Music is Life and Life is Music!!: Shining Bright Like a Diamond: Dusting myself off ...

Music is Life and Life is Music!!: Shining Bright Like a Diamond: Dusting myself off ...:   Yesterday I took a giant leap of faith and officially launched my own Record Label; Diamond Jay Entertainment, and signed myself as the fi...

Shining Bright Like a Diamond: Dusting myself off and trying again

 

Yesterday I took a giant leap of faith and officially launched my own Record Label; Diamond Jay Entertainment, and signed myself as the first artist. For several years, I have held onto that 'maybe one-day" mindset that held me back for reasons I was afraid to admit to myself... I wanted so much to follow-through with what I had started with another label...Inspite of all the turmoil in my life before and during the label and recording situationship, it became my escape and I truly had some things to proove, but when I had to walk away, I had to re-focus on what I was really doing and where I want to go musically on my own.  

A few years ago, out of emotions and feelings I started working on the Business-Plan and spent money and time into DJE but never launched it...Funny thing my niece of @Queenworkx inspired me to just do it..."you never know TT"...ssssso here I am...out here on this limb.

During a recent radio interview I was asked about the story behind the songs....that my friend is a book...those tracks are merely a chapter in this story...OKAY...LOL

As we officially begin the DJE chapter(s) hold on baby...cuz this too is truly a dream come true!!! In the end I want it to be said that I did exactly what I said I would.

Thank you so much for rocking with me through this here music journey... I am super excited about what we are working on next. Your love and support keeps me motivated....

Music is Life!!

Could-a...Would-a...Should-a: The First But Not The Last - Putting The Excuse Head Game To Rest

 

Hey Now!!! Yes, I know, It's been a loooong time since I've posted.  So long, I thought today, I need to get back to my roots...LOL  I have been working on my music (promoting behind the scenes) amd doing the grown-up stuff that pays the bills, you know, that four-letter word...WORK...LOL

But this memory popped-up on Facebook and it took me back to when I first started recording music and how I secretly doubted I'd ever get any radio play, fans or recognition... we started at zero followers/likes/shares/subscribers, etc...Now we are doing unbelievable numbers and I couldn't be more grateful and excited about the seemingly endless possibilities

This video is the behind-the-scenes of the filming of my very first professional video for my single "Tune Setting". For me it represents so much growth and passion, it's hard to put into words my feelings at that precise moment, but I knew it was a big check mark off of my music-to-do-list we created about 5 years ago or so.  At the time I was secretly full of doubt, but didn't want to let my team down. I remember thinking how are we going to do this, for real??  

A BIG step for us...One time...We sat down with a radio presenter/influencer/promoter friend and he seemed hopeful that with the right amount of money we could influence DJ's/program directors to take a chance.  (my first pay-to-play lesson) I remember, there was some wining and dining and then a coveted DJ mixer invitation which was like an unveiling of new music if you will, somehow, in a room full of Hip-Hop DJ's/radio personalities/artists/producers/etc...yours truly's R&B track was being strategically played in the background....as I kinda shrunk in the corner and observed.  Then the artist showcase began and I nervously stood in front of the group as the event host told the now curious audience a little about me and the writer of the track and then he handed the mic to me and I nervously described "Can't Get on My Base" and for the first time ever the end of that song could not come fast enough, it was hard for me to look out into the audience to see their reaction, because I truly felt like a fish out of water that night.  But once the track stopped I looked out for the first time and actually saw everyone clapping and whistling...People were coming up asking for my contact information and to make sure they received the track to play.  A few weeks later DJ Mind Motion played it on Chuy Gomez's station and it stayed in rotation for a while there and a few other Cali stations...This, was my first radio experience ever and just like in the movies and my dreams it was one of those moments I'll never forget.

Throughout the past few years there have been many other firsts for me musically...Magazine articles, Placing on the DRT, hitting the BBC, Winning an award in the UK, Indie magazine articles, Indie music charts, and so much more... All of this to simply say, I never wanted to look back on myself musically and think...I wonder what could-a, would-a or should-a happened if I would have followed my dreams...So I took the plunge.  There are many reason why I still continue to push myself in-spite of many obstacles, the main one though is I just wanted to finish what I started and get to the end of that list of goals...

