Rebecca Jade

Rebecca Jade is a neo-soul/R&B singer from San Diego. Her new album, due to drop soon from Pacific Records, is called A Shade of Jade. Rebecca’s voice conveys a touch of Etta James, a dash of Nina Simone and hints of Aretha Franklin. However, it’s not fair to compare Jade’s voice to any of the aforementioned soul divas. Jade’s voice is both unique and distinctive, and it makes for easy listening.

I had the opportunity to sit down with the diva and ask her a few questions. She emanates a vivacious energy, along with an easy-going personality and a great smile. She was fun to talk to.

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

When I came home from playing in a basketball traveling team tournament in Texas with a tattoo, when I was 16.

What are the five things you can’t live without?

A basketball, peppermint oil, some sort of candy (Snickers and chocolate-covered strawberries are my favorite), mascara and hot tea.

What’s your favorite song to belt out in the car or the shower?

Hmm... I don’t have a favorite song that I sing, but if I did, it would probably be a song from one of the singers or groups from the 90s, like an En Vogue song, or a song from Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey, or maybe Boyz II Men.

What musicians/vocalists influenced you the most?

Billie Holiday, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, (early) Mariah Carey, Ella Fitzgerald, En Vogue.

What is your musical background?

I don’t know my life without music. My mom has a picture of me singing a solo when I was about 5. I sang in school and church choirs while growing up, and also did youth theatre. I gained my first experience in a recording studio when I was 11. In high school, I was in a girl group, working on our 1st demo to try and get a record deal. In college, I earned my degree in Theatre & Performance Studies. After I came home from school, I started working on music again and eventually took the leap into full-time singer. Through every facet of my life, my mom always encouraged anything I wanted to do, but because music was such an important part of her upbringing, it was a consistent part throughout mine. My mom used to be a professional singer, and she used to sing in a group with her dad and brother, and even put herself through college as a singer. So the love of music was instilled in me at a young age, but never forced, so I was free to explore that further if I wanted to, or not, if I didn’t. It was after college when I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life that I realized music was my calling.

In the various venues you’ve performed at so far, which was your favorite? Why?

I had residency at a beautiful supper club here in San Diego, called Anthology. I was in the House Band, and in its short existence, it became a world-renowned venue, a place where many incredible artists from all over the world came to perform; I sang on the same stage that was graced by artists as: Natalie Cole (R.I.P.), Brian McKnight, Michael Bublé, The Yellow Jackets, Arturo Sandoval, Wynton Marsalis and Alanis Morissette, just to name a few. Sadly, this venue closed after only 5 ½ years, but I was honored to be there for that time, from the day it opened its doors to the day it closed. Anthology was like a 2nd home to me.

In my review of your single, I described your musical style as Neo-soul. How would you describe it?

I think Neo-soul is probably the closest style description; Neo-soul/R&B.

Where do you find inspiration for your songs?

I get inspiration from everything and anything. A word from someone telling a story that sparks an idea or imagery; a tone from a random sound while sitting at the park; from a bass line or melodic idea that just pops in my head; from an experience and how it makes me feel; from observing my surroundings. And sometimes I’m tired and not getting ideas, and need to search for inspiration. A lot of the songs I write tend to be love songs in some form or fashion; about new love, about heart break, etc. I’m not sure where it comes from, but I’ve always had an affinity for those songs, even before I understood them. I felt them in my soul. I have always been intrigued by Billie Holiday’s voice and the sorrow that comes through her vocals, even in a happy song.

What is your songwriting process? Does the music come first and then the lyrics?

Sometimes I’m lucky, or the juices are flowing, and I’ll write from the beginning of the song: a verse that goes into a pre-chorus, then the hook, etc. But usually it’s a hook that first gets developed, and then I try to build the verses around that. Or sometimes I’ll get started with something as simple as a bass line groove or simple chord progression that I hum into a recorder and build the song from there. Once I have something worth sharing, I run it by some of the other songwriters in my circle whose opinions I respect for feedback or to help me tweak it, or even help me finish the song, if I get stuck and the juices aren’t flowing anymore.

When recording, do you utilize session musicians? Or your own band?

Both. Since working as a professional singer around San Diego, I’ve worked with a large number of the musicians around town, and some of us have played in bands together. Because of that, I feel very fortunate to have a wide range of musicians I can call upon for their services in the studio, and with having played with many of them for years, I know how they play and which ones I feel will be best suited for the style that I desire. And chemistry is very important to me. Even though there are many, many talented musicians around town, I’d rather the musicians have chemistry with each other because it will create a better project.

Will your album be exclusively Neo-soul music or are you incorporating other styles?

Predominantly Neo-soul, but we’re playing around with a funk vibe on a couple tunes, as well as kind of a folk/acoustic vibe on another. We didn’t have the goal of creating a Neo-soul album in mind, it just seemed to develop that way as the songs were being created and we were open to the direction the project was heading.

Was ‘Weather The Storm’ well-received by the critics? By listeners?

I think it was. I’m very grateful that people are digging it. People seem to be feeling the bluesy vibe, as well as the imagery we created to go with it.

The music video for ‘Weather The Storm’ has a 1950’s look and feel to it. Who made that artistic decision? And why?

I’m not sure why the director of photography suggested this theme, but I do some modeling for a vintage- and pinup-inspired boutique here in San Diego called Temptress Fashion, so when he sent me an image of a particular style of dress, asking if I would be cool doing the vintage look, I told him I already know where I’m getting the clothes.

Will you be touring in the near future? If so, where?

The plan is definitely to tour. Right now, we’re looking at doing some military events, and going overseas. We’ve also been getting some love on the East Coast, so we will plan on traveling there as well. But first, I want to see if people here at home are digging the new music before we take it out on the road.

