Soulful with a Heart of Gold: A one on one w/ R&B songtress Jasmine Rhey (Video Inside)

www.twitter.com/jasminerhey

Breathtaking. Soulful. Beauty. Intuition. These words describe one artist named Jamsine. Jasmine Rhey to be exact. From the age of 12, music became her goal. Yet in song, its seems more of her soul.  I have an opportunity to listen to her music. Early night, after my shoot in LA. I snuggled into bed to finally reasearch on this talented woman. 2 hours later and with a little bit of help of the internet, I experiened more than just an "up-and-coming" artist. I listened to a woman with a story . One of hurt, triumph, fear and pain.

A student and philanthropist who aims to “change the world for the better through music, song and the way [she] lives her life.” The 22-year-old has enough talent and determination to accomplish just that. 

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Jasmine Rhey has been passionate about music and singing as long as she can remember. At the age of 12, she began taking vocal lessons and performing in various stage plays and musicals along with many solo gigs. 

From the moment she stepped on stage, and the butterflies flew away, she knew that was where she belonged. Collaborating with other independent artists and singing cover songs at local venues was an inspiring step toward her goal of recording her own full-length album. Singing original songs that she penned, she tells her own unique story with the hope that her words may touch listeners with a postitive message.

                                                 (Excerpt of her bio via myspace.com/jasmineonthehook) 



So having an opportunity to get an interview with Jasmine Rhey was an exciting one for me.

AW: Hello, Jasmine, let me take the time to say thank you for letting me interview you.. I can already say I am fan.

JR: Hey!  Thanks so much for the opportunity!   

AW: In your first single, Life Goes On; it constitues alot past pain that succumbs you. Is this from a personal experience or an "outside-looking-in" story?

JR: "Life Goes On" is definitely a personal experience for me.  I was always the more outcasted student in middle and high school so, the little girl, "little me", represented that aspect of my life.  The other situations in the video represented situations that I see others going thru in their lives and how the choices they make decide their futures.  No matter what choices we make in life, life goes on...that's the message.

AW: Totally feel you on that one... so, How is the music industry treating you so far?

JR: Its treating me well.  The music industry has not slapped me in the face yet, but I'm ready for when it does and ready to keep pushing thru it all.  Life goes on!

Jasmine studied Arabic in Egypt

AW: True... true....(laughs) I hear soo many stereotypes about the music industry. Any stereotypes of female singers and song writers you want to put to rest?

JR: I've never given anyone any physical favors to get where I'm going and that will never change.  That is all.

AW: That should shut alot of people up..... (laughing) By the way, your look is soooo exotic. May I ask what is your nationality?

JR: I am Black and White American.

AW: I was looking into your bio and saw that you studied Arabic in Egypt. Any of your musical influence come from that journey?

JR: Egypt inspired me deeply and continues to inspire me since my return to America.  The language, the culture, the music is all inspiration for me to explore new depths/genres of my style in writing as well and singing.  I am soon to record my first fully Arabic song.  I wrote it a few months ago and I will release it within the coming months!  

AW: So, your album is called "Perfect Imperfections". Any significant reason why?

This album is a must have!

JR: I released my first album "Perfect Imperfections" last year, 2009.  The title was inspired by the fact that I am never satisfied completely with anything I do, but I feel like even with its imperfections, somehow my album ended up being perfect!

AW: Thank you so much for this opportunity! I am cheering for you on the sidelines for your future. ....and dont forget about us "little people" ok??! LOL

JR: Thank you sooooo very much for your support! ...and your support means you ARE THE BIG PEOPLE THAT ARE GOING TO GET ME WHERE I NEED TO BE!

For updates on the lovely Jasmine Rhey go to : Jasmine Rhey' Twitter Page or her MySpace Page

Check out her latest music video: "LIFE GOES ON"