Listen Up!!! - Study Long and You Study Wrong

Up early reflecting...I've been through so much in the name of love and trust...man...at times I wonder what did I do to make him/her do me like that...but I've learned that I have to first look within at my own choices...I 'm grateful for the things I've done and gained in life. I have always believed people will be people, we all have our crosses to bear and lessons to learn. Do I wish I could re-write some of my chapters; yes...but they are all my story...The good the bad and the ugly...

2017 has started a bit rocky for your girl, and my circumstances have forced me to look within and to my Lord and Savior for answers to things I may be doing wrong or that I should change in order to prepare myself for the next phase of my life.  I have taken pride in the fact that I don't abuse drugs or alcohol and I treat people with respect, I'm not a thief nor have i chosen a profession that i can not discuss with my children and I've never been to jail, etc.....  But, I had to admit to my children that I don't have all of the answers all the time, and I am not superhuman.  I have tried to tailor my parenting and my adult life after the woman I admired my whole life; my Mom. She made it all seem so easy. Even though she worked two jobs we never seemed to go without and we were given most of what we wanted.  She never told us some of the struggles she faced and it was never apparent to us that she was struggling just like most single parents out there... Now that she has passed away and I am  "all grown up" it wasn't until one week ago today, that I finally understood that Mom's are human and we make mistakes. Often times we endure relationships or situations that are not the best for us thinking it's best for the children. I for one have made choices considering the welfare of my children over my own, not realizing at the time, I had options.

My point today is when faced with making decisions we always have options and our choices determine the road we travel to our pre-determined destination.  It's like that saying..."You take the high road and I take the low road..." I'm finding today that my choices need to change in order to take care of my priorities and to meet my goals.  

Anyway, these words were on my heart to share with you.... "Treat people (especially the ones you love) as you would want to be treated!!" 

Thank you for your love and support!!


Visit My Website:  http://jaynablackwell.webs.com/ Listen Like and Share this music!!  https://www.reverbnation.com/jaynablackwell

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TCOB - Take Care of (your) business - We can all eat

About a week or so ago, while I was headed into the store, I met a hip-hop artist who was selling his CD's. He seemed so proud of his work and he even offered to have me to play his CD before I bought it. Now, me because I am an artist myself, I try and support when I can, so while I was listening I asked him if  he produced his own music "Yes" and he wrote his own raps "Yes" so, then I asked the one question that is more important than all of that... "Are you a registered artist and have you taken the steps to copyright your name and work?"  You already know his answer was a big ole fat "NO" So, I asked him, tell me what do you want to do with your music? Do you want to be a star?   His answer "yes" I also learned he has videos on youtube, he wants to sell his beats, he has a ton of songs on Soundcloud, etc. etc. I gave him $5 for his work, a copy of my CD, and made him promise me he would take the necessary steps to legitimize his music career.   I told him if it's one thing that stands out the most since I started on this musical journey is this "Take Care of your Business"  You can't expect to get paid, played or even heard outside of your community without it!!

I guess while I was in the store, he, looked my information up.... he went on to say Is this really you?" Me: yes, of course... "I love your music!"  Me: "Bless Your heart"...LMBO

Today, the young artist sent me an e-mail with his information. He took my advise, and that made my day!!  If only more artists would support one another, there was time when we all had to learn this business.  I know I am still learning, but I will not hesitate to share what I do know, if I can.

Anyway, there's room at the table to eat, as long as you bring your head along with you.

Visit My Website:  http://jaynablackwell.webs.com/ 
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It Feels So Good - My Mind Won't Let Go (That Good Good)

Ok, yeah, I know..."What is she thinking" you might ask, well, get your mind out of the gutter, cuz it's not that (at least not right now, but it is raining...LOL...anyway). Last night as I was talking over some future plans for events and what not with my team, It dawned on me, that some of my goals are actually at my fingertips and things I used to secretly hope for are on the horizon.  "Are you "really" Ready for this" are the words I remember asking myself before I passed out with my laptop on my bed. Well, my initial off the cuff answer was, yes, of course I am, I mean I've been at this for a long time, and I have my to do list and I'm checking things off the list daily and I'm Ready. But, today, I chose to look at myself in the mirror and yell every negative thing about myself I've heard people say..."She too this or she's too that...Who does she think she is...Why does she think she's different...blah, blah blah" ...And as the tears started to form, I told myself that is what I need to prepare myself for... You see, I have accepted myself, my art, my image, my heart... And most of all, my Voice, for what it is...There is a reason for all of this... So, me and the woman in the mirror had a "light bulb" moment and I can honestly say...:It Feels Good" Even though my mind won't let go of those things, "that" is the Good-good, it is what pushes me to do it, it's my motivation. You see me holding that mic with my eyes closed, that feeling, is the good-good, the fact that I can stand before an audience and sing in my own voice, on my own terms in my own lane is the GOOD GOOD..

I just spoke with a friend I haven't seen in quite a few years and he said something I thought was profound coming from him..."I am proud of you"  I asked why and he said  "Because you are finally walking in your purpose"... "Remember all those times I said you should sing Jayna?"...and now look at you"...That my friends blew me away, because that is what I feel as well...anyway, dry your weepy eyes, put your hand on your hip and let your back bone slip (you know the rest...LOL)... In the words of one of my dearest friends... "Rock Yo Lyfe!!"

Thank you for your love and support!!


