Interview: Jahmene

Hi Jahmene, you are about to release your new single Down For Love. Can you tell us about it...

Down For Love is the reintroduction to Jahméne. The debut of what's to come and really the debut of me because I haven't had the opportunity to 100% show anybody that yet. Down For Love marks the beginning of an incredible project that's about to be unveiled.

It is your first release since the success of your debut album Love Never Fails. Do you feel a pressure to top the achievement?

I feel nothing but excitement to finally showcase something that's truly me, from the writing of words and melodies to the singing. I'm itching to get this stuff out as I've been working on this second album for the past 3 years. I also measure my achievements differently. This project has been a lot more rewarding than the first so even though its not released yet I already feel like I've achieved more.

It has been a bit of a thrill ride for you over the last couple of years. What have been the highest highs and lowest lows?

There have been countless highs, but with every blessing comes a lesson. If you're going to accept the good you have to prepare for the bad too. I've really enjoyed making the music for this next album. From Diane Warrens studio in LA to Stanley Browns studio in New York working with incredibly talented musicians, singers, producers and songwriters such as Andrea Martin. Travelling the world, meeting inspiring people, living in London and Growing Up.

My lows have been the result of the after effects of what The X Factor is and how that operates. You go from being supported by them to not having any support at all. The fact I made a cover album was the result of not being fully supported as a person, singer and artist. The conveyor belt is savage but no surprise to me, but I'm grateful that I've had that crash course experience in the industry. The real world is hard work and that is where I love to be because that's what I'm from and that's where I'll grow with the most benefit. I've had a lot of personal struggles mentally throughout these past three years, but the important thing is that I'm coming out on top with something positive to show from it.

Looking back, how do you view your time on The X Factor?

I always refer to it as a Traumatising blessing. One of the best kinds of blessings because you pull so many lessons from it. I'm so grateful for the platform it gave me at the time and the people it introduced me to. I've made some lifelong friends and have some incredible memories. It was in no way an easy experience, it was incredibly draining physically and emotionally. The show is like you've been thrown into a Tornado and you're broken down into so many little pieces, and when the show finished It took me so long to gather myself back together to be OKAY again. So much happened so fast it was hard to process it all. I've only recently been able to settle my spirit to continue intact.

What was the biggest lesson you learnt from the experience?

Not to attempt living up to peoples expectations of you. If you try and do that you will soon realise that you'll never be enough. You're always best when you're working within your purpose, your passion and path. There's always going to be so much going on so FOCUS is important. If you can't focus on Purpose and Passion you'll end up being told who you are and what to do. You'll end up taking a path that isn't beneficial to your spirit and doesn't slot into what your passion and purpose is. That's a dangerous road because you become lost. I've always been very aware and sensitive to my Passion and Purpose and the experience involved a lot of battles and tests but that helped prune my heart, spirit and mind to get to a better FOCUS.

If you could go back and change one thing, what would it be?

I would live in my moments more.

What advice do you have for this year's contestants?

To know who you are and to not be afraid with it. A person who truly knows that won't need to compromise and regret and doesn't have to be moulded into somebody to showcase. It's an important thing to stick to because individually we are best at being individual. We start tripping up when we compare ourselves or try being somebody else. We trip because they aren't our shoes to walk in and it's not the intended journey for you. It's God's way of saying ... hold up and wait a minute .. Imma stop you right there ... Go back and start again as YOU. Passion and Purpose. Focus.

Have you been watching the series, if so who are your stand outs?

Yes I have been trying my best to keep up with the show. I think Louisa is a very strong contender along with Lauren and Fourth Impact. They are all very clean cut performers and seem to always do well.

How have your ambitions altered since you entered the competition?

My heart has always been the same and I'll forever be on the same path; Every now and then I may have to take a detour. I'll always end up back on track but with a different ETA.

Your look and sound have grown a lot in the last year. How do you define yourself as an artist?

As an artist I am strictly music and message. It's not about the way I look or anything much else other than the music and message. My true sound hasn't actually been heard yet. People have heard me sing covers, but haven't heard me. You can't really ever give 100% on a show like the X Factor because there's so much in the way. I feel now I'm going to be able to get closer to 100% because it's strictly music and nothing else. Music has been a sanctuary for me from young and has been a vital component in the makings of me. It helps being able to stay afloat and I hope my music is that for somebody else. In regards to my look, naturally ... I'm no longer who I was 3 years ago. I've grown up and a lot has changed.

What can we expect from your upcoming studio album?

Hopefully a sanctuary. A source of strength, empowerment and love.
All that and GREAT MUSIC,YAY! :P

Is there a song you are most excited for people to hear?

Yes! The whole album has been a long time in the making and all the songs mean something to me.

There's this one song I've written with my friend and pianist Arden Hart ... it's not quite finished yet, but when it is I feel it's going to be a big moment for me and when it's played out to the world ... I hope people FEEL it.

When can we expect a tour?

In the music industry it's hard to give actual dates for things when they are so far away in time. But as soon as the album has settled and received well ... I will be jumping into a tour.

Do you prefer recording or writing?

They kind of come together for me.
Some of my writing is when I'm on the mic and I'm singing from my heart.
I love to sing but without the words I wouldn't be able to express myself in a relatable way... so ... difficult question! :P

Lastly, if you could record with one artist - who would it be?

Whitney Houston!
Alive ... I'd love to work with Erykah Badu or Gregory Porter.
I know you said ONE, but .... I have a list. haha.