NY’s rising star, Jameella Jè, has just unveiled her latest release, “Ping Me For Location.” The empowering track embraces personal growth and self-love, as the lyrics unapologetically celebrate her achievements, highlighting the significance of self-appreciation. In our interview, the singer candidly expresses her desire for the song to deeply resonate with listeners, emphasizing the vital lesson that one’s self-worth determines how others value them.
“Ping Me For Location” reflects Jameella’s evolution, as she fearlessly explores her unique sound and paves a path that others may aspire to follow in the future. Even amidst the pressures and expectations that accompany recognition and fame, Jè stays true to her artistic identity and vision. She wholeheartedly welcomes change and continually refines her expression, showcasing her exceptional adaptability and passion for the craft.
Read the full interview below.
“Ping Me For Location” is an empowering single brimming with self-assurance, embracing the journey of personal growth and self-love. Could you enlighten us about the specific experiences or pivotal moments in your life that served as the driving force behind this track?
A pivotal moment that was the driving force behind this track was appearing on billboards in Times Square. It has always been a dream of mine to see my name in lights in my city and when that was accomplished it gave me the boost I needed.
The lyrics of “Ping Me For Location” convey your unapologetic acceptance of your accomplishments and your recognition of your own value. In what ways do you hope this song resonates with its listeners, inspiring them to love themselves and take pride in their success?
I hope my listeners understand that people will only value you as high as you value yourself. If you believe in yourself and exude confidence people have no choice but to follow suit and treat you with respect. I want my listeners to never minimize themselves to make others comfortable. If others can’t handle you, that’s their problem.
Your musical journey started as a way to find solace and heal after the loss of your father. How has your path evolved from recording covers and freestyles to creating your own original songs? How does “Ping Me For Location” reflect your growth as an artist?
My sound has evolved from emulating others through my covers to finding my own sound. When I was recording covers, I was trying to sound like the original artist as opposed to making it my own. But once I started diving into making my own music, I realized I had to create a lane that others would want to mimic one day. That would only come from channeling the type of artist I’d want to be recognized as. It wasn’t easy and even now I feel I’m still trying to solidify myself but I know my sound is my sound and my sound only.
You find inspiration in notable figures like Lauryn Hill, Michael Jackson, Meiway, Dada KD, Bob Marley, and Sade. How have their music influenced your creative process and the messages you strive to convey in your music?
These artists have impeccable world play and the gift of storytelling. I’ve definitely taken inspiration in their styles of writing to help with creating my own. I’m a fan of lyrics that make you think and these artists inspire me to write in ways that would make my listeners think and interpret a song in more ways than one.
The debut release in 2019 marked the start of an exciting journey, and now, with “Ping Me For Location,” you’re continuing to carve your own path. How do you handle the challenges and expectations that arise with growing recognition while remaining authentic to yourself and staying true to your artistic vision?
It’s definitely challenging to remain true to yourself and sound as an artist as time passes. But I’ve learned to embrace change and growth. If it means changing my hair, exploring a different genre or trying a new style of dressing to channel how I’m feeling as an artist at that time, I’m down and open to doing new things. I’ve learned that as an artist you must constantly evolve to become the best version of yourself. I no longer hold on to who I was when I began my journey. I’m rather embracing the new versions of myself as I continue on this journey.
As an artist who divides her time between New York, Los Angeles, and Ghana, how do these different locations and cultures influence your sound? Are there any specific aspects of each place that have had a significant impact on your artistic development?
New York contributes to the confident side of my music. It’s a part of the culture and almost every New Yorker walks with a strut, talks with pride and is unapologetically themselves. LA inspires the free spirited side of my music, the part that isn’t afraid to explore different sounds which mimics how free the LA culture is. Ghana is the root of my music from the instrumentations to the intricacies of melodies. Being of Ghanaian descent, traditional Ghanaian music was always a way to connect to my culture. All the elements combined result in the sound that is Jameella Jè.
Headlining shows for prominent television networks in Ghana and beyond has significantly enhanced your visibility. Could you share your experience performing for these networks and how it has contributed to your exposure?
Headlining for these networks has definitely made me a familiar face. Through those performances, many A-list artists have reached out to do collaborations, features and I have even ghost written for a few. It was satisfying and almost overwhelming to see people resonating with my music and engaging with me.
Listen to “Ping Me For Location” below:
