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

Hi Jade, how do you think about risk?
As a touring bassist and artist, my entire career often feels like a risk. In order to make genuine art and music, I have to open myself up and put myself in a vulnerable position by sharing something that comes from a place deep in my heart. It is always a risk to release music not knowing if people will enjoy or even listen to it, but the reward of connecting with even one other person through that music outweighs any doubts that I have going in. I often find that touring as a bassist can be ebb and flow, and it’s certainly nerve-racking to never know when or where the next tour might happen, but I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life. I have a love for music and performance that is too strong to be abandoned in fear of failure. I think that almost forces me to take risks and find a way to succeed even if things don’t go as planned. I have to follow whatever path comes my way and figure out how to make any given situation work. You never really know what you’re getting yourself into with a career like this, and while that’s scary, it’s also what makes it such an incredible adventure. To me, taking risks is essential in order to reach my goals and do the best job that I can.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Getting to where I am professionally today has not been easy, but I am beyond grateful for all of the support I’ve had along the way. I’ve been working as a live bassist in Los Angeles since I was 14 and have dedicated countless hours to practicing and performing in order to be where I am now. I still feel like I have so much growing to do and I always will. I’ve had the challenge of weeding out people who are looking to exploit me and make money off of me, and learning how to spot that so I do not get taken advantage of has been very important. I’ve made some mistakes and found myself in undesirable situations, but this has only made me stronger and learning how to communicate with all kinds of people is a priceless skill. I’ve also learned that I will always be my own biggest advocate, and I can’t be afraid of standing up for myself and knowing my worth. It can be difficult to get people to take me seriously as a young woman in a male dominated industry, but I know that gaining the respect of others starts with believing in myself and knowing I am capable.

The original music I make generally falls under the indie/alternative category. I take inspiration from artists including Fiona Apple, Hole, Sonic Youth, and Courtney Barnett and write directly from my own experiences and emotions. One very unique feature of my music is that I compose scores for a full string section or quartet and then turn them into vocal harmony parts. The background vocals on all of my songs have followed this process and I find that very useful in creating lush accompaniment and a full sounding mid to high range frequency wise. I also write my music primarily on bass, which I feel leaves me a great deal of room to explore different chordal possibilities and melodies.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles has so much to offer between endless activities, great food, and iconic sights. I would definitely take my guests to Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon for some good hiking and views. I love Japanese food and would also bring them to Little Tokyo for incredible sushi and ramen at Tsujita LA. For unique shopping and thrifting finds we would hit Melrose & Fairfax and then the Rosebowl Flea Market. Depending on the time of year I’d probably take them for a beach day in Malibu at Zuma. For drinks and music we would visit Gold Diggers, the Peppermint Club, Hotel Cafe, No Vacancy, and the Troubadour. Finally, to top off a great trip I would take them to the custom cocktail bar Blue Collar for some specialty cocktails.

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 have so many people to shoutout and thank for their guidance in getting me where I am today. First and foremost, my family. My parents and sister have always supported me and shown up to every show, big or small. I could not do what I do without them and their unconditional love. I also have many staff members (both current and former) at the School of Rock West LA to thank; specifically Ryan Schiff, Justin Salmons, Ricky Bakken, Heather Baker, James Connelly, and Adrian Flores. All of these incredible instructors are insanely talented musicians and I feel so thankful to have studied under them. Additionally, I would like to shoutout USC Thornton School of Music faculty members Patrice Rushen and Sean Holt for their direction. I have learned so much from them and their classes that has been immensely helpful in creating my career.

Instagram: @jade_fink

Facebook: Jade Fink Music

Other: My music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and all other streaming platforms under my name, Jade Fink. Email jadefinkmusic@gmail.com for professional inquiries!

Image Credits
Ryan Falcoa

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