When our childhood has unfinished business

Watching Disney movies as a kid made me believe that perfect families existed. Or at least it gave me hope of what a healthy relationship looked like between relatives, friends, and companions. But today, as a single woman living in NYC, I've been learning that there is truly a thin line between living a perfect (fantasy) life, and embracing the life you naturally have, just perfectly (and realistically) fine.

I grew up an only child until my mother remarried and had my sister when I was thirteen. Before then, I lived in a house where I sat alone in my bed, listening to my parents argue on the floor below me. Most couples argue, which is nothing new. And by the time my parents sat me down to tell me that they were splitting, (I was 9 years old) a part of me was mature enough to accept it and adjust quickly to the change.

A few years later, after she remarried and had another baby, I grew extremely attached to my little sister who idolized me and yearned for my big sister affection. Having such a big age difference, I became somewhat of a second mother since I fed her bottles, changed her diapers, and gave her cute bubble baths when I was about fifteen. Nevertheless, although I had a ball with my kid sis - taking cute baby pictures, dancing in the living room together, and watching (YES!) watching Disney Cartoons with her when I'd baby sit, I always had this inner feeling of an overwhelming amount of responsibility. With my stepfather's relatives coming over for family dinners and holidays, I had subconsciously felt like an outsider who was living in my mothers house with her family, never really feeling like it was my home. I felt more like a string-along who had to fit into my mothers world, while I visited my real father & his family, (and even my mothers family) on my own time - separately.

Fast forward to today... I know plenty of adults who live perfectly normal, healthy, and rewarding lives that come from divorcees. But sometimes, I honestly can't help but wonder if my growing up the way I did has influenced why I'm still single. Maybe... Maybe not... As an artist, I love building a career that's creatively & emotionally charged, although I'm getting a little tired of thinking that its a "singles" career. Artists have such a spontaneous lifestyle - constantly meeting different faces whether its a fan or a potential business opportunity, doing shows for different audiences in different places, recording music or writing song lyrics at all times of the night, that the nature of show business can be pretty freedom-loving. It's very rare that you see power couples who stand the test of time, but there are a FEW! One of the most popular ones are Will & Jada Pinkett Smith; also Emilio & Gloria Estefan. Lord knows that I'd love to pick their brain about how they've remained glued together for all these years.

And for the single people who are artists, (or whatever profession their in) who have built a beautiful life, I wonder what their definition of home is? By no means am I suggesting a co-dependent relationship because there's absolutely nothing wrong with being single! (We should all be comfortable with being our own best friend; self love is divine) but isn't it true that everyone needs a support system? Call it a family if you will, or a team... Or a circle of friends. But everyone needs a group of people that they can depend on. No?

I definitely have a nice circle of professional team members who I've formed a beautiful bond with. Certain music producers, photographers, editors, fashion stylists, jewelry designers, video directors and so on who I work with but also trust, confide in, and share special moments with such as birthday celebrations and so on... But I'm just hoping that I don't remain too chicken shit for too long when it comes to matters of the heart. One thing I vowed is to never go through a divorce. Some people have no problem jumping into marriage because they don't wanna live with regret. So they'd rather try and fail then to never try at all. Well, I can't see myself treating marriage as a test. But I also don't wanna think that living in a bubble (by myself) is easier, safer, and more fulfilling. Although relationships are not perfect (Thanks Disney!) I wouldn't trade creating a love nest for a life of playing it safe, single. I also won't rush such a sacred commitment like marriage for the sake of tying the knot. In fact, perhaps becoming perfectly fine with the life I already have will attract the right companion (who doesn't need a title, or an obligation, or an expected result to come from it), because a little bit of love can go a long way...

As far as feeling like the outcast when I was younger goes... (and I left a lot of stuff out) Family has more to do with unity and togetherness, trust and love, understanding and forgiveness, then it has to do with blood - or having a document ie. marriage certificate. Because real love can be found in the rarest of places with the people you least expect, over time, with memories built, and when spontaneity (the magic of life) is let in.

