HelloBeautiful.com’s “Base Level” column features the hottest new artists we’re buzzing about. Before they make it to the summit of superstardom, we spot them at base level–the beginning of their hopeful journey to the top.
When listeners hear Jade de LaFleur’s “Blue Notes and Green Trees” they’ll be taken back, not only by the honest lyrics and soothing vocals, but the robust sound of (wait for it) real instruments (not a drum machine or any other technological device to mimic the sound of an instrument, but real instruments!).
The Louisiana native-who sang back up for Solange for her “Sol-Angel Hadley Street Dream” album and also landed on Solo’s St. Heron project, is breaking out on her own with her new EP “Jaded.” We chatted with the songbird about her sound, her musical inspirations and why nothing scares her.
It would behoove you to listen to this girl Jade, she’s music best kept secret, who won’t be a secret for much longer.
Name: Jade de LaFleur
Age: old enough to teach you a few things and young enough to learn
Hometown: Houma, LA.
Musical Inspirations: Sade, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Donnie Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, The Beatles, Sir Elton John, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Biggie, Jay Z. Honestly, I could go on forever and ever. I like all music that I can feel. As long as I can feel whatever that artist felt when they wrote it, then I like it.
MUST READ: Touch Me Up: How To Apply An At-Home Relaxer
What’s Your Biggest Break Thus Far? Honestly, I just feel privileged to be able to do what it is that I do.
What’s Your Biggest Fear As A New Artist? Wow! That’s a really good question. I would have to say that I don’t have a “fear” I try to live my life fearless and I definitely have my days, I am human. But living in New York these past few years while working on my project “Jaded” has honestly made me a monster [LAUGHS]
MUST READ: Bed Head: How To Properly Wrap Your Hair At Night
When did you know this was what you wanted to do? Every time I was doing anything else and I didn’t get any fulfillment out of it. I’ve done so many things and I’ve had so many jobs, I’ve always been super self-sufficient, there’s nothing else that made me feel and gave me any type of anything besides performing and singing. For me, I’ve always wanted to be happy and I always wanted to feel like what I was doing wasn’t working, so from when I was young, I knew.
MUST READ: Why This Hair Potion Is A Must-Buy
If you were the lovechild of two musicians–dead or alive–who would they be? I would have to say Sade and Shuggy Otis. Sade, I just love everything about her, from her presence, to her strength, to her vulnerability, her honesty, her integrity, her melody. I love everything about who she was and who she is. And with Shuggy Otis I love that he takes you some place when you listen to his stuff. I love his lyrics and his chord choices. I love everything about him.
LIKE HelloBeautiful On Facebook!
MORE BASE LEVEL:
BASE LEVEL: Res Blends The Seasoned Talent Of Neil Young With A Soulful Voice Like Lauryn Hill
BASE LEVEL: Lili K’s Voice Mixes The Depth Of Jill Scott & The Tone Of Ella Fitzgerald
