“We’re in a society that isn’t conducive to creatives, because the schooling system doesn’t really champion the arts like they should,” explains Reyez. Although she remained mentally tough throughout the early stages of her music career, fulfilling her dreams would require artist development, affordable studio facilities and developing relationships with seasoned professionals who could advise and guide her towards her goals and aspirations. For Reyez, participating in high-quality education programs like those offered at The Remix Project changed the trajectory of her life. Mentorship through youth programs removes the barriers that often makes it difficult to obtain access to relevant training, grants, resources and a rolodex of creative contacts. With arts being the single discipline that's always on the chopping block when it comes to school budget cuts, there remains few outlets for young creatives to learn and express themselves. Research tells us that more than seven out of ten (73%) independent music makers said that they have experienced negative emotions such as stress, anxiety and/or depression in relation to their music creation. Pursuing your ambitions can feel both exciting and terrifying at the same time. The Secret To Being The Wildly Popular Mayor Of Miami? Surround Yourself With Amazing Latina Women Women around the world and beyond the borders of the entertainment industry could relate to her words as Reyez shed light on the misogynistic reality that often creates a barrier between them and their dreams. It’s like no matter what someone tried to do, I couldn’t let go of something that comes as easy to me as breathing.” Turning her pain into art, she released the song “Gatekeeper” in 2017 using a candid approach in both the music video and companion short film which has amassed over nine million views combined on YouTube. There’s a lot of people who don’t know what sets their heart on fire. “I remember looking at my guitar crying, thinking to myself maybe I’m not cut out for this. An experience that nearly pushed Reyez to quit, she leaned on her faith and passion to get through it. It was the night she was verbally threatened by a producer who promised her a career in exchange for sex. Reyez is no stranger to this unfortunate truth and is one of the courageous few who fought back by bringing one particular incident to light publicly. With women making up just 21.7% of artists, the music industry still has a long way to go to achieve gender equality. Highly stereotypical perceptions, sexualization, lack of representation and the pay gap are continual roadblocks that women face in navigating their careers in music. Like those who have preceded her, the barriers that Reyez has faced illuminate the challenges of being a woman in entertainment.
Yet, her journey to stardom has not been easy. The new album illustrates Reyez’ continuous growth and evolution as an artist, known just as much for her beautiful voice and the power of her pen. Now, with the recent release of her debut album, Before Love Came to Kill Us, the rest of the world can join in on what her day one supporters have known from the start. Since then, her work has earned her two Juno Awards, a Grammy nomination and the respect of peers and collaborators like Eminem, 6lack, Sam Smith, and Kehlani. Longtime fans fell in love with Reyez on her first two EPs, Kiddo and Being Human in Public, released in 20, respectively. From a double platinum hit record with her 2016 single “Figures” to songwriting credits for the likes of superstars, Dua Lipa, Normani and Calvin Harris, Reyez has proven herself an up-and-coming talent to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Singer-Songwriter, Jessie Reyez Photo Credit: Secret DeodorantĪt just 28-years-old, Canadian singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez has already racked up an impressive list of accomplishments.