Exclusive Interview with 'JADE LAURIANI'

Ajaneece Lauriani, also known as Aji or Jade LauriAni, is a Detroit, Michigan-born and raised American singer-songwriter and recording artist. When Jade joined Usher Raymond’s New Look Foundation in middle school, her career as a songwriter officially began. “Don’t worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition.” are the words she lives by.

Her EP “Wild Winds” represents a time when lust is mistaken for love. We may put ourselves in these situations frequently as a result of our emotions; it’s the same old story from a million different perspectives. Check out the EP and the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how you got started?

JADE LAURIANI: I’m from the home of Motown Detroit , Michigan Born and raised. I got started singing at a very young age, my mother heard me singing in the back seat of her car in next thing I knew she had me in her church choir.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

JADE LAURIANI: I went from singing in the church choir to Berklee College of Music Summer program then Santa Fe University of Arts and Design and New Mexico. My writing training was started in Usher’s Raymond New Look Foundation when I started writing music and films.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘JADE LAURIANI’?

JADE LAURIANI: From Nina Simone to Billie Holiday to Brandy the List goes on! Funny story, I always wore a jade necklace so people started calling me Jade and LauriAni is my middle name in my mom kept asking was I ever going to show case my name so here we are.

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

JADE LAURIANI: Key elements for me has always been my approach with the lyrics. I’ve always found it fascinating how you can hear the same story with different perspectives and still come up with the same ending. I personally would describe my sound as realistic. I know people may read that in say what exactly does she mean, I can be vulnerable at the same time strong and at the same time I can be calm and hyper it’s all about perspectives.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as RNB?
**JADE LAURIANI:**
Trial and Error! Yes confidence plays a major role when you are identify your authentic self but you have to also understand how to humble yourself especially when it comes to making music. Experiment with different sounds and find what works for you, everything that works for somebody else doesn’t always work for you, so taking a step back in learning what works for me in taking heed to that, taught me how to trust my instincts. One major beauties of the world is that it’s forever changing so studying the greats before me and then adding my own seasoning and letting that simmer to hopefully become the perfect sauce.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative and entertainment?

JADE LAURIANI:

My grandmother used to say to me, “ why start the journey if you’re going to only stop half way”. And saying that the uniqueness that music brings to reality is that whatever is on your heart you must express! Being able to express your feelings in a creative way for others to understand of take heed is the best narrative you can go for.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfilment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more, or different in the future? 

JADE LAURIANI:

Of course. I remember just having notebooks filled with words and I didn’t want anyone to hear them because I was afraid of what people may have thought of me, walking out on faith in seeing what has blossom, that’s becoming bigger than what I thought is always going to be a blessing in I thank God for that. So yes I’m with Joy and Fulfillment.

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

JADE LAURIANI:

Usually I people watch. As creepy that may sound to people I do. You’ll be surprise how many stories that will come out just by being still. Other way, is free styling, Just letting go in letting the music take over is always other best way.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

JADE LAURIANI:

When you’re independent everything is difficult but I would also say putting myself out there is just as difficult. I’m naturally an introvert so having to step from my comfort zone so far has proven to be my most difficult hurdle I have to go over.

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

JADE LAURIANI: Actually releasing my first project to getting on stage in actually performing. I had gotten so used to being behind the scenes, helping others grow their careers that when I decided to step out on faith and seeing the results so far I deem that as successful. My steps may seem small but it took a lot to get there so I’m proud of me.