Meet Jackie Mendez | Singer / song writer from South El Monte , ca

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

Hi Jackie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I always strive to progress in my craft and there’s so much more I want to do but, I think what’s led me to where I am now is simply just believing in me. Not afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone and always being open to learning more. I know there’s always room to grow. A big one is staying to true to myself and what y goals are as a song writer and musician.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started singing since I was a kid but didn’t really break out of my shell until I took interest instruments. I was a band nerd from elementary till high school. I played clarinet and also was in the drumline throughout high school. I honestly can say that doing so really taught me a lot and gave me a greater understanding of music and discipline. I know I had an ear for but being a part of that only progressed it more. I then leaned towards wanting to have a band of my very own. I started on bass then eventually picked up the guitar and started trying to figure out how to play songs that I loved. I then started two different bands before I eventually took my solo venture. I played ska, punk and played lots of backyards around L.A and san Gabriel Valley. That’s pretty much where everything started. I didn’t have many connections to play venues at the time and I was also too young to play most of them since we didn’t have many all ages options or connections. I just played wherever I could to put myself out there and I mean ANYWHERE also lots of free gigs for a very long time lol. I just know it made me happy and I was having so much fun doing all of it. Eventually the more I played I started meeting fellow local bands and musicians along the way and that’s what really sparked something special. Meeting people and networking is what really set it off and helped me get to stages I wouldn’t even imagine playing. Eventually I started getting more serious about it and the rest is history. Though I love what I do there is some challenges like staying relevant and thinking of the next idea whether it’s creative or just writing something on paper. Creating something for me especially a song. It isn’t something that happens on the spot for me it’s something I have to feel or be inspired by. I try to keep it real when it comes to what I write and create, I don’t do it just to because I feel like I have to I have to want to . I know in this day and age you have to keep a momentum going and that fine but I also want to enjoy the process and really be present and not think about it too much. I try to think of how it all started ad keep that feeling where at the end of the day I love it and im having fun.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to different food spots, depending on the vibe of Course take them to some beaches in Malibu I have one that’s not so trendy and sorry but I will not say the name because I don’t want to burn the spot. that would be the day time thing and I would bring some subs from Titos market. Records stores of course. too many to name … a lot of places I enjoyed going to have changed or no longer around as much but Im still going to mention them anyway. For night time fun we would go to the dub club to dance to some reggae ( If they have any events) also any cool dj nights usually the ones I go to take place at la cita,melody lounge, footsies or monty bar. late night food would be full house in china town or ave 26 for some taco and burritos. There is a crazy amount of things to do in LA I still find lots of new places. So that’s all I got for now. Sorry I can;t be more specific but that’s just what comes to my head. I would take them to plenty of shows, events and surround them with good music food and of course people.

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?
I want to thank Mark Morales and Wally Caro from Angel City Records they pretty much encouraged me to start my solo career through giving me my very first recording contract and gave me the chance to let my creativity as a song writer and performer shine. They organized tours for me and also numerous amounts of shows. also, my band as far as who has stuck by me and shared their talents backing me live and also recording and making music with me in the studio Eric Mauries, Chris Borbon, Zack Pike and Anthony Medina. SOLA records for releasing my very first 45. Black Bird Records, whom Im currently working on a full length with who is ran and owned by Eric Mauries who I mentioned earlier. He continues to support and believe in my music and I can’t thank him enough. last but not least all my supporters that listen to my music and go out of their way to show it and of course my loved ones , my day ones… my family and friends you know who you are .

Instagram: Jackie_mendezzz

Facebook: Jacqueline Mendez most active on instagram for now.

Youtube: Jackie Mendez

Image Credits
Nancy Perez, Diego Mendez, Mie Photos,Freedom sounds