Today we’d like to introduce you to Je’vel

Hi Je’vel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

My artistic journey began on the island of St. Lucia. I fell in love with music before I could even communicate clearly. There are stories about the toddler version of me who would climb a huge rock near the house, sing melodies, and clap for anyone passing by or just myself. I do remember glimpses of those days but more so the feeling of pure joy. From there, my parents and I moved to NYC. My elementary school teacher saw I had an eye for media and convinced my parents to nurture this. I spent my pre-teen and teen years learning Photoshop, Final Cut, Premiere Pro, how to take proper photos/films, market products, and distribute. At the time, music was at the forefront of my mind, and I studied the art intensely from learning sightreading to music theory up until my senior year of high school when I was faced with the question, “what now?” Music didn’t seem to be a feasible future so I turned to studying biology to be a doctor. I grew physically ill often from stress brought on by knowing my heart wasn’t really in biology. I switched to journalism which helped but still wasn’t quite right. At the same time, I kept busy with multiple side quests like interning during fashion week with production company Bureau Betak, interning at Ebony Magazine, production assisting with the Met Gala, and writing novel manuscripts.

One night while watching Rihanna perform in concert it hit me, if she was able to make music attainable, and her island was a hop and a skip away from mine, I could do the same. Thus I decided to create my first music project, Luv-Ed. At that time I hadn’t performed or created in 5 years and it was therapeutic beyond words. Music more than anything became a way of navigating this life. As I elevated in ranks in production, I continued to fund my work producing two more albums, “Eros is Falling” and “Alchemy.” Every stop on the journey has lent itself to my music as I’m capable of wearing many hats from singer-songwriter to creative director, editor, stylist, publicist, and producer. In the current day, I’m working alongside fellow Bold Journey Interviewee,YawnyBlew, to help each other and other artists manifest their music dreams in a safe environment. We recently teamed up with RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 Miss Congeniality Xunami Muse who is making waves as a recording artist one song after another.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

My road so far has been riddled with unexpected twists, turns, pitfalls, landmines, and attempted ambushes. Common obstacles and challenges include being underestimated, and having to work 10 times as hard to prove my validity in areas of expertise while watching others breeze forward due to factors such as nepotism. The body stores but so much energy, and at some points, the solution is to compromise mental and physical health to continue onward. Couple that with dealing with micro and macro aggressions coming my way simply because I’m black, and the road feels like a sensitive/sometimes dangerous obstacle course. In addition, traversing around people in general who only have their best interests at heart and have the worst of intentions masked behind pleasantries is a persistent challenge. One moment you’re proving your worth and minding your business, the next you’re seen as a threat, and now thinking of self-preservation.

We also live in a time where the cost of living has far surpassed wages so funding projects while managing daily functions is a challenge all on its own.

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?

It depends on the day and whether I’m creating for me or for a client but I specialize in singing, songwriting, producing (music videos, photoshoots events), creative directing, styling, marketing, and public relations. I’m most proud of being a one-stop shop for clients which helps them get the job done for relatively less than going to multiple people. A lot of dreams die because of lack of funds and one of my goals is to be a bridge for more creative endeavors manifesting in the real world. Besides that, something else that sets me apart is my ability to bring heart and passion into every project so that it resonates in the world and isn’t just a cash grab. I also listen really well and do my best to understand plus translate visions.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?

The quickest way to get to me is to shoot an email to [email protected] or a DM on Instagram @Je.vel

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jevel.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/je.vel/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jevelmusic

Image Credits

Crown by Jahmia Phillips, The Man Cover & Promo art by Kiser XYZ, B&W by Adeos Yeboah.