August Feature: Christian JaLon

We are proud to present Christian JaLon, our featured artist of August!

Christian JaLon (pronounced: Juh-Lon), is a 19-year-old Chicago Native. She has been singing since the age of seven, but has been active in her craft since she was 13 years old - she started out posting YouTube covers. When Christian was a junior in high-school, she began attending open mic nights, including Young Chicago Authors, Chance The Rapper's Open Mike, & more. Christian released her first project, "SELF EP," in the summer of 2016.

You can find Christian on SoundCloud, Twitter @ChristianJaLon, & Instagram.

Read a conversation between Diannely and Assistant Blog Manager Tanner Lee.

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How is your spirit these days?

Lately, I’ve been feeling a bit blue. But, all has been well, still. I realize, even in the times of struggle, “everything is everything”. And I hold that phrase to be very dear to me. It holds much truth and comfort for me.

I’m glad that you’re keeping your head forward. Funny enough as you answered your song “Everything is Everything” came on. Could you explain what that term means for you and the production of that specific track?

I first heard that phrase come from Lauryn Hill. For me, “everything is everything” means that even in the struggle, things are well. I’m a strong believer that regardless of anything, everything works out in the way that it should. As far as the production of the song, James Tylers, the producer, sent it to me one day. The production put me in a place of solace, and I wanted that same emotion to exude throughout the song.

How has being in Chicago affected your personal development as an artist?

Being apart of Chicago’s art scene, you gather all these different folks who have come before you and who are willing to mentor you. With that, I’ve learned to watch each of my mentors and how they may do or go about a thing. Or I’d listen to their advice, and if it resonated, then I’d follow it. Also, the city itself is impeccably amazing in all of it’s ways. The culture, the slang, the dress codes, everything. And aside from just my music, I actually did an entire photographic project about the Southside of Chicago.

Speaking of mentors: who have been some of your greatest musical inspirations?

I could definitely say Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Kirk Franklin, Andre 3000, etc. But honestly, as of late, my friends go intensely crazy. Ausar Bradley, Ravyn Lenae, Kopano, Plainro, Josi Green, and there’s even this group, Freesole, give credit where credit is due. There are a plethora of folks who I admire, art, work ethic and all.

Tell me more about yourself. Where did you come from?

I am from the South Side of Chicago. Auburn Gresham, to be exact. 76th and Hermitage, just for a bit more clarification. I was and still am being raised in the church. My father is actually a pastor now. I’ve gone to maybe five to six schools within the city. I’ve lived on the West Side of Chicago, as well. I started being active in my art my 8th grade year. I was posting videos onto YouTube. In my junior year of HS, I got involved with Young Chicago Authors’ “Louder Than A Bomb” Festival. Summer of 2016, I released my first EP, “SELF”. I’ve got my second project, “Vinyled Love” coming out pretty soon, as well.

How did growing up in the church affect your music?

A lot of the hymnals often resonate within my spirit. So, I take from that when writing my music. Most times, I’m always wanting to send a message via my music, if I’m not just having fun with my work. Bible verses always play a part in what I’m writing and how I write it.

What verse has been sitting on your heart or filling your spirit as of late?

Psalms 1:3 is my favorite verse, and it is literally embedded within my heart. It reminds me that even if I shall fail at anything at all, I still will prosper, and I will always prosper at whatever I lay my hand on, even in “failure”. Within failure, there is always a lesson.

Do you have a favorite gospel track or artist?

Anything by Kirk Franklin is my favorite. Uncle Kirk is also my favorite. Also, Yolanda Adam’s “Even Me” takes me up all the time. It never fails.

I’m assuming you sang on the choir, correct?

Of course! I still do under my mother. She’s the choir director and music director.

Which answers my next question: Who taught you how to sing?

It’s a gift, obviously. But, my mother has always helped me make it stronger. She’d do this thing where she would sing something, a run, a riff, a certain note, and make me repeat it. Even while I'm recording, she’ll hear something and be like “make it softer” or “put some more weight on it”.

Or sometimes, I would just mock what I heard from other folks. Side note: Beyoncé used to be my vocal coach and she doesn’t even know it. Also, Karen Clark Sheard, lbvs.

Did you always know you’d be a singer?

Yes, I knew what I wanted and what I had to do. Actually, and this is my favorite story to tell, when I was about 6 or 7, I was singing in the reflector of our stove. I turned and asked my grandmother if she thought I could be a famous singer. She said to me, “Yes! You gon’ be a superstar!”. I did and still believe her.

What have you learned on this journey so far?

Thus far, I’ve learned to have an ample amount of patience when working and when I’m not. I’ve learned that it takes a lot of passion and genuine love for something like this to manifest and to last. I’m still learning that nothing is a competition. Granted, I came in knowing that, but it’s often something that needs to be reiterated. Especially coming up in a scene where egos are bold. I’ve learned to put my ego aside. This is not for me, but for the people. I am a servant of the people. I’m more humble, and I’ve learned to thank God for each blessing thus far. For I only have God to thank for any of this.

If you couldn’t do music, what do you see yourself doing with your life?

Being an author. A teacher. A spiritual guide. All that of which I already am. I love children, I love sharing my thoughts, and I enjoy helping people get to where they need to get to.

In your opinion, what is the major difference between poetry and music?

