Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Jade.
Rebecca, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I came from a musical family and was exposed to music at a very young age. I’ve been singing my whole life just as a hobby, but once I came home from college, I considered it as a profession with the help and encouragement of my family and mentors. The first real mentor I had (after my mom) was Kamau Kenyatta, he is the person I attribute to helping me get my career in music started. I will always be forever grateful for him and all he taught me and the work ethic he instilled in me from the very beginning.
I then decided to go back to school to study music and had Derek Cannon, one of my bandmates who was also a professor in the music department at Grossmont College, be one of the best teachers from which I also had a chance to learn. We were able to apply while on gigs together what I was learning in class. He was always an open book, willing to teach me music anytime I had questions.
Kevin Flournoy is another mentor and someone who I still talk to and glean advice. One should never stop learning, no matter what your level of expertise.
I had gotten to the point where I was performing almost every night in town, but got my first “break” a few years ago by doing a couple of cruise gigs, which eventually led to me meeting and touring with the Queen of Percussion, Sheila E. I’ve been with her and her band for two years.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road per se, but I do feel very fortunate to have had a pretty positive story along the way overall. One of the big struggles early on was when the financial crisis hit in 2008 and lots of gigs became scarce. Almost everyone took a hit, and if companies and restaurants have to cut budgets to make ends meet, music and hiring bands, entertainment, etc. was most likely going to be on the top of the list. I wasn’t gigging much and my husband’s job was also cutting back hours. We had to do what we could, so he and I picked up odd jobs to make ends meet… But we made it through!
Other struggles came from pushing myself to grow within my craft and wanting to learn, like when I decided to start my own band. It was about 2009. That was such a big step for me and very challenging. But I learn so much about myself and about how to juggle different personalities. It really was a challenge that I’m glad I took on.
Another challenge was delving into the music scene with original music or original arrangements of covers. That is a slow and methodical process that I am still learning. I have been fortunate enough to be able to release four albums. With digital media having taken over, adapting to promoting online has been a huge challenge, but we have to be willing to adapt or prepare to get lost in the shuffle. I am always learning and trying to figure out how to tackle this online, social media world that has taken over, and I’m finding out there is a method to this madness.
Please tell us more about your work. What else should we know?
I specialize in music and entertainment, both locally and all over the world. I sing many different styles of music, from jazz to pop, Top 40, soul, blues, Latin/Brazilian, rock, etc… I can provide entertainment from as small a configuration as myself with tracks, or with either a keyboard player or guitarist, all the way up to a big band with a full rhythm section and horns and percussion. I also have a show that is all original music, or it can be a mix of both covers and original songs. I have also done a Sade Tribute, as well as a Ladies of Soul Tribute show, featuring classic tunes from artists like Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack and Chaka Khan.
What I am most proud of is also what sets up apart from many others: we can provide entertainment to fit just about any need or style of music desired for any venue or special event.
One notable mention: I am part of a group called Rebecca Jade and the Cold Fact, and we are releasing a new original song every month starting this week. Be on the lookout for the singles! We are also playing Bottlerock Music Festival in Napa Valley this weekend.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the weather, I love the people. San Diegans have been super supportive of my band and me in this musical venture.
Something we can improve upon in our city is the homeless population. It’s gotten so much worse in the past five years or so, it’s really become an epidemic. We need to help our fellow brothers and sisters.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.RebeccaJade.com
- Email: rebecca@rebeccajade.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/ladyrebeccajade
- Facebook: facebook.com/ladyrebeccajade
- Twitter: twitter.com/ladyrebeccajade
- Other: www.youtube.com/rebeccajademusic
Image Credit:
Brent Haywood, Jon Naugle, Ron Morales, Jessy Parr, Jay Reilly
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
