Jaida was born in Canton, Ohio. Her passion for singing and songwriting came at a very early age, writing her first song in third grade.
Jaida wrote “F*** love” in 2017, and soon after, recorded it with her Uncle, Producer Thr3efourteen. In 2019 her great uncle, Jazz Artist, “Jimmy B” Baber introduced her to the Houston, Texas production team consisting of Eddie Ferguson Jr, Telford “Jaytel” Birmingham II. Jaida collaborated with this Houston team to finish her debut single, “Liquid.”
In addition to influences from her own musically talented family members, some of Jaida’s musical influences are; Alicia keys, H.E.R & Chris Brown.
StarCentral Magazine recently caught up with Jaida to discuss her journey in the entertainment industry and here’s what went down:
How did you get started in the music industry? How were you actually ‘discovered’?
Music has always been a part of me, but I got serious about a life in the music industry around 2 years ago. I was discovered by Billboard Jazz recording artist Jimmy B, who then introduced me to producer Eddie Ferguson and Jaytel Bethaford.
What do you like most about singing?
The thing I like most about singing is the songwriting process. Being able to create something off of a single concept and watch it grow and expand into something great. That is what I like the most.
Can you tell us about your upcoming debut single Liquid?
‘Liquid’ is a really fun, relatable, song about being in love. It’s about that feeling when you are so into someone, your body feels like liquid when they’re close. The effect they have on you when you just wanna melt, you know?
What sort of person is going to love this single?
I think anyone who’s ever been in love, of any age group, would love this single. It’s something everyone can relate to. I just feel like it’s a light, happy, love song that stays with you, and you’ll be singing it all day.
What inspires you to be creative?
To be honest, I am most creative when I am in the middle of the feeling. When I’m heartbroken, feeling frustrated, or even in love, I just feel like I need to get it out on paper. It’s like, the only way I can get through what I’m feeling is to write it down, or it will explode inside of me. I’m hoping that when people listen to my music, it can be a way for them to see that someone out there understands what they are going through, and they can use my music to express what they are feeling.
Is there anything special that you do to get into a creative mindset?
When it comes to getting into a creative mindset, I don’t have a ritual that I follow step by step. I really just take what I’m feeling and multiply it by 100. Sometimes, I take what someone else is feeling and try to put myself in their shoes. Once I do that, the emotion just takes over from there.
What message, if any, do you try to put into your work?
My message will always be ‘I get it, I know what you’re going through.’ I also try to make sure everyone knows they are worth something and they deserve to be treated accordingly. If you are not being treated that way, then it’s time to move on. As well as keeping emotions raw and real when it comes to being hurt. I know oftentimes we feel too tough to say the truth and that’s okay because you can just turn on some music and they can sing your feelings for you.
What has been the most memorable experience of your career so far?
Seeing as my career has only just begun, I would say the most memorable experience so far is just connecting and growing with my team. Working with my producers, Eddie & Jaytell, has been great. We all just click together perfectly. Being able to experience that and work to make my ideas come to life with guys that I look at like brothers is an experience to remember.
Do you ever find yourself unable to express your creativity to the fullest? What kinds of things inhibit you?
I do sometimes find myself unable to express my creativity to the fullest. It’s mostly when I am too busy with everyday boring life and have too many outside distractions. Sometimes I really have to be in a calm or hurtful state of mind to truly dig deep and create what it is I’m looking to create and you don’t always get those times periods so when they come, I try to take full advantage of them.
Who is your greatest influence?
Rihanna is my greatest influence because she’s a legit queen. Her work ethic and confidence and the way she carries herself and stays humble but savage at the same time. Not to mention her being the world’s wealthiest female musician and second richest woman in entertainment behind Oprah Winfrey. Me being a young black female artist and seeing her grow this way is insane and I just have mad respect for her and admire her to the fullest.
Do you feel that you chose your “passion,” or did it choose you?
Honestly, I feel like my passion chose me. It’s been a voice in the back of my head as far back as I can remember. I never seriously considered pursuing it, and then one day I was kinda like “Hey, maybe you should listen to this voice and see where it leads you”. That’s when I started working and growing on my craft locally, and recording with some of my uncles who have studios. They all told me to keep working and never give up. So about two years ago I decided to take a chance and jump into this music thing.
If you hadn’t chosen your field, what would your alternate field have been?
If I didn’t choose to be a singer, I would definitely just be a songwriter and pitch my songs to other artists. If I hadn’t chosen to do music at all, I would focus heavily on an acting career.
What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.
My future plans inside my career are to continue growing and connecting with my fans & making music that people can relate to. I also plan to get into acting and collaborating with other artists.
