“It’s just about how life throws everybody curve balls, and it’s up to us to embrace our circumstances while we enjoy the good things about life. It’s about celebrating life even through our obstacles.”
It’s a year of new beginnings; Jae Franklin is starting her 2016 by releasing an eight-track debut album, Cheers to Life, which hits iTunes and Amazon on February 2. But tonight, music fans in Dubai can get their first listen of the soul-meets-R&B effort at The Fridge during Franklin’s record launch party. “People can expect to hear a variety of sounds on the project — there’s a little something for everyone. You have your reggae-inspired songs, to more ballads and emotional-type songs,” said the 34-year-old American singer.
Ahead of her Monday night gig, Franklin chatted about baring her emotions through music, and the change she hopes to inspire.
Why did you decide to release a debut now?
It all clicked, it all made sense. Everyone understood the vision, and finally, the sound was cohesive. It’s a product that I’m really proud of — independently created, out-of-pocket, no type of label support yet.
Tell us about yourself. How long have you been in the UAE, and what do you do outside of music?
I’m from America, but I’ve been in the UAE for a little over two years now; I got here in 2013. Aside from singing, which is a gift and a passion for me, I also write. When I got here, I had one song for the album.
What’s your favourite song on Cheers to Life, and why?
Oh, why did you ask me this question? I think the one that’s most personal would probably be a song called Always Needed You. It’s just an ode to my mum and my husband — each verse has a special significance to me.
Give us a breakdown of your recording process?
I have a little set-up up [at home], it’s very meagre, it’s not a full-blown music studio or anything, but I do record vocals and ideas on my laptop. I work through Logic Pro, I have a microphone, and I record in a very quiet place. It really works for me; I send a lot of my files through Dropbox, WeTransfer, to the [sound] engineer in the US and London.
What did you do before this?
I was born in Texas, but I’ve spent a lot of time in Atlanta, Georgia. I went to university there and studied marketing.
Does that come in handy with promoting the album?
What I was learning was not digital marketing at all. It was more so traditional marketing, you know, flyers and brochures. Now things have changed so much, where you have to learn about all the social media and digital ways of marketing yourself.
Who are some acts you listen to, and some who inspire you?
Little Dragon, Sade, Gotye, Rachelle Ferrell, Gil Scott-Heron, Angelique Kidjo. I like artists who have very thoughtful lyrics, and they’re doing things in humanitarianism and philanthropy. They stand for something. They’re not making music for the sake of it, they’re using music as a foundation to make a change in the world, which is something I aspire to do as well.
What are some social issues your passionate about?
I’m working with a PR agency and we’re coming up with ideas on how we can help spread the word about the refugee crisis going on now. That’s definitely something close to my heart, and I want to help in any way that I can. I think that using music as a platform is a great vehicle to do that.
Don’t miss it
Jae Franklin will launch her album at The Fridge on Monday night. Dh50 entry charge. Free for Under 18s. Doors open at 7.30pm. For more information, call 04-3477793