Thanks to your continued love and support, we are almost there..and...until that day....we are still dreaming and adding a few more firsts and check-marks to the list.

THANK YOU!!!

Like I ALWAYS say...Life is too short and tomorrow is not promised, make sure the ones you love know that you know that they are loved.

Thank you for your continued love and support...
Don't forget to Share!! Peace n Blessings!!!

Check me out on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiCYv_SI_UyR0MK95MlCQBQ

Follow Me on Twitter/SC/IG/FB @Jaynasings2

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Mirror Mirror on the Wall Who's the Fairest of Them All: The Fakery is Real Ya Dig?

Transparency is what most of us want in dealing with others; no matter the situation, you expect people's intentions to be as clear as possible. But, in actuality most people are far from transparent even as they see their own reflection in the mirror.... That reflection just might not be the image others see......Oh Jayna don't be so cynical...you might say...Or, that sounds like some emotional BS...LOL...maybe so, but wouldn't it be great if people told you their true intentions and their true selves upon introduction,,Like..How you doing...My name is Jayna...and I don't like liver or I really hate sharing my toys...My biggest pet peeve is people that lie all the time, as if telling the truth is so hard...ughhh...I consider liers an insult to my intelligence, especially when my gut tells me otherwise.  Nevertheless...I guess it's like my Granny would always say "...some people"  For me though, I try to be as transparent as possible in relationships/situations because I know what being lied to or taken advantage of feels like....Ya dig?

There was a time in college (Pre-google..I think) when I was a victim of a crime, A man I was dating was living on campus under an assumed identity.. It wasn't until after he had disappeared, that I learned the whole story from the campus police and Bank of America...It was all laid before me..because they thought I was involved... And I was, needless to say, devastated, embarrassed, hurt, mad...blah, blah, blah   He presented himself in such a manner that he had EVERYONE fooled.

Then there was the time..When I found out my first adult boyfriend (I was only 16..but I thought I was grown), the first guy I said the three most mis-used words on the planet to..."I Love You"   was indeed married.  OMG...get this, His wife happened to get her hair done at a well-known beauty shop and well, after her appointment one day he went inside to pay and, well...my friend told me...I was a side-chick and didn't even know it...what a sad situation...which could have all been avoided If I had known he was married.

There's more, but hey, we all have our own stories to tell or...NOT

I'm saying all of this to simply say..... These days it truly behooves us to do our homework before allowing others to enter our safety zone...  If when dealing with someone if the same things have continuously happened to others in their path...that...might be a little suspect...IJS

I used to consider giving people the benefit of the doubt..something to be proud of.or that there are more good people in this world than bad...but baby when you are met with a bad apple or two, you start loosing hope in people...period.

There's an analogy here somewhere,which I'll probably think of later, but right now...I'm processing this flow...

I'll be the first to admit, I've been known to be too trusting at times in the truest sense of it all....or, like someone else said "you are too nice".....But hey, we all have our shortcomings...Mine usually involve this old heart of mine that I just can't seem to stop wearing on my sleeve.

LOL...It's funny how you can tell someone has been through something...because they start speaking philosophically as if they've instantly become PhD's in Situationships and Relationships...LMBO Oh, but I digress

So, where do we go from here?  "All that I can say...Do do do do do do doooooo" LMBO Keep it pushing, stay focused and just be the best you, you know how to be...I still believe love conquers all.

That's my two cents...

Like I ALWAYS say...Life is too short and tomorrow is not promised, make sure the ones you love know that you know that they are loved.

Thank you for your continued love and support...

For updates and other news, check me out at C-TownRecords and also Reverbnation.

Your love and support is what drives me and that support for artists like me comes in many ways:

DOWNLOAD: If you like it, buy it. For less than a cup of coffee/pack of gum/bottle of water - get my new single "That's My Song" https://itunes.apple.com/…/thats-my-song-feat…/id1260382849…

STREAM: Add me to your Playlists (Spotify/Pandora/Tidal) https://open.spotify.com/artist/3M06iWxDM54IajGR6sHg25

REVIEW: If you like it leave a comment

REQUEST: Call/email/visit the website of your local Radio Stations and request "That's My Song Ft. Ken'Yaun by Jayna Blackwell

Don't forget to Share!! Peace n Blessings!!!

Follow Me on Twitter/SC/IG/FB @Jaynasings2
Ctownrecords.com

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A House Is Not a Home: Where Are My Keys?