It’s presumptuous to ask at this point, but are there any new songs on the drawing board? If so, when do you plan to go back into the studio?

Not presumptuous at all. I’m constantly working on new material, and this new solo project is still being recorded as we speak.

You’re on the Pacific Records label. How did you come to sign with them? Did they “discover” you while performing or what?

I am. They reached out to me, saw that I am a hard-working artist around town and offered me a deal. I think one of the folks from the label saw me when I did a local gig, singing with Jason Scheff, the lead singer of Chicago. His brother, Lauren, lives here in San Diego and made the opportunity happen. The guy from Pacific Records was in the audience.

Follow Randall Radic on Twitter: www.twitter.com/groupatoldpink - Huffington post

Blues queen Rebecca Jade……how do I describe her……well….I can’t use just one word.

Exceptional, divine, mesmerizing, enchanting….oh..I could go on. This young woman has a true gift. Not just a nice voice or a beautiful face but a God given natural talent. This girl can sing. There is nothing forced about her. Her voice is dynamic and the ease with which she expresses such emotion…you can clearly “hear” why she’s meant to be in this position.

This thought provoking and memorable single, “Weather The Storm” is exquisite. In it she’s expressing the loss of love and the heartbreak she’s feeling. I love the old school style of the music, the lyrics and of course her amazing voice. It was as if I had been taken back in time. I think we all have a little touch of the old blues in us. Reminds me of when I first learned to do the stroll (dance) in high school.

You’ll linger just a bit longer on this CD because it has something for everyone. She’s not afraid to reach out and dive in to new things. Her voice is enchanting. It brings you in and captures your complete attention from the first note. She is intoxicating and will mesmerize you from the start.

Her voice timeless.

In the early part of her career she enjoyed performing at Anthology with their house band. Anthology is one of the most popular San Diego venues that’s known world wide. She performed there until 2013 when they finally closed the doors. She was a member of Siren’s Crush and opened for artists such as Boyz to Men, Vanilla Ice and the late Teena Marie.

Jade exudes the blues and is the pure meaning behind it. The old saying what you see is what you get…is true. Rebecca is a natural through and through. She’s like a time traveler almost….her appearance is classy and stylish with a hint of the forties and a splash of today. There is boldness, conviction, and a sexuality in her voice that is evergreen.



To say she’s a beauty is an understatement. She is beautiful but she’s so much more than that. She’s smart. She actually lives and breaths the music. It is her essence. When I spoke with Rebecca I could tell immediately that she was a genuine artist of true nature. Her talents run deeper than just the tone or inflection of her voice, the talent is in her blood. She grew up with music as part of her life, her mother was a professional jazz singer and she has shared some of that natural born talent with her daughter.

Inspired by iconic artists such as Patty LaBelle, Billy Holiday and Stevie Wonder. Rebecca expressed during our interview that she loves the creativity and the style of the old school songs. She said that when they wrote songs in the 50’s and 60’s it was classic.

Rebecca Jade courtesy of Independent Music Promotions
Rebecca Jade courtesy of Independent Music Promotions
Her current project is called “A Shade of Gray” and she hopes to have it released in early spring of 2016. She wants to express how fortunate she was to collaborate with incredible songwriters like Alfred Howard on ‘Weather The Storm.” With over 24 years of experience in the industry she is a staple in this genre and an inspiration for other artists on the move.

Rebecca has a very unique sound and a one of a kind voice. She’s genuine and if you think you’ll find another like her, your mistaken. There is only one Rebecca Jade. During our short conversation I could tell she loves what she’s doing and that it’s so much more than just playing a gig or doing a show. This is who she is and what she loves. - Nashville music guide

Rebecca Jade Digs 'Deeper' into Her Soul

JAN 19 2016WRITTEN BY ATLANTIS A1
If there's anyone who will have us reaching "deeper" into our soul, it's Rebecca Jade. With a voice so pure and sultry, this woman exposes us to our deepest, nostalgic feelings. Jade’s angelic voice carries so effortlessly and it reveals the sheer beauty of her music, or what she calls, "music for the soul." No doubt, this woman’s got an ear for the Motown days of classic jazz and R&B. Her musical interest originates from her family history as well (with her mother being a jazz singer.) Rebecca reacquaints the new generation of music with the oldies, in “Weather the Storm" (iTunes) and "Deeper" (Soundcloud). As a rather musically diverse artist, she's as natural on the piano as she is on the drums. She's classic, she's original, and she's ready to "storm" up the world with incredible music. - Next2 Shine

Rebecca Jade is dope. The Neo-soul singer is able to switch up her voice in any given song. Backed by her band, the Cold Fact — which is such a great name — Jade’s voice breaks through the funky sounds.

Her latest video and song, “Weather the Storm” is a testament to her prowess. Donning vintage ’50s-esque outfits, Jade sings her heart out about the aftermath of a breakup — all within the theme of weather. “I know it’s winter and you were my fall / And I fell so hard / ‘Cause you were my heart / You know I’m trying / Just trying / To weather the storm,” she sings. “Let me be free of this storm,” she pleads later on.

Born from a Puerto Rican professional jazz singer, Jade is certainly has bluesy tendencies flowing through her music. And there’s only more music to come. The Pacific Records signee, who has opened for greats like Boyz II Men, Erykah Badu and the late Teena Marie, is slated to release her next project, A Shade of Jade, in April 2016.

Keep up-to-date with Jade’s ventures through her website, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Check out the “Weather the Storm” video above and listen to some of her other latest tracks below. - The Urban Twist