Meet Elijah Jamal | Creative – Artist, Singer, Songwriter, Composer, Musician, Producer, Actor, Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elijah Jamal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elijah, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
For me, identifying my “Why” has helped me in times of extreme difficulty in fighting to keep going. When I knew in part what my purpose was, every decision, every move I made was with that goal in mind. I never made time for a plan B. It was either Plan A happens or I’m going to die trying. That may seem extreme but that’s how serious and determine I was and I don’t regret it. Sure, I have developed skills along the way that could be used to do something different and maybe appear less difficult but would it be worth it? There have been times where I have asked myself the hard questions and thought…what if this isn’t for me? Then I’ll get a random message from someone telling me how what I do has inspired them and to keep going. Every single time I think about quitting something like that happens. Struggle is inevitable. It’s the pressure in that process that prepares us for success. Honestly, I don’t know how to give up. The idea of giving up sounds so out of character for me. I would be compromising who I am by doing so. I’ve also put in the work and the time to show that I’m ready for what’s mine. Sometimes we’re afraid to put the work in because we don’t know if it’ll payoff but I can guarantee you it will never work if you don’t try. So you might as well give it everything you have. When you do that, you’ll never walk away empty handed. Whether it’s a lesson learned or a mission accomplished, you’ll win either way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an artist your greatest strength is in the uniqueness of who you are. I have a distinct sound and style that’s still growing but has a foundation that can be traced back to my early beginnings. I’m excited for the world to hear my music. It’s only by the grace of God that I’m where I am today which is still only the beginning. Nothing good comes easy but I’ve been blessed with an incredible support system that keeps me going. One thing I’ve learned is that your character and gift will speak for themselves. If you’re the real deal, you won’t have to say it. They will see it on their own. If they don’t see it, it’s because they aren’t meant to. I want people to listen to my music and feel like they know me because I put my heart into my music. So if you know my music, you’ll know a lot about who I am. I don’t just write songs for fun. It’s about the story and feeling for me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So I love to eat! Pizza and lasagna are my favorite. I love Masa of Echo Park. They have the best deep dish pizza I’ve had in this city. If I want something different like soul food, Stevie’s on Pico is my go-to. Their food is amazing and it’s a family business. There are so many incredible places to go but because I’m more of a chill person, I love performing at the Rhythm Room downtown with the Danny Finch Band. I would go just to hang. It’s always good vibes and great music. Drinks are pretty good too.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shout out to my family for always supporting me and never making me feel like I couldn’t achieve my dreams. Shout out to TrueMusic for being a huge help in opening doors for me to use my gifts. Shout out to everyone who was kind enough to impart their wisdom and/or resources to help me to get where I am today. Shoutout to everyone that ever sent me a message or left a comment encouraging me to keep going.

Website: www.elijahjamal.com

Instagram: @elijahjamal

Twitter: @elijahjamal

Facebook: facebook.com/ElijahJamalFans

Youtube: youtube.com/ElijahJamal