Darius Martin and the Doorway to Healthy Relationships

Darius Martin is an LA-based singer-songwriter pioneering a new wave of expansive alt R&B. Inspired by the work of great artists like Micheal Jackson and Stevie Wonder, his pop-laced hooks and island-drenched soundscapes are refreshing and timeless. Darius touches on the damaging effects of abusive relationships with his new single “Sparks Don’t Fly”. This song was created in partnership with the organization Doorways, which provides services to domestic violence survivors. Jejune got the chance to chat with Darius more about his work, inspirations, and advice for anyone in an unhealthy relationship.

Art, zIssue 52Elizabeth ShepherdOctober 26, 2023#domesticviolence, #emotionalabuse, charity, r&b, pop music, singer song writerComment

Swagg R'Celious Has Us on Cloud 19

Swagg R’Celious is a Grammy Award winning music producer, having earned that honor for his work on the album H.E.R. by H.E.R., but his influence doesn’t stop there. Swagg also helped produce Kehlani’s debut mixtape Cloud 19, which had a huge impact on R&B today. He ultimately works as a visionary, helping artists define their sound and songwriting. In his conversation with Jejune, we learn that Swagg R’Celious is also a mentor and advocate for Black Youth in the music industry. He is a a professor at both Berklee College of Music and NYU, where he has set out to become the professor that he has always wanted growing up, a conduct between real life experience and the classroom. Swagg R’Celious recently became an ambassador for the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective, which aims to build trust and empower Black artists, creatives and music executives. Through his work as an ambassador, he is able to provide insight and input on how Black artists are represented at the Recording Academy. Continue reading our interview with Swagg R’Celious to learn more about his background, his work on H.E.R. and Cloud 19, and some upcoming projects that he has coming up!

Finding a Soulful Connection with Robert Ball

Robert Ball, singer/songwriter from Toronto, Canada, has a soulful voice with velvet tones to match. Having been inspired from everything Broadway, pop, and world music, to R&B and country, Robert has a diverse background that shows in his work. His new single, ‘I Need A Man,’ was recently released. The song emphasizes the importance of deep soulful connection with someone, not just a short term fix or casual fling. Additionally, Robert is on the steering committee for ‘BGMN’ the Black Gay Men’s Network of Ontario, and a mentor, teaching artist with NIA Centre for the Arts, Vocal Coach with TIFTPA. As an LGBTQ artist, Robert explains that he finds it particularly important to ‘pay it forward’ to his mentees. Read more about Robert Ball’s music and activism in his interview with Jejune below.

SWAC: Influencer, Zissue 37Kaylyn WenzelNovember 4, 2021soul, connection, singer song writer, singer, songwriter, canada, broadway, pop, world, r&b, Country, blm, LGBTQ+, mentor, mentorship, activismComment

Laura Marano's New Deluxe EP Has Strong Bestie Energy

Strong Bestie Energy is the best way to describe the actress-turned-singer-songwriter, Laura Marano. Known for the role of Ally on Disney Channel’s Austin and Ally, Laura Marano has always been known as the best friend, the girl next door, and overall, a down to earth star. All of these qualities are manifested in Laura’s EP You. This past month, Laura released the Deluxe EP of You, featuring duets “Honest With You” with Alextbh Duet and “Can’t Help Myself” with Poe Leos and Jean Deaux. Jejune got the opportunity to sit down with Laura in a live listening session of the album from Laura’s cozy home (via Zoom of course) and learn all about the album’s new sound.