August 2024

Exclusive Interview with Jasmine Wesley by | Chuy Romero Tell me how you got started in the music in- dustry. For many years, I had a paralyzing fear of sing- ing in front of people, but after living in LA for a few years, I got the courage from my brother and others close to me to face those fears. I be- gan writing and performing anywhere I could. I balanced music and a full-time job managing a restaurant for a long time, but about a year ago, I decided to quit my job to be a full-time artist. While it wasn’t an easy decision, it came to the point where staying at my job reflected the doubt I had in myself; it was no longer about wheth- er others believed I could be a successful artist, but whether I believed I could. I started posting Spanglish covers and original songs on social media to reconnect with my Dominican roots, and people really connected with them. The viral covers turned into an EP called ‘Nostalgia’ that I just released, and I continue to build my amaz- ing community through social media and live shows. I’ve really just begun. How would you describe your music? I would describe my music as an acoustic, moody, introspective style with a Latin twist, blending deep emotions with a modern edge. I write mostly in Spanglish, expressing various facets of my journey through vulnerability, in hopes of bringing healing to myself and anyone who hears my music. Being Latin, do you feel yourself fighting sometimes between deciding to sing in Span- ish or English? I have always battled with the different sides of who I am, feeling too much of one or not enough of the other. This is why I began singing and writ- ing in both languages, to create a space where I feel I belong. I write what feels natural to me, and while it can still create challenges, my music fully reflects the friction I experience in my dai- ly life as a Dominican-American. I’ve learned to embrace it because it reveals the beauty in who I am. You recently released an album, tell us about it… My latest EP, ‘Nostalgia,’ is a collection of cover songs that have served as mini milestones over the past year. I named it ‘Nostalgia’ because, as I watch my artistry grow in many ways, I sense that this time in my life and these songs will feel nostalgic for my community and me when we look back on how it all started. More than just going viral, these songs were staple songs on my TikTok lives. My community has grown with me, watching my journey unfold, so I wanted to create a monument to reflect this special time. In the future, when we hear this album, we’ll re- member the magic we created together—it’ll feel nostalgic. You recently also headlined your first show. What was that experience like for you? The show was pure magic. My first headline show was sold out, with people driving and fly- ing in from other states to sing, dance, and cry with me. I don’t think there’s anything better than that. What’s the dream for Jasmine? While I have big dreams of performing and touring around the world, selling out arenas, having my own clothing line, my own hair prod- ucts, and so much more, my greatest desire is to experience it all with gratitude, peace, and love every step of the way. In this industry, and in life, it’s easy to always want the next thing and to feel like we are lacking or missing out on something. I believe I am living the dream, and every day I work hard, dream bigger and experience more of that reality. What are some musical influences? One of my biggest artistic inspirations is Sele- na, along with artists like Billie Eilish, Rosalia, Sade, and Lauryn Hill. However, I didn’t grow up listening to a lot of music. One reason I start- ed singing covers was to expose myself to more music and artists. So, I’m still discovering my influences, and I’ve enjoyed hearing these inspi- rations come through in the music I’m making. 21