Meet Janelle Sy’mone | Musical Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janelle Sy’mone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janelle, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
I’m an avid reader, so I’m going to really enjoy answering this question. I’ve recently read “Punch Me Up To The Gods” by Brian Broome, and in it he details what it was like growing up different. I really resonated with him and how he just wanted to be loved for all of who he was, especially by the people who mattered the most. When Brian wrote, “I wonder if God would take me in my condition”-I sobbed. I know how it feels ….to be told that you’re “incorrect”, that you’re not worthy or capable of being loved. So many of us are still searching for ourselves in the face of God—asking him are we here on purpose—with purpose. To this day, it’s still one of the most revelatory books I’ve ever read.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
What sets me apart is…. I’m not trying to be like anyone else but me. The entertainment industry is about risks and taking a gamble and most entities want “sure fire wins” or “the safest bet”. But I’m neither. My sound is my sound. My look is my look and I’m excited the the world gets to see and hear me. The hardest part of being an artist is the bill. Music costs! Dreaming costs! And you must be willing to invest in yourself to the point where the belief matches the paperwork. I want people to know that music is all I have. I’ll never be able to have kids, so music is my legacy—it’s the last branch of contribution to my family tree and I’m honored that so many people have decided to love my work—to love my kids. I don’t take it for granted—ever.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh you want a week long itinerary!? Ok..ok…let’s see. So Monday is going to be a low night, nothing too heavy. I’m thinking dinner after work at my favorite vegan restaurant, Herban Fix for their amazing scallion pancakes!!! Tuesday will be reserved for a little sea life at the Georgia Aquarium. Wednesdays are the best nights for open mic, so we definitely gotta hit up “Kat’s Cafe” for some amazing live music and poetry. Thursday is all about shopping. So we’d hit up places like Lenox Square, Ponce City Market and Buckhead for the designer stores. Friday is nightlife central, and my favorite place is Siva’s off Peachtree for their amazing hookah selections and lit DJ’s!!! Saturday we’re going to the Fun Spot to ride a few rides and drink and Sunday is a walk in the park—Piedmont Park that is, and dinner at We Got Soul diner in Decatur. How did I do?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Musically, Jeremy “Producer Jay-J” James has been the most prolific person in my life. This man saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself . Not only did he manage to mold me into a viable artist, but he also cultivated a trust in myself that allowed me to dream bigger, go harder, want better and give greater. He’s a humble guy—he doesn’t say much and he hates compliments but if I’m the blood, he’s the veins and I truly appreciate every thing he has ever done for me and continues to do for my art.

Website: www.janellesymone.com

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/therealjanellesymone

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCCDCC7J5LaDt_hrwp5CZGMA

Image Credits
GodBox Productions KB Photography Raquez Rouse