We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lena Jackson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lena below.
Lena, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?
I more so have a gap of time where I started my music career, then stopped-for a long, long while. If anything, I wish I’d remained consistent the first go ’round! However, the timing in which I became serious about my artistry couldn’t have happened at a better moment. When I first started, I was so unprepared. Starting (and staying in it) sooner would have been a much more emotional and financial strain, but I definitely would have learned resilience faster than I did. It’s a double-edged sword in a way; there are pros and cons to starting out green and unsteady vs. wiser and poised. Neither are without their own set of risks and obstacles.
Lena, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
First and foremost, I am a creative; songwriter, screenwriter, rapper, poetess, and performer. Music especially was a creative outlet for me that over time transitioned into a lifestyle, and everything else I partake in has specks of that art form in it. As someone who engages in community advocacy and ambassadorship for school age children, I believe that music as part of the arts is an amazing tool for outreach, awareness, and sparking social change. I’ve performed spoken word at rallies, rapped at community events, encouraged creative writing and cypher sessions among adjudicated youth, etc. I seek ways to incorporate music- even if it’s not my music being utilized- into initiatives that could improve our communities and invoke action. I take pride in people making the connection between my artistry and civic/social initiatives. I want people to know that artistic expression falls in line with revolution, social climates, and even physical health. No matter the endeavors I take on throughout my life, art and music will always be attached in some capacity.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Presence and advocacy means so much. We can wish creatives the best, but one of the most important pieces of their success is your presence in some capacity. Show up to their performance! Purchase their art AND show others! And let’s be candid about the digital age we’re in; likes, shares, comments, and reposts can move projects tremendously. Word of mouth in a local town can have global reach now. It’s important to note that technology can be beautiful, but some of it has erased or even stolen the work of living, breathing creatives. So, make an effort to proclaim how important your favorite people and their creations are to you. If you like it, then celebrate openly, loudly, and consistently.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My goal and mission driving my creative journey is always community or family based. I believe art can improve health, inspire change, encourage movements. My family-oriented values light a fire under me to achieve my creative goals in ways that not only take care of the people I love, but provide entertainment and education for families and beyond. It’s the reason why I gladly cater to diverse audiences- adult crowds, family friendly events, teen geared initiatives, and more- I’m able to reach many different people and illustrate messages that could help enlighten or inspire in their respective ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://LenaJacksonMusic.com
- Instagram: @LJackPower
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LJackPower/
- Youtube: @LenaJacksonMusic
