From the time that Jastin Martin was 8-years-old to now, she has been consistently crafting music. And even if she had not been signed by Def Jam, she would continue to do so, because it is more than what she does—it is who she is. While preparing the release of her major label debut, “Miss Me Yet?”, the multi-hyphenate artist discusses her inspirations, artistic approach, and most importantly, the source of her perseverance, her profound love of music.
You began your musical journey playing several instruments and singing in a choir. How did being a musician help you develop your songwriting?
I think that learning every element early on just molded me in every way that it could. When I grew up, I only went to magnet schools, so we had to play an instrument. We had to read music and know what we were playing. Of course, doing anything involving instruments, you learn melodies and you learn chords and crescendos. You learn all the jargon. That experience definitely molded me in every way that it could have.
You have spent years as an independent artist before signing with Def Jam. How does it feel to such a legendary label now supporting your creativity?
It’s been a long time coming, and it feels right. I am a firm believer in divinity and alignment in timing. I’d say that it was perfect timing. I couldn’t be happier with the decision I made. I am glad I went with Def Jam. I have been getting so much love and support from everybody at the label. I am excited. I am ready to start a new journey.
Most emerging artists give up or lose focus early in their careers. What was it that helped you persevere through the years before being signed?
Honestly, I can say that it was my love for what I do. I have been making music and writing songs since I was eight years old. Being that young, you’re not doing it for a reason. It’s just something you like to do as well as experience. Writing is my outlet. I always say that I am a writer first. Even if nothing came out of this, I would still be writing down my feelings and making music.
After accomplishing something that a vast majority of talent can only dream of, how do you plan to ensure you make the most of this opportunity?
Consistency, just keeping my foot on the gas, especially when it is evident that you have that momentum. You have to really just buckle down and double down.
Both of your singles, “Hurt Before” and “Right My Wrongs,” deal with relationship issues. Will your highly anticipated full-length project be centered on this theme?
Yes, so the name of the project is “Miss Me Yet?”. It is definitely a cohesive body of work, and the context is very cohesive. It makes sense as far as the name.
A lot of your music seems to be heavily focused on being conversational as opposed to relying profoundly on musical production. Is that intentional?
Definitely. And to say again, I am a writer first. I have always been able to express myself very thoroughly and I know how to put my words together to say exactly what I feel and what I mean. It is definitely intentional.
Your music is very relatable. When comes to writing, do you draw from your firsthand experiences?
Yes, I do.
Is it challenging something so personal on a public platform?
Honestly, it’s not challenging for me.
As a musician, what is the most important thing you look for when selecting beats from others?
Honestly, just that special feeling. I will know if I gravitate towards a beat or song just by hearing the first ten or fifteen seconds… I love guitars as you can see. It’s just a feeling. You feel when it’s something that pulls you in.
Collaborations are pretty much inevitable these days. If there was one person you would want to work with, who would that be? And why?
I would definitely have to say Jhene Aiko. She is one of my biggest inspirations. My mom put on her songs. The first song I discovered by her was “Stranger.” I had to be around nine years old. Ever since, I can say that she has definitely added to me as an artist, stylistically and sonically.
Besides Jhene Aiko, who are some of the other people who have inspired or influenced you?
Bryson Tiller is another one of my favorite artists. There is H.E.R. She’s such a talented artist who plays the guitar, the bass, and the drums. Those are also things I want to get into as well. I always say PartyNextDoor because he is super creative and out-the-box with his decisions in what he does with his music.
How do you practice self-care with everything that you have going on and the myriads of things that you have to contend with?
Honestly, just keeping up with myself. I box now, so I love to work out. I never feel better, aside from making music, than when I’m working out. I started yoga. I take time out to be in solitude to manifest and all that good stuff.
Do you feel any additional pressure being signed to such an iconic and historical record label?
I don’t feel pressure because when you are being yourself, and you are staying true to yourself, and you’re confident in your work and talent, you shouldn’t really be worrying about anything else or having to prove anything. I just love making music and I love those who love my music.
You are continually working on your full-length album. What should your fans expect?
With this upcoming project, “Miss Me Yet?”, I want to say that it is the rawest music thus far. I keep telling my team that I’m so excited about performing these songs. Everything on this project is super recent from recent experiences I was able to get down. A lot of them, I play the guitar on… Most of those songs, I started writing immediately. This project is very, very real. I am excited about it.
Be’n Original
