Manila, Philippines — Pause that playlist, because your sad girl hour is rescheduled. Meet Janelle Amanda Loyola Avanzado, better known as Jayda, a vibrant pop artist and actress, ready to turn your emotions into bedroom anthems.
Early Influences and Musical Roots
From an early age, Jayda was deeply immersed in the vibrant world of performance and creativity, all thanks to her upbringing. Growing up, she was a "tour baby," accompanying her parents on their musical tours across the United States after their migration. This unique experience allowed her to meet diverse people and develop a deep-rooted passion for music.
Reflecting on her childhood, Jayda recalls a pivotal moment when she was just four years old. Eager to perform, she misheard her parents and ran on stage during their show, showcasing her extroverted nature and lack of stage fright. She funnily reminisces on that moment, "I didn't have inhibitions... wala akong hiya." This early exposure to performance solidified her desire to pursue a career in music knowing in her heart she was meant for it. By the age of nine, Jayda had already requested a birthday concert instead of a traditional party, marking a significant turning point in her artistic journey.
Inspos
Jayda’s musical influences are as varied as her experiences. She vividly remembers being captivated by the soundtrack of the musical Dreamgirls, featuring notable artists like Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson. Additionally, three albums stand out as transformative in her life: Teenage Dream by Katy Perry, which represented the essence of pop stardom; 1989 by Taylor Swift, which solidified her interest in synth-pop; and Multiply by Ed Sheeran, which inspired her to embrace organic songwriting.
Describing her style of music, the it-girl asserts, "I am unapologetically pop." She embraces the diversity within the genre, particularly enjoying synth-pop and singer-songwriter pop. For her, storytelling is essential, and she aims to create music that is "anthemic" and "purposeful” for all the girls and boys going through similar challenges, or those that resonate with her music just for the ‘senti-hours’.
The Process
When it comes to songwriting, Jayda takes an organic approach. She prefers to start with genuine emotions and personal experiences, believing that "the best ideas always come from real and raw emotion." Her process often begins with brainstorming keywords related to a specific feeling or concept, followed by collaborative discussions to flesh out the lyrics.
Jayda also emphasizes the importance of music production in her creative process, stating, "I like to look for references... and put it all together to create something original." While she enjoys writing for herself, she is equally passionate about creating music that others can relate to, aiming to be "a vessel for people to be able to relate to and connect with."
Balancing creative freedom with the business aspects of the music industry presents its challenges. Jayda acknowledges the necessity of marketing herself in a saturated market, finding ways to connect with a broader audience while maintaining her artistic integrity. She understands that social media plays a pivotal role in this process, allowing her to share her work with more people than ever before.
Going Through It
Jayda reflects on the challenges of navigating her career in the modern music landscape. She recognizes the pressure of public perception and the inevitability of comparisons with other artists. However, she takes these comparisons in stride, focusing on her own journey and the unique contributions she brings to the table. "I just take it as this is all part of the journey," she notes, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance.
One of her most rewarding experiences has been the release of her debut album, Sad Girl Hours, under UMG Philippines. This album symbolizes her growth as an artist and her commitment to prioritizing her music. She describes it as "a turning point album," representing her artistic evolution. Additionally, performing at the Mall of Asia Arena for Niall Horan's concert was a dream come true for the little Directioner in her, allowing her to connect with fans on a personal level.
Looking ahead, Jayda is eager to explore new musical avenues. She aims to delve into different genres, including pop rock and dance pop, while remaining open to collaborations that push her creative boundaries. Her desire to tour and connect with audiences further underscores her passion for music and performance.
Looking Into Uncertainties
As Jayda reflects on her journey, she embraces the beauty of uncertainty. While she dreams of reaching new heights in her career, she understands that the path may be unpredictable. "There's really no way but up," she asserts, highlighting her optimistic outlook.
Ultimately, Jayda’s message with Sad Girl Hours is one of hope and healing. She encourages listeners to find beauty in their struggles, emphasizing that even in difficult times, "there's still beauty in that because... when you've hit rock bottom, there's really no way but up." For Jayda, success is measured not just by numbers but by the impact her music has on others, making every note and lyric a piece of her heart shared with the world.
As she continues to evolve as an artist, Jayda remains dedicated to her creative vision, promising new music and projects that reflect her growth and passion for storytelling through song.
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