One of my favorite Luther Vandross Songs is "A House is Not a Home".  There's this metaphoric presentation of the word "House" which is not necessarily talking about 4 walls or a place to lay your head. And, there's no denying Luther's voice just puts you in that frame of mind of wanting a love that makes the house a home. Not just someone to love, but someone to love you back for all the right reasons; not the superficial ones.

Which brings me to this burning question, how do we find the keys to a happy loving home? I mean social media will have you so messed up looking for answers...everyone claims to have the keys...I see videos of men bashing men, /women bashing men, men bashing women and women bashing women all for likes and follows...No one is who they claim to be..The simple question "Are you single?" which to me only has one of two answers,,,yes or no, seems to now have all kinds of grey areas...LOL  Just tonight I was talking with a friend and he worries about going into his 40's without a woman on his arms.  But he also shared that he spent some time hurting woman on purpose because failed relationships in his past hurt him badly. Sadly, he's not the only one I've heard this from...

Whenever I see posts from people celebrating anniversaries or just acknowledging their significant others I always wonder how did they find their keys? You know the keys to open up your house to make it a home....

While I'm not going to claim that I have the keys (otherwise I probably would have written a book...) I do know what keys do not fit my locks (cuz I tried to wiggle them all kinds of ways and they just did not fit).  I'm thinking that I may have stumbled upon one of the keys:

Learn from your mistakes ( in this context...know what keys do not fit the lock). Those mistakes had to be made in order to get to the right one...the right key.

OK, so  maybe the real key is knowing that none of the keys fit at first...when the right one comes along, It just might have to be filed down just a little in the right places to make it ready to fit the lock.

That's my two cents from the hopeless romantic a few days before "V" day...

Like I ALWAYS say...Life is too short and tomorrow is not promised, make sure the ones you love know that you know that they are loved.

Thank you for your continued love and support...

For updates and other news, check me out at C-TownRecords and also Reverbnation.

Your love and support is what drives me and that support for artists like me comes in many ways:

DOWNLOAD: If you like it, buy it. For less than a cup of coffee/pack of gum/bottle of water - get my new single "That's My Song" https://itunes.apple.com/…/thats-my-song-feat…/id1260382849…

STREAM: Add me to your Playlists (Spotify/Pandora/Tidal) https://open.spotify.com/artist/3M06iWxDM54IajGR6sHg25

REVIEW: If you like it leave a comment

REQUEST: Call/email/visit the website of your local Radio Stations and request "That's My Song Ft. Ken'Yaun by Jayna Blackwell

Don't forget to Share!! Peace n Blessings!!!

Follow Me on Twitter/SC/IG/FB @Jaynasings2
Ctownrecords.com

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Take My Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6SDTGMX

Do You Love What You Feel?: Don't Wait Up For The Change Up!!

My Thoughts on a Wednesday...

What drives you, gets you out of bed, are your reasons for doing what you do? Is it the cliche' "paper chase"? Is it Love or a Fantasy? Tonight I was asking myself that same thing...after receiving some news..."What am I doing this for?" Is it for fame and fortune? While music has been a part of my life since (and even before) I can remember,  it was something that was mine...it was personal.  It wasn't until I was literally drug into a studio that I realized this thing is meant to be...now, I have to constantly remind myself the reason why I walked through those doors in the first place...it was simply because of Love...with no expectations other than Love returned.

Can you say that you love your dream so much that you'd go out on a limb for it....or...step out on faith for it?   So in the name of Love..I believed, I sacrificed, I allowed myself to fall in love...say what you will, I did all of that.  Today though for some the definitions of love have changed and are different...but for me it's still the same....LOVE...

This love affair (if you will) with music has added a bunch of words to my musical resume like magazines, radio airplay, interviews, blogs, playlists, charts, videos, photo shoots, fans, stats blah blah blah...all new to me ( in some sense) but a blessing nonetheless because my reward has been love...what I give and what I receive

It is with that Love in mind that I keep pushing and keep striving to meet all of my goals because my motive has not changed from Day One...

Now Don't wait up for the change up...cuz baby...there's too much of that going around for the kid...there have been too many years and tears for me to try and change now...

Thank you for your love and support...We have a lot more work to do!!

