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Jaylynn: Orlando's Own
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Jaylann in the studio
I sat down with Orlando recording artist, Jaylynn, on Wednesday to discuss her all new original music. I planned to go into the interview and ask her about her craft. And although I’ve followed her since her beginning, and knew a lot about her artistic style, I knew nothing about her actual process and views on music. We discussed many things: the state of music now, her explanation of her own music, and how she goes about writing the music we can hear her perform.
Growing up in Florida and settling in Orlando, Jaylynn’s style was greatly influenced by the pop phenomenon of the late 90’s and early stages of this decade. And with Orlando being the center for this pop craze, she learned first hand about production in local studios that recorded bands such as *N SYNC and Backstreet Boys. She told me that, although corny at times, “no one can take away their ability to perform on a big scale.” And with their example of “big production,” she focused her songwriting style to taking a simple song and turning it into an ambitious construction.
But although she likens herself to that pop craze, she is no cookie-cutter songstress. Her strong voice powers melodic beats and destroys the association of today’s R&B singers being likened to untalented drones. Jaylynn’s technique (flawless at times) attracts music fans that don’t necessarily follow the R&B genre. I have not come across anyone, whether avid music fan or casual head bobber, who has described her voice as anything less than amazing.
So I met her at the Bahama Breeze restaurant in Altamonte Springs on Wednesday (by the way, I recommend the Cuban sandwich). The atmosphere was lively and casual. We sat there, and as we ordered, I noticed her relaxed state. This was a change. I am used to her being in a no-nonsense mood at the studio. I opened my line of questioning with a frank inquiry:
Orlando Music Examiner: How would you describe your musical style?
Jylyn: Passionate.
OME: What do you mean?
Jylyn: Just that…any song that I write, and/or sing, I perform it with the most passion I can muster.
This made me think for a second. Her statement, although bold, was in fact true. All of the songs that I’ve listened to of her, lacked that certain cuteness that say, Miley Cyrus holds. But when one uses the word “lacked”, it usually denotes that the subject is missing something; and Jaylynn is missing nothing (except maybe a record deal with Columbia). Her voice calls to mind the phrase ‘wise beyond years.’ As her vocal chords resonate against the microphone, I picture this scenario: I’m in some speakeasy listening to an ambitious diva that is singing to a stressed-out audience. And as she wraps up her set, the once-tense spectators sigh a breath of relief that calms their nerves.
OME:Tell me about your background.
Jylyn: I come from a Latin family. There was always something going on at the house…very energetic, very lively. Lots of food! Always something to do.
OME:Your Grandfather was a musician, no?
Jylyn: Yes, he was a songwriter…self-taught…a wonderful guitarist.
She went on to tell me more about her Grandfather. “He was an amazing songwriter,” she explains, “that he could hear some noise from the air and turn it into an elaborate song.” I realized then that her Grandfather, now deceased, set the foundation of her musical talent.
OME: Your songs are very story-oriented. Where do they come from?
Jylyn: So many people ask me that question. Just the other day, someone messaged me asking if one of my songs (Let Him Go) was a true story. I had to be honest. I don’t know where the ideas come from. I can watch a movie and feel the emotions of a character and come up with a song.
As she said this, I was reminded of different comments made by famous songwriters. McCartney once said that writing a song was like pulling notes out of the sky. Dylan said he has no idea where his music comes from. I once heard Tom Petty say that writing a song wasn’t like picking a topic and writing about it. “I wish it was that easy,” he said.
OME: What separates you from other artists in your genre?
Jylyn: I’m most inspired by artists like Mariah and Celine, Whitney. Their music had substance to it. It had validity. Most artists now-a-days don’t have that. Most artists now-a-days don’t even have a voice. There all fixed by AutoTune and Melodyne. (Computer programs used to fix pitch imperfections in a singers voice) I try to at least be natural and honest with my abilities.
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Local producer and Full Sail University Graduate, Pharaoh, writes most of the instrumentals that accompany Jaylynn’s lyrics. I asked him what he thinks about Jaylynn’s work ethic and talent. He told me, “She has a great outlook on music and music as a whole, not just the superficial prospect of becoming famous. She obviously has a great singing voice, but her studio ethic is impeccable. She is driven and focused. With her new music, she is taking her talent to a whole other level. I support everything she does.”
Also Jaylynn’s recording engineer, Nick Valentin, who has worked with and recorded great talents such as Shakira and Jennifer Hudson had this to say, “She’s got one of the best voices I’ve ever heard and the widest vocal range I’ve ever recorded. She’s got great songwriting talent and a knack for coming up with beautiful harmonies to accentuate her lyrics.”
We finished our meal and started to wrap up the night. I asked her one more question.
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Jylyn: That I was dedicated…not just a talent. Music comes first. And when I start a family, I’ll be with my husband and have five kids, but still can get on stage and sing with the best of them.
OME: Like Loretta Lynn?
Jylyn: Exactly.
I left the restaurant with only my thoughts circling in my head. Orlando is a better city artistically, because Jaylynn is in it. And you, if you love music, owe it to yourself to check her out. She has the vocal graces of acts like Aguilera, and the song subject matter of an Alicia Keys. I will say it now. She will once be referred to as the artist that came from Orlando and now tours around the world. The link to her MySpace page will be in this article. Check her out, add her as a friend, leave comments, tell her about yourself, give her material. Orlando stands to be a better artistic community with your input. But, that’s just me; make up your own mind, peace…
For more info: Check out Jaylynn on her Myspace
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