Does art imitate life, or does life imitate art? What would family guy say? Lol

BEAUTY (Inside/Out)

 How Our Inner Beauty Manifests Into Our Outer World

Singer/Songwriter Jasmine Clemente (Gown by Fjc Designs)

Beauty is pleasing to the eye; however, if what's inside the image you see before you is rotten, then it is only a matter of time before its stench and ugliness will be revealed.

Everything that's hidden in darkness will eventually be brought to light.

True beauty is mostly found in rare places. For example, even super models have imperfections, and yet those imperfections are their trade marks! Such as one model having a gap in between her front teeth that sets her apart from the rest, or having a noticeable mole on her cheek that stands out, or freckles, a long nose, thick eyebrows, the list goes on! On the outer realm, it is those unique features on a person that is most attractive to photographers, potential companions, and the world. It's always been that way so don't be fooled by a false perception of perfection.

The issue is that after the make-up, hair, and wardrobe is on, we see such a stunning creature that the long nose or big ears are no longer the center of attraction because the woman is so fixed up. (The same goes for men) So what I'm trying to say is... instead of trying to hide something that you might believe to be a "Flaw", embrace it! 

Movie actresses, Politicians, Models, and all kinds of high profile public figures have been categorized in society as an elite class because of their widely recognized publicized accomplishments, but I assure you - they are not better or more beautiful than anyone else. Though it might appear that way with smoke & mirrors, they, us, we, are of the same human species. 

Here's a small back drop of my story growing up. In my culture, (Puerto Rican) Latinos tend to be more attracted to voluptuous women with fairly thick thighs, a nice rump, curvy waste, and big breasts. (Different from the European culture that like pencil stick, thin women) Well, guess what? Growing up, I was that pencil stick, thin girl who got teased for being bony, like a skeleton! I tried to eat a little more so I could gain weight and fill out in certain places, but it wasn't the way my body was proportioned. On top of that, I had big ears, curly eyebrows, and crooked teeth. That's right! I was the ugly duckling who grew up to be a swan. But take notice, I didn't shrink the size of my earlobes, or change my body shape. I did however, tease and shape my eyebrows at the beauty salon as most women do, plus, the braces that my father paid for worked wonders after straightening out my smile! Lord knows how much I love to laugh!

The point I'm trying to make out of all this is to embrace your outer beauty by highlighting and enhancing it. I don't use cosmetics to cover up my face, I use it to enhance my natural beauty - the key word here is beauty! You are beautiful. We all are. But what separates us from the fabulous and the not-so-fabulous, is the way we OWN IT! Do you feel that only skinny women are gorgeous? If so, look at how beautiful Oprah Winfrey & Jill Scott are. Those women have such a vibrant glow about them that it'd be impossible to deny their attractiveness. They are successful, optimistic, stylish, confident, talented, warm hearted, and influential women! And yes, it shows in the way they dress, walk, talk, and look. Do you think that taller women are sexier? If so, check out Gloria Estefan  and Paula Abdul who's only five foot, one inch height. They''re absolute beauties for more reasons than one! Image is important; it always has been. The thing that's even more important however, is the beauty you possess inside - because it will show!!! More than you know!!!

A Woman & Her Hair

I wish I had the discipline for daily blogging, but sometimes projects come up and I get pushed back a few days. Don't we all!? Better late then never. Two days ago, my friend & hairstylist, Nicholas James Rivera-Miller, (A.K.A. Nico) invited me to the salon, DRY BAR, in Murray Hill NYC to blow out my naturally curly hair straight. Not only was the location beautiful - with top notch service, offering me a choice of wine, sparking water, coffee or tea - but Nico did an amazing job! 

I've always loved working with him because he talks to his clients like a best friend, dishing out all that girl talk while I sit in the chair venting, sharing, and having a good laugh. Nico's styled my hair before for previous photo shoots as well as for my previous video release party for "Everything You Need". I highly recommend Nico to women with all textures/types of hair because he knows what he's doing. Till next time ladies; stay beautifully blessed! (Inside & Out) 

(Dry Bar NYC)

The Uncategorized Artist

 DARE TO BE DIFFERENT

Singer / Jasmine Clemente

Everyone's heard of conscious artists, rock artists, hip hop artists, local artists, mainstream artists, etc. There seems to be a category that artists are expected to fit into so that marketers know which demographic audience to target sales. Business as usual.

