We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jada Lee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jada below.
Jada, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I first knew that I wanted to pursue a music career when I was in high school. I had flirted with the idea growing up, but it wasn’t until then that I made my decision. It was my senior year and I had to decide which college to go to and what my major was going to be. Up until that point, I’d been focusing my studies on becoming an OB-GYN. I was dual enrolled in a community college, taking AP courses, etc. However, music was also a significant part of my life outside of academics. I was involved in the concert choir, participated in All Shore and All State Ensembles, and took part in a production called “Rock and Roll Revival.” For as long as I can remember, my two dreams have been to become a doctor and a singer, so I had a big choice ahead of me.
I remember having a conversation with my dad about what I should do and he asked me, “what do you really want to do”? I remember thinking, if I were on my death bed, would I regret not giving music a shot? I could always go back to school to become a doctor. But, music, at that time, seemed like it had an expiration date. So, I chose music! I decided to go to Temple University where I majored in MSP (Media Studies and Production) and I learned valuable skills for my career, such as audio engineering, understanding music contracts, and production techniques. And here I am today!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Jada Lee Dale, but my stage name is Jada Lee. I’m an R&B recording artist and songwriter based in Philadelphia, originally from a small town in Maryland called Salisbury. I’ve been doing music for as long as I can remember. My mom even used to put headphones around her stomach when she was pregnant with me, and she says I would kick harder whenever music played or when my dad sang to me. This among other things is why I believe music to be my purpose.
I released my first song, “Fall in Love with Me,” in 2016, and that same year, I had the opportunity to open for Jazmine Sullivan at a gala event. Since then, I’ve released 4 EPs and 14 singles. During the 2020 shutdown, I launched a business offering songwriting and vocal services to other artists, which pushed me to explore new boundaries in my own sound. I’m also proud to be part of the 2024 new member class of The Recording Academy, allowing me to vote for Grammy nominees in my areas of expertise! Currently, I’m working on my first album, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with the world!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In college, I had been asked to perform at an Apollo style event for an organization on campus. For those who aren’t familiar with The Apollo, it’s a competition where artists who aren’t considered good enough are swept off the stage with a broom. I naively went into this event thinking “there’s no way I’m getting swept off the stage because I can sing”. WRONG! I barely sang for 5 seconds before getting swept off the stage. It was not only embarrassing, but also hurtful. I cried afterward.
I later realized that I was swept off the stage because the audience was cheering for their friends and I had gone with just my parents for support. Still, it shook my confidence. After that experience, I developed a fear of performing at live events. I was still releasing music and posting YouTube videos, but the idea of the stage gave me nightmares. But, that wasn’t going to work if this is what I want to do with my life, right? I had to figure it out. So, I forced myself to do it scared. The next 2-3 shows after that experience were rocky. I didn’t do my best because I let my nerves get to me, but my confidence slowly grew!
I almost gave up after that event. But, I can say that now I’m better for it! It forced me to get comfortable with what’s uncomfortable. It taught me to fight, even when it’s hard and you’re scared. I was determined to not let anyone get in the way of my dream, including myself. So, eventually I got a performance coach, I did open mics, and I put myself out there! Why? Because I became confident that even on my worst day, I’m still amazing! Now, I perform at festivals, bars, clubs, weddings, private events, and more. I’ve learned to lean on my faith rather than my own understanding. So, before every performance, no matter how big or small, I say a prayer before stepping on the stage. With doing that, I know that it’s no longer in my hands and whatever is meant to happen, will.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My biggest goal is to make my younger self proud of who I’ve become. She had big dreams and she believed it was possible to achieve them. This journey is a difficult one! When it gets hard and I question my decisions, I remember her. I can’t give up on her. Not only that, but my parents are my biggest supporters and have sacrificed so much for me to be where I am today. I want them to be able to see me reach success. I want them to be there when I get my first Grammy, my first charted song, my first tour, my first big check from music, my first everything! I want to show others that you don’t have to follow a conventional or “rational” path. Bet on yourself and you’ll win every time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.officialjadalee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialjadalee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialjadalee/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/officialjadalee
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jadalee
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/officialjadalee
- Other: Apple Music – https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jada-lee/1087671316
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/3qBEGcVwDdLSxtTNjvAzRT?si=YqX_DwBBRlWmULHHdk5Duw&nd=1
Image Credits
– Madison Napieralski
– Blake Watford
– Torian Studios