetry was based on my life experiences. It was a great outlet for me. So, I decided to release some of them as songs. I shared some of them on the internet, and was approached by Tate Music Group (they have since filed for bankruptcy). I left them and decided to create my career on my own.

How were you able to get into the limelight as a black woman?

Natalie Jean

I would say that it is because I believe in myself and because I work very hard. I believe that if you don't love your own music, no one else will love it. There will be doors that will close, but there will also be doors that will open and give you great opportunities. I also have a great music producer, Alexi Von Guggemnberg. He has guided me and I have done a lot of my own research. Perseverance is the key.

Being a voting member of the Grammys, what has done for you as an individual, and how challenging has been so far?

It's great to be able to put that on my musical resume. I've met some other wonderful and amazing artists. I've been able to attend the Grammys 5 times. It affords me a lot of opportunities to pursue my career in music. It is challenging for independent artists. We are battling against mainstream artists with deep pockets, so we have to push a lot harder with a limited budget, or with no budget at all. Not many or any artists that are doing things by themselves, get the opportunity to get nominated or win a Grammy, because it is hard for us to be seen.

You did a song talking about your sexual abuse, can you tell us about it?

It is an incident that happened in college. It was someone that I knew. It was a shock for me. You become ashamed. You blame yourself. You fear. After a while, through therapy and self evaluation, you realize that there are just bad people in the world, and that no one deserves that type of abuse.

In 2019, you won several awards, which of those awards can you say is the biggest? 

Natalie Jean

I would have to say winning Gold in the Global Music Awards for my song "You Don't Know Me" and winning Versatile Artist of The Year at the 2019 Josie Music Awards. I've always wanted to be recognized for my versatility and it was awesome to received the award from the largest independent awards show.

What is your opinion about the Corona Virus and how has it affected the entertainment industry?

I think that people need to be cautious. I don't think that people should be hysterical about the whole thing. But everyone should take the necessary precautions so that it doesn't spread.

It has been horrifying for the music industry. A lot of their shows have been cancelled. Lots of money being lost for everyone concerned.

Who mentored you as an upcoming artist?

I really never had a mentor per se. However, I would say that my music producer, Alexi Von Guggenberg would be considered a mentor. He is has taught me a lot.

What do you do when you need to relax?

I usually workout, go to the movies, dinner with friends, or read a good book.

What should the world be expecting from you, before the end of the year?

I am hoping to start touring for my latest album and releasing a couple of collaborations with some amazing indie artist friends of mine.

Any advice or word for the upcoming black female artist looking up to you?

Stay strong. Persevere. Never let anyone change who you are. Be true to your music. Sing from your soul. Love your music.

Thanks,

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