We recently connected with Jade Chante and have shared our conversation below.
Jade, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I had always been a lover of the arts, from participating in musicals, drama class, and chorus in highschool. After I graduated highschool, I found myself thrust into a world of possibilities. I felt called to pursue my childhood dream of being a singer. In 2017, while attending Youngstown State University, I took it upon myself to look into local recording studios and explore this dream of mine. I scheduled a session with a recording engineer and that was my first time experiencing a recording studio and the process of recording a song. I sang a few covers, one being “The Weekend” by Sza. After experiencing the process of creating a song I felt thrilled to continue. I began to yearn for the studio atmosphere, to be in front of a microphone and create music that makes me and others feel something.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My origin story in music has many links. My father was a songwriter, music enthusiast and rapper, and he always would play us some of his favorite 90s music and some groups that he wrote for. While enjoying the music, some talented artists like Michael Jackson and Beyonce really stuck out to me. I admired their captivating stage presence, and how the music seemed to not just ignite them, but everyone that listened. I got into the industry by observing my role models, and taking chorus classes while in school. I strengthened my singing voice and wrote poems and short songs in the meantime. When I turned 19, I began recording and releasing my music. I dropped my first single “Hopeless Romantic” in 2019 on Soundcloud. Shortly after, I began releasing music on Spotify, Youtube, and Apple Music, and performing at venues to get my name out there. For my clients, I create a space of passion, intrigue and inspiration. When I grace a stage, I do so with enthusiasm, my performances are far from boring. My music takes listeners on a journey to different places, to feel and release different emotions. When people hear my music, they know that it is safe to feel many different emotions, not just one. I am not a niche artist, as I blend many different sounds and topics together based off of what feels true to me, my experiences and perceptions of the world around me. One second I could be rapping about partying and looking fly, the next I can sing about love and lust. I am most proud of performing at the Millvale Music Festival and Juneteenth Festival in Pittsburgh last summer.
I began modeling my senior year in highschool, after I took my senior photos. I realized how much I enjoyed photography and the art of nonverbal expression — through gestures, facial expressions, etc. I always received compliments from outsiders suggesting I should get into modeling. I figured, why not? I never imagined that I would take it this far. When it comes to modeling, my clients know that I am dedicated to providing them with satisfactory images/videos for their business, and that I am teachable. I always come to my photoshoots with a positive attitude, a presentable and professional appearance, and the focus to complete the job in a timely manner. I am most proud of being published in a magazine in 2021.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
I think non-creatives may not understand that the path of a creative is not linear. There are no guaranteed promotions, timelines, or certainty of success. This level of uncertainty can be chaotic and confusing. It can be hard to maintain confidence and hope when the future is unpredictable. To be a successful creative, you must be extremely resourceful, hopeful, and charismatic. You use your creativity not just for your craft, but also to engage your audience and potential buyers. You are not just a creative, but also the manager, marketer, and brand. It requires so much self-belief, because you rarely get feedback or affirmation from industry leaders, and there is so much competition, because everyone wants to be paid to create. I’ve had to seek out my own victories, move from the small city of Pittsburgh to Tampa Florida in search of a more lucrative market for entertainment, and advocate for myself countless times. I’ve been in so many challenging situations where I didn’t know anyone but had to pitch my brand. I’ve had to fight feelings of wanting to give up and retreat to a traditional way of life — that of a 9-5 job, being a wife with kids. I’ve had to question if this path is the path God wants for me, or if it’s simply a far-fetched pipe dream. For my own self-esteem, I’ve had to separate my identity as a creative from the accolades I receive. I am a quality artist, whether I am receiving endorsements and bookings or not.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to create something from scratch. It makes me feel like an evil mastermind, a creative genius if you will. It’s like mixing a whole bunch of chemicals together until you get an antidote. You get to witness your masterpiece, and how every element or quirk adds to it. You get to see something through from beginning to end. I love that there’s no rules, just many different tools you can use. And I love that the work I create as an artist can influence, touch, and cause reflection. It’s like my own personal mark on the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: jadechantemodels.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/jadechante
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jayda.moyer/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jadechante
- Other: linktr.ee/jadechante https://open.spotify.com/artist/042Yu8RKypRZtXs5Sgrhbl?si=hIiJAuJyQhmI8jfb6wFvLg
Image Credits
Raymond Kennedy Photography