R&B quartet JADA are a hot new act with strong vocals and a smooth sound. They are a group whose melodies are in perfect sync, just as their style. The vivacious foursome recently caught up with us to talk about standing out in an industry as vast and varied as music, and what it takes to pull through to be a success especially as a group...

Stylinzine.com: Hi Jada, how's it going? Well let's start with a quick round of intros.
Jacyn: Hey, I'm Jacyn. I am 24 and from Danvers, MA. (an exciting suburb outside Boston)
Lauren: Hey! I'm Lauren, 21 from outside of Philly, PA!!
Ashley: Hey what's up I'm Ashley from Lexington, MA. I'm 18 years old and a senior at Lexington High.
Elle: Hello! I'm Elle from Newburyport, MA. I'm 18 years old.

 <Left to right: Lauren, Jacyn, Elle, Ashley>>

Stylinzine.com: When did the four of you meet and when was the band formed?
Jacyn: The four of us met through an audition almost 2 years ago. Ashley, Elle and Jacyn were studying voice at Bristol Recording & Voice Studios and auditioned for the owners, who are now our producer and manager. Lauren later joined the group after seeing a flyer for the audition and the rest is history!

Stylinzine.com: How did you come up with the name Jada, and were you ever worried or concerned about your band title's resemblance to that other famed name – Jada Pinkett Smith?
Lauren: We wanted a name that was short, sweet, and feminine. We threw some names around and finally we came up with Jada. It fits us very well :) We aren't concerned right now with our name being similar to others; we think there is plenty of room for many Jada's.

Stylinzine.com: What do you think is the biggest challenge out there for every new act?
Jacyn: I think it is a bunch of things, but definitely one of the biggest challenges is to bring something DIFFERENT to the table musically and be a true ARTIST. That means really honing your skills as a singer/ dancer/musician.
Elle: With groups it's a very big challenge to stay together and actually get along, and thank God we all "usually" get along. Just kidding! We're really like sisters!

Stylinzine.com: Tell us a little bit about your style of music.
Lauren: It is R&B/pop/rock/hip hop — in other words a little bit of everything! All 4 of us like all kinds of music, so we are trying to incorporate all of it to define the "jada" sound!

Stylinzine.com: Do you write your own lyrics/or compose any of the music?
Elle: Yes and yes! We write all of our songs with the help of our producer Ric Poulin. He is also our vocal coach!

Stylinzine.com: If there were any band or artist out there you could open for, who/which would it be?
Lauren: It would be for Stevie Wonder, D'Angelo, Brian McKnight, or a revival of En Vouge. We love performing with other artists so to perform with anyone that loves what they are doing as much as we do would be awesome :)
Ashley: I have a lot of different artists and groups that I love and would love to open up for. I am a big hip/hop, rap and R&B fan so I think to open for anyone in any of those genres would be amazing. But...if I had to pick only a few to open for, it would be Mariah Carey (I've loved her since I was really little), Dru Hill, Boyz II Men, 112 and many others.
Elle: Honestly there are so many people and groups that I would love to perform with, it's impossible to list them all, I love all kinds of music. I just want to perform with everyone.
Jacyn: Hmmm that's tough! I would love to perform at an outdoor music festival with many groups/bands/artists; variety is the spice of life!

Stylinzine.com: We've seen allot of great bands over the last decade that eventually fell apart, so what do you think is the most important thing in being a group?
Jacyn: Respecting and understanding each other as individuals. Just because you are in a group doesn't mean you are all the same or should be the same. It is the differences between the members that make the group versatile and interesting! It helps to be friends too!
Ashley: Yes, I definitely agree with Jacyn, but I think what is really important is that you are in it together and you each give as much hard work and creativity as you can. You also really need a good bond together because if you're in a group aiming to be a major successful act, then you really need to be able to get along 'cuz you're gonna be seeing each other every day!

Stylinzine.com: What are you guys currently working on?
Ashley: Getting signed by a major label, and continuing to write and record new music. We also have a bunch of shows coming up — opening for Cassidy soon, singing for the Boston Celtics this weekend, etc. So we're getting ready for the next tour! You can find out about all of our performances listed on our website at www.jadamusic.com

Stylinzine.com: Of all the new bands and musicians that signed with record labels over the last couple of years, who do you think is the most inspirational, and why?
Jacyn: Stacie Orrico! We did a show with her last summer. She was so sweet and mature beyond her years. As a musician, she performs with her heart and soul! I think she has solid beliefs and she seems true to herself first and foremost! That is inspiring especially in the business we are in. She doesn't feel she has to dress over the top to be noticed. She is noticed for her talent!
Lauren: I think right now Outkast has been extremely influential in the music industry. They have been around for so long but they always come back with music that is so different and inspirational. I feel they raise the bar every time they come out with a new CD. There is no set genre of music that they fall into, which is so refreshing. Their sounds are always original representing them as true artists.
Elle: I've always thought that the most inspirational artists out there are the ones who strive to do something different and unique. They're the ones who set the tone for the next rounds of artists.

Stylinzine.com: While driving to a gig, which CD do each of you have blasting in the car?
Jacyn: Right now Black Eyed Peas! Woot!
Lauren: Definitely some Roots, I also love Black Eyed Peas, Tribe Called Quest, J Five, and so many more!
Ashley: Right now I have Cassidy playin' in my car, but I also have been listening to N.E.R.D's new CD a lot.
Elle: Stevie Brock, it always seems to put me in a good mood.

Stylinzine.com: Thanks for hanging out with Stylinzine.com, before we wrap up, what message would you like to leave with our readers?
Jacyn: Thanks for the support! You guys rock!
Lauren: I also want to thank you for supporting us! We love you guys!!
Ashley: Yes, thank you so much!!
Elle: I would say thank you but I think you got enough of that. So I'll just say thanks!

* Pictures courtesy www.jadamusic.com and modified by SZ Graphics

Artist's Official Site: www.jadamusic.com

Published May 3^rd  2004

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