Poetry is almost vague, to me. Just like any art form, it gives room to outsiders to conjure up their own understanding of the art. But, with music, sometimes, we get the answers. It’s more explicit.

Let’s take a moment to change the pace. What is your favorite bodega snack (aka deli snack)?

My homegirl Kopano put me on dried mango slices! Those taste amazing. Better than hydrated mangos, might I add.

You don’t know this but you just made my heart so happy with that answer. I was just killing those this morning.

After this interview, we’re best friends. I’m taking you. You’re mine.

What’s your favorite dessert and if you could share it with one person (dead or alive) who would it be?

Chocolate is everything to me, but not dark chocolate or mint chocolate or the other flavors, just milk and caramel. I definitely wouldn’t mind having a sit down with Solange and sharing anything with her.

If you were to write a memoir about your life, what would you name the chapter that was last year?

Growth.

What’re you’re reading now?

The book of James in the Holy Bible and All About Love by Bell Hooks. I just started reading it, I haven’t even got there yet, but this, thus far, is my favorite verse within the book: “Dear friends, do you think you’ll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, ‘Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!’ and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense? (James 2:14-17 MSG)”

Would you be so kind to describe what a normal writing and producing session looks like?

Production is more easy than writing most times, simply because I have some of the greatest friends as producers. It’s very rare that I don’t use what they send me. As far as writing, whatever comes out and if it resonates, it gets recorded. I’m always in one of three places if I am writing: outside sitting in grass, in the middle of my bedroom floor, or on my bed. Fun fact: a lot of my material are freestyles, straight from the dome. Oh, also, I’ve got to have tea and water next to me.

What would your life be like without art?

Boring. I don’t doubt that for a second. But, also, if without art, I’m still the way I am, I’d find something to do.

Are you in college?

No, I am not. I made that decision before I even got into high school. Although, I did apply, got accepted to some schools, but I never went. I couldn't push myself to do something that I knew wouldn't do well by my spirit.

How has not going to college affected your craft?

It gives me far more time to put energy into it, as well as stay positive within it. School, I feel, kills a lot of the creativity that a lot of us hold if we aren't strong suited in that area. Also, high school was the most depressing four years of my life, no exaggeration. Many attempts at offing myself, unhealthy habits, etc. Not going to college has not even only had an affect on my craft, but also my internal self. Which I suppose, ultimately, helped within the area of allowing growth for my craft.

First, I’m glad that you’re still here. You are so necessary and important. Second, do you discuss mental health in your work explicitly? If not, do you plan on to?

Gratitude! I talk about it within my poems, and I try to show it within my photography. When I start a novel, that’s most of the time the focal point. As far as music, I’ve tried many times to incorporate it. But I realize, that each art holds a different purpose, so not in my music, per se. Though, I do sing a lot about joy and just remaining in great spaces. Which, I suppose could absolutely aid in the talk of mental health.

Let this be one of the questions you return too: What would you take away from a life be trying to stay sane while Black in America?

First of all, this is an extremely great read! Thank you for sharing this with me. Secondly, what would I take away from a life by trying to stay sane while Black in America? Ignorance. It isn’t bliss. I’d give someone knowledge and maybe even be wasting my energy in the process. But, as long as I tried, I know that’s all that matters.

You sit at an interesting intersection: being in the church, being a pk, being black, and being a woman. Do you feel the conversation of mental illness is something that is easily had and/or welcomed?

Not at all. Actually, a 12 year old in my little sister’s school, one of her closest friends, killed himself yesterday (May 9). And when it was brought to front street that he was bullied, self harmed, and even found his mother three years ago from killing herself, all of the adults, yet again, denied those things. All because he was always smiling and optimistic. I feel like mental illness is often overlooked. And not because folks don’t want to discuss it, but half the time, they just don’t know how to discuss it. Which is no excuse, still.

Where has your music has been taking you lately?

As of late, I was just recently featured on Revolt TV pertaining a song that I did with an artist named Just Rese and Wax Roof. I was also featured in FADER Mag for a song I did with Squeak of Pivot Gang and Wax Roof. Fun fact: Wax is also producing “Vinyled Love.” I’ve also done two video interviews/documentaries, which is something I’ve always wanted to do! I’ve also met some of my favorite people/ artists and can now call those folks friends/mentors.

What’s the thing that will tell you you’ve made it (ex: poster in Times Square, featured in Billboard, etc.)?

When there’s a picture of Solange and I just chilling. Or a video of us singing, harmonizing with an another, piggy backing off of each other, that’s when I’ve made it. But, on some none dreaming really big stuff, I’ve made it already. I’ve always admired people looking to me for some sort of help and folks telling me that my music does it for them… I made it.

Would you say this is a good world?

Oh, no! Not at all. Not even the slightest bit. But I’m very optimistic. I’ve learned to remain in that space, especially in a world that advocates for chaos.

What keeps giving you hope for the world?

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” - 1 Corinthians 13:13… I’ve got a heart overflowing with love. I try to make sure it stays filled. I'm always in the works of allowing myself to be renewed in all the right places to remain in that space.

Last question: Why should the people care about Christian JaLon?

I’m not sure why someone should care about me. I think it’d be cool if they did though. It’d also just do my spirit and my heart really well if folks cared about me.

#interview #featuredartist #christianjalon #tannerlee