Meet Jessica Lá Rel | Recording Artist & Equity Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Lá Rel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Often we talk about balance as a way to express “all things being equal”. In other words, I have just as much time (or comparable time) for family, friends, and self-care as I do for professional pursuits and other ambitions.

I’ve learned that balance is not about a specific measurement of time and space for the things that fill my cup, but rather the point at which my time reflects my priorities. I achieve balance when my schedule and the way my time is used reflects the priorities I have in that season. Working with that knowledge allows me the freedom to shift my priorities and consequently, shift how my time is spent. And this newfound definition of balance recognizes that not everything in my life needs equal attention or time. It’s a game-changer.

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 am a cinematic soul artist. By that, I mean that soul is the foundation of the music I create, but there are other sonic influences that give it a theatricality and dynamism, hence “cinematic soul”. I’m excited for the future of soul music. Between the recent releases from Anderson.paak & Bruno Mars’ Silk Sonic and other incredible vocalists breaking into more mainstream audiences, I believe that soul can move beyond a “retro” genre into a living, breathing sound that we can enjoy in the present day.

One of the greatest lessons I have learned, now on the other side of 3 EPs and a debut album is to build a team of people who will honor your voice, amplify it, and make it better. I have had a number of collaborations where I sacrificed exploration or discovery of my own voice in service of the comfort of collaborators. It’s a sacrifice that is not worth making. One of the greatest things you can do as an artist is make space to reflect, do the self-work, and explore what you want to say and how you wish to say it. That clarity comes through in the work and you owe it to yourself to surround yourself with people who will work in service of that vision and take it to the next level.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Morning hike at Park To Playa Trail – a bit of Kenneth Hahn Park, Stoneview Gardens, and the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

Then we would drop by Simply Wholesome for breakfast smoothies and a snack.

We would check out Lake Shrine for some meditation at some point and head over to Will Rogers beach for some time by the water. And you can’t go that way and not get some McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream. So we would end the day with that.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have an incredible support system. My inner circle is consistently there to check-in, brainstorm, and challenge my thinking. I am grateful to them for always encouraging me in my music, activism, and other work. So shout out to Team Lá Rel!

Website: jessicalarel.com

Instagram: instagram.com/jessicalarel

Twitter: twitter.com/jessica_larel

Facebook: facebook.com/jessicalarel

Youtube: youtube.com/jessicalarel

Image Credits
Tayo Amos Kola Shoba Victor Bashorun