So... which artist are you?

Well, let me start first by saying what type of artist I am: I'm true to myself.

I'm the type of artist who understands that there is a formula that works, however, I implement my own unique ideas into the business structure of selling units. For example, if a catchy hook has been proven to generate more revenue because it's easier for people to remember, then I'll keep that in mind for some songs, but I still write my own lyrics, still create my own concept, and still put my own spin on things.

I don't always use catchy hooks either. In fact, I have 2 unique songs that don't have hooks at all. A little unheard of, right? They're "Soul Mate" and "Unresolved". Then of course, I have plenty of songs with catchy hooks like "So In Love" and "Wanting More". I must admit, catchy hooks work for a reason! But enough about chorus's & hooks... This entry is more about why it's important for an artist to refill their creative well so that they're creative juices never run dry. 

There will be times that audiences will love your music (or art) and there will be times they won't. They'll also be times when investors and record labels will be dying to take you under their wing, and they'll also be times when you'll get nothing but rejection. Yet the point is to remain true to yourself. The minute you start altering your craft to fit into a certain category or stay signed to a certain record label to please others, you'll lose your spark, your magic! That stuff that all artist have - uniqueness. 

The trick is to balance both worlds of business and creativity. Remember that the best art usually comes from the deepest places of your soul, and often times it's not even recognized or appreciated until after the originator dies or gets old. Life is weird that way.

Therefore, sometimes it's not you who needs to change. But it's the rest of the world that needs to catch up to your vision! (Notice, I used the word vision) Usually when one person comes up with an idea, sound, or yes - vision, their not the only one with this concept because great minds think alike. It's like there's a magnetic wavelength that falls from the heavens and blankets the earth. The ones who are clear, optimistic, and open to receiving this energy usually get inspired - as if a light bulb went off in their head. And though they may be far & few, there still are... A FEW. 

So if you have some great ideas, or some gut feeling about doing something crazy with your art that takes you out of the box, don't be afraid to create it out of fear that you won't make money or that people won't understand. It takes time for evolution to occur. And as we all know, artists have a reputation for being innovators who influence society and future generations with their courage to be different.

Lyrics to Rattle the Soul "SOUL MATE" (South Africa)

So much music; it's over saturated. Millions or billions, perhaps even trillions - (no exaggeration), of music to find on line. What separates you from the rest? For me, it's not a competition but let's be realistic: We want to sell records. Artists, that is. And with a simple, catchy hook that rings repeatedly inside of someone's mind, you got yourself a winner - hooking your listeners in! 

However, I wrote a song that doesn't have the conventional hook that we're all used to hearing. If you google & listen to my single, "Soul Mate", you'll know what I mean. It's a song that I recorded with South African producers, Maqabe & Mbali, on Qabecity Records. 

From across the globe to NYC, I'm performing this song that I took a risk with - writing lyrics that don't have the normal, catchy hook because instead I chose to write lyrical metaphors that intertwine worldwide traveling with how far a soul mate's radar can actually reach. Meaning... that whether you live near the equator (In South America), or by Niagra Falls (In Canada), or by the Red Sea (In Israel), you're soul mate can feel you from distances away because that's how strong the connection is. 

I wrote the song wanting to give people something to think about while dancing to it. I could've wrote very simple lyrics, but the internet is already over saturated with mindless music just as much as TV is over saturated with mindless reality shows. Thus, for me it's not solely about making popular music to be famous or sell top chart records - as much as it's about making real music with real substance.

Nevertheless, last month in July I performed, "Soul Mate", at Babble In The Bronx's 3 year anniversary amongst a great line up of Spoken Word Poets, Singers, and MC's who appreciate real content over commercialized tunes. Now, I'm not putting down commercial tunes because I'd be lying if I say that I don't dance to them in night clubs or during fun celebrations, but I believe that every artist has a certain crowd (audience/demographic) to tap into. At Babble, you're going to get the type of crowd that wants to hear something authentic, straight from the gut that will provoke deeper thoughts, challenge the mind, touch the heart, and rattle the soul.