Visit My Website:  http://jaynablackwell.webs.com/ Listen Like and Share this music!!  https://www.reverbnation.com/jaynablackwell

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I just Gotta Be Me - No Crystal Stair

I was raised in church.  For most of my childhood, my life revolved around school, chores and church. With church came singing and the choir is where I spent most of my days.  So, a lot of my childhood memories have to do with church in some kind of way.  I remember my pastor saying once you make your mind up, the enemy goes to work on ya. It stuck with me, but I never fully understood it until I decided to become a Professional Singer/Recording Artist.

I remember once I was hanging out with friends at a karaoke club (back in the day) and after I sang I overheard someone say she's a "Big Girl" She's way too tall"... I learned later that person was an A&R rep for a very well known label.... So, of course the comments stuck in my head and when I started auditioning they would find themselves on repeat in my mind and are part of the reason for my late bloom (if you will) in the industry.  However, That thing we call "purpose" and "destiny" kept putting me in these places and opportunities were all around me..and so, one day (after some serious prayer) I stepped out on faith and went for it... Realizing, there are things I can't change, some I needed to work on, and well, I simply live and love to sing.  The most exciting thing about performing for me, is soundcheck; as the drummer is getting that right sound, it's the boom, boom, boom that gets my adrenaline racing, and at that moment I'm ready!!

My journey to reaching my goals in music has not been without its share of challenges!! If there was a movie made I'm sure it would be called something like "The Little Engine That Could" Cuz BABY believe me when I tell you I'm climbing that hill...I almost ran out of steam but I'm still pushing. For those that remain true and in my corner I truly appreciate you and as sure as there is breath in my body I promise to remain true to you. If you know me know me then you already know what it is...couldn't do it without you...seriously though

Thank you for your continued love and support...

Visit My Website:  http://jaynablackwell.webs.com/ Listen Like and Share this music!!  https://www.reverbnation.com/jaynablackwell

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Hold Up Wait a Minute - The Magic Carpet Ride has begun

Today is Superbowl Sunday 2017 and although most of you are preparing to watch the game and having parties, I am working....doing now what I have to do to get what I want later...perhaps, but nevertheless, I'm working putting together ideas and puzzle pieces for a series of  events centered around a big announcement that I've been trying to hold back from leaking too much information about.  If you know me then you know holding back exciting news is hard for your girl, but everything has its time and place. Just like The Carter's strategic announcement of their twin expectancy and the Beehive's fantabulous (yes, that;s a word...I think) Superbowl performance and media blitz of 2016, my news may not quite compare but, the fact that this is happening to me at this time in my life is astronomical.

Anyway, Like you may already know, I have supported many SF/Bay Area artists in their rise to local and even national stardom; by singing background or ghost vocals, helping promote and support their performances and even assisting with negotiating contracts.  As I'm typing, I'm remembering times I've taken a financial loss and even took the stage pregnant and sick with the flu all in the name of music and showbiz. Those closest to me would often ask why are you doing this...My answer, it makes me tick, I love it, and If the shoe were on the other foot, I know they would do it for me...I have done what I can to show my love to my musical friends and colleagues throughout my career.  I am proud of my unselfish stance on supporting the Bay Area's music scene (especially Oakland) and promoting the bay along this journey.  As I prepare myself to transition to another platform, I will continue to do my part in supporting my friends and the Bay as much as I can, simply because that is what's in my heart to do....But I digress...

Just like many artists that I can name, I've performed on stages I've dreamed about, I've been honored with a few awards and I've met and even worked with some people I consider famous and had some songs played on the radio.  While those things are great additions to my resume, the biggest thing this music has given me is the lifelong friendships with those I've met along the way and the memories we've created and shared.  My family, my friends and fans all over the world (never thought I would be able to say that) are a huge part of why I do what I do... So, if you are with me, climb aboard, hold on cause this magic carpet ride is headed to "some places".

Thank you for your continued love and support...

Visit My Website:  http://jaynablackwell.webs.com/ 
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Got Me in My Feelings - The Very First Time I

Got Me in My Feelings - The Very First Time I.... Fronted my own band was with Thrilltrain. Fronting a band was for me a dream come true. But. with everything else in my life at the time, It did not come easy.  Let's see, I started out singing professionally singing background and then I found myself without a gig one NYE (which was rare) and I decided to do a little soul searching; making a list of what I wanted to do musically and so I forced myself to post an ad on Craigslist... "Soulful RnB Vocalist seeking"  I answered a few responses and booked auditions.  I was soooo excited.

My first audition did not go well, I was prepared, I thought I looked the part, I was READY...But, I was denied an opportunity to even sing and was told I did not have the right "look" ...So, my ego and I went home.  Even though I had another audition booked the following day, I made up an excuse and cancelled.  The following week, I got an email..."Hey Soulful R&B singer, we are meeting on Tuesday if you wanting to come on out...so I went in...and well "Thrilltrain was formed"

The guys of Thrilltrain; Emby, Mike, Dave, Eric and Dan had me singing some of everything. They gave me a chance and I eagerly welcomed the opportunity to learn.  My experiences with Thrilltrain gave me the confidence to be "Jayna" on stage...I developed my voice and my own lane....I will never forget those times...The clubs, the bars, the weddings, the birthday parties, the rehearsals....through pregnancy, fatigue, issues and even the flu...they were all great memories,,,Hah even when I thought I totally messed up, they always supported and encouraged me...I found us on an old site... http://bookaband.com/band/Thrilltrain

Wow...humble beginnings... My take aways are work on your craft ( we had a steady rehearsal night once a week whether we had a gig or not) try it you just might like it...and most importantly let's have some fun...LOL

Visit My Website:  http://jaynablackwell.webs.com/ 
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