For updates and other news, check me out at C-TownRecords and also Reverbnation.

Your love and support is what drives me and that support for artists like me comes in many ways:

DOWNLOAD: If you like it, buy it. For less than a cup of coffee/pack of gum/bottle of water - get my new single "That's My Song" https://itunes.apple.com/…/thats-my-song-feat…/id1260382849…

STREAM: Add me to your Playlists (Spotify/Pandora/Tidal) https://open.spotify.com/artist/3M06iWxDM54IajGR6sHg25

REVIEW: If you like it leave a comment

REQUEST: Call/email/visit the website of your local Radio Stations and request "That's My Song Ft. Ken'Yaun by Jayna Blackwell

Don't forget to Share!! Peace n Blessings!!!

Follow Me on Twitter/SC/IG/FB @Jaynasings2
Ctownrecords.com

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Take My Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6SDTGMX

Relax Relate Release: Learning your triggers can set you free!!

So once again, It's been a minute since I've written, but I thought I had a good excuse...I've been busy dealing with life and juggling a new job and trying my best not to neglect my music.  But then yeseterday it dawned on me...these entries are my story, my life and there just has to be time to share it...so, I usually think long and hard about what to share...on today though..I just don't know where to start, there's just sooooo much....

I'm excited about each new thing happening with my career and as I get closer and closer to accomplishing more goals, It's clear to me now more than ever...EVERYTHING happens for a reason and more times than not, when things do happen they do not end-up how we thought they would...that..my friends is simply because "we" are not in control.  If I didn't learn anything in 2017, I learned how to identify when enough is enough and to understand there are triggers to behaviors that can cause you to question your own abilities, sanity, and emotions when it comes to dealing with feeling out of control. For me those triggers seem to be centered around people who do and say things that seem to question my worth, loyalty, intentions and integrity.  You know that saying "You can't change anyone you can only change how you react to them"...Or something like that...LOL

Well, let me tell you, a whole lot of changes have been made with your girl.  I had to take a couple "Ls" and if that wasn't enough..for some strange reason, I felt as If I needed to blame myself for the things that were happening to me.  Anyway, I share a lot with those that connect with me, but there are some VERY personal matters that I hold inside (we all do) that if I were to say them out loud would make me feel too transparent and all vulnerable and things..While I'm not ready to air-out the specifics of my dirty laundry...I will say that I am no longer holding myself accountable for things I cannot control...

Anyway, My daughter recently came home for a quick visit and somehow we got on the topic of relationships and she was seeking my advice, but as she poured out her heart to me, she was explaining the very same issues I was dealing with that I was too embarrassed to put a voice to.  As she was talking, it took every ounce of strength not to break down right in front of her (but to do that would mean that I hadn't left that mess in 2017)...I have experienced some things, I thought I would never have to go through.....But the last 4 years or so, changed all of that.  Anyway, I realized at that moment...we go through things...but often times the things we experience can help someone else to not have to go down that road (if you will)....So, well I opened uppppp to her that night...I felt like it was important for her to hear that there is life after all of that stuff and her,my own or any one's happiness/self worth DOES NOT live in the hands/actions of others...we each hold that responsibility to discover that wihin ourself...Thus...everything happens for a reason.

The morning following my "purge" if you will, I realized that we must weather the storm to see that rainbow waiting on the other side...once we understand the reason for the storm is to live, learn and lend our life...Yesssss!!!~!

Relax, Relate...and Release!!!

For updates and other news, check me out at C-TownRecords and also Reverbnation.

Your love and support is what drives me and that support for artists like me comes in many ways:

DOWNLOAD: If you like it, buy it. For less than a cup of coffee/pack of gum/bottle of water - get my new single "That's My Song" https://itunes.apple.com/…/thats-my-song-feat…/id1260382849…

STREAM: Add me to your Playlists (Spotify/Pandora/Tidal) https://open.spotify.com/artist/3M06iWxDM54IajGR6sHg25

REVIEW: If you like it leave a comment

REQUEST: Call/email/visit the website of your local Radio Stations and request "That's My Song Ft. Ken'Yaun by Jayna Blackwell

Don't forget to Share!! Peace n Blessings!!!

Follow Me on Twitter/SC/IG/FB   @Jaynasings2

Ctownrecords.com

ASCAP: #4274530

Take My Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6SDTGMX