VIVE Katerin covers Evan Ginsburg's Legends TV Launch Party

I had a fabulous time at Evan Ginsburg's Legends TV launch party yesterday in Midtown Manhattan. Cameras flashing everywhere I turned, I constantly smiled cause I didn't know who was shooting, from which magazine or social networking channel! There was just that many! Below you can see my exclusive interview with VIVE Katerin as I introduce my new single, "Soul Mate" from South Africa. Watch the whole video, or skip into 2 minutes when I come on.

Behind The Scenes of "Por Amor" Music Video

In creating the life we want, how much power do we have? A few months ago, I teamed up with my video Director, Rodolfo Duran, to film my first slow song, Por Amor, (Guitar by Mark Towns) but Hurricane Sandy pushed our plans back.

I wanted the message on screen to represent something meaningful, so I thought of getting 3 different interracial couples walking around China Town & Little Italy while making sure that the director captured cultural symbols. Well... Mother Nature practically wiped out the downtown area of Manhattan by covering it with 3 feet of water. Thankfully, the city was up & running again after a few weeks, but it took months for a lot of people to repair damage and get back into a normal flow.

So here we are, eight months after the storm filming, "Por Amor", in hot ass July! But at least we didn't forget about the project altogether! In fact, the origin of this song began exactly five years ago when I lived in Los Angeles, California for a summer. That's where I met the Latin Jazz guitarist, Mark Towns, who'd invited me to be a guest singer at his live band performances. I had never even considered singing in the Latin Jazz genre before, but I was specifically looking for a guitar player when he responded with enthusiasm! Well... Turns out that I was the lucky girl because when I heard his instrumental music, I fell in love with every chord, rhythm, and feeling it exuded. Thus, all it was missing was a voice - my voice.

Singer/Songwriter Jasmine Clemente

And that's how "Por Amor" was born. I wrote song lyrics over this gorgeous track and recorded it in a major NYC recording studio where it was engineered by Steve Francis for Stush Music. Now, five years later, my video director insisted we film a music video to this romantic ballad despite all of the invigorating, dance, house music that I have out. Of course we'll be filming music videos to those too! (I'm a house head through & thru) but this ballad shows that I have variety.

Back to the production of the video. Not sure if it was fate or what, but something made me remember this beautiful logo of a curly, long haired latina in front of a Coquito bottle that I'd seen on the internet. Being that my director was looking for ways to cross market the video to gain more followers, I started brain storming of who to include in the project, so I researched that image until I found Flaco Coquito - The Healthier Coquito, and contacted the founder, Cynthia Sepulveda. We both equally loved each other's websites and agreed to feature her product in my music video. What's even better, is that after wards, everyone on set toasted with her strawberry flavored drinks in hand. A perfect refreshment to cool us off on a hot summer day!

From Left to Right: Victorious De Costa (Web Series Director for Dirty Hearts TV) Cynthia Sepulveda Caballero (President of Flaco Coquito), Devora Wooden (Dig Deep Baby LLC), Music Video Director Rodolfo Duran (DoneRight Digital) & Singer/Songwriter Jasmine Clemente

Singer/Songwriter Jasmine Clemente

Another element that we included was featuring a friend of mine, Victorious De Costa, (Director of the Dirty Hearts Web Series) to play my date on screen. He's a tall, dark skinned, Panamanian brother with long dreadlocks - which was perfect for my interracial concept! I think the locks gives him an eclectic, artistic vibe, and that - me gusta mucho!!! What was even more coincidental was how Rodolfo Duran specifically requested that I wear a long gown to stay classy and sophisticated in this video, so when I came across the designs of Francis J. Cuesto, I was pleasantly surprised to see the perfect black dress in his collection. I said, "I need that!" And a good friend of mine, Dhylles Davis, made the phone call to Frankee that would have him dolling me up on set not even two weeks later. Amazing!!!

The finishing touch... Which made a big difference... Was when Devora of Dig Deep slid on a huge diamond ring on my middle finger, a thick bracelet on my arm, and gave me some gorgeous earrings to wear. Having the right costume jewelry gives the artist an extra edge, and every single element matters.

Until next time... Look out for the video announcement coming soon... In divine timing... (As you can tell from how this song started).