There’s a lot going on right now in the entertainment industry. While the news outlets, our friends and parents are acting surprised, many of us women are simply thinking, “Well, yea, didn’t you know?”
Didn’t you know that men use their power to manipulate women? Didn’t you know that almost all movies and TV shows depict strong male characters and subservient female ones? Didn’t you know that many rap songs and catchy pop tunes (throwback to ‘Blurred Lines’) reinforce rape behavior?
While many are excited about all the press and attention these scandals are getting, a lot of us are wondering, what now? What are all these Facebook statuses and tweets actually doing to change the dynamic?
Jadagrace, an 18-year-old music artist, is one of those people who isn’t talking about it, but working on it.
Already signed to Capitol Records, this rising star has been working with producers Rob Kleiner (Cee Lo Green, Britney Spears)and David Kahne (Kelly Clarkson, Lana Del Rey), to bring her own sound to mainstream audiences. And that sound is women empowerment and Motown.
“There’s something about this type of music that gives me the freedom to get kind of crazy, and to just be completely myself,” she says. “I definitely studied other artists and learned a lot from them, but at the end of the day I’m doing all this in my own way, and I’m so excited for everyone to hear that.”
More than just Motown, however, her music is inspiring a movement we haven’t seen in the entertainment industry.
#MyBodyMyRules is a girl power anthem, dedicated to elevating back women’s voices and choices.
“The idea of ‘My Rules’ is that I’m the one in power in the relationship,” says Jadagrace. “It’s saying, ‘I’m not going to let you pressure me—I’m going to do whateverI want to do.”
While it’s becoming a movement, it’s also the name of her latest single, “My Rules”.
Listen here before you go any further.
While you’re listening to the incredibly soulful music of Jadagrace, take a moment to read the interview Words of Women had with the rising star:
What’s your favorite part about being a woman?
My favorite part about being a woman is feeling powerful, confident, and sexy in my own skin. There is something about being a woman that makes me feel so strong. When I am with my girlfriends, I feel this energy as if we can take over the world, and achieve anything we want in life.
What’s the hardest part about being a woman?
The hardest part about being a woman is sometimes being viewed as an object or weak. Women have proved time and time again, that we may be genetically different, but we can do things as well as men can. We almost had a female president, it’s pretty clear that women have the strength, drive, and power to do absolutely anything.
What’s the hardest part about your job?
Pressure. There is pressure to be a role model and pressure to make music that everyone loves. But, I have learned over time that the only person putting pressure on me was me. I do not have to cater to other people’s wants. At the end of the day, it’s my music, my career, and my life. I will make music that comes from my heart, and I will try to help others and inspire people with it.
What made you want to be a singer?
I was working on Terminator, and I played a mute, so I had no lines to practice in my trailer. With my free time, I would sing and dance to musicals and movies that I loved. I knew then that music was becoming a passion of mine, and I wanted to pursue it.
Who or what inspires you most?
What inspires me most is the things I experience in my life. I have gone through a lot of pain, happiness, joy, and heartbreak. Allowing all of these different emotions inspire me to go after my dream makes me work even harder.
What is your favorite motto?
Always be the girl that gets back up.
What’s your favorite quality in a woman?
My favorite quality in a woman is confidence. Without confidence, women tend to let people walk all over them, and diminish their self-confidence and self-respect. Confidence means you know exactly who you are, and you will not look for anyone else’s acceptance.
What advice would you give to women in your industry?
Speak your mind, do not allow anyone to disrespect you, and know that you are beautiful, powerful, and strong.
Don’t forget to check out ‘My Rules’.
