We caught up with Jada Star, the niece of Dolly Parton and a country powerhouse in her own right
Yes, she’s Dolly Parton’s niece, but don’t let that take you away from Jada Star’s mastering of music: music which is original, truthful and beautiful. That is Jada Star in a nutshell.
The talented artist is the newest generation of musicians in the Parton family, but within this interview you’ll see how this is just the start of something special.
Before we do anything, it’s important to check in mentally. How are you doing?
That’s so sweet! Thank you! I am doing wonderful.
You’re carrying on the legacy of the Parton family. Is there any pressure to succeed? Or is it simply the case of making the music you want to?
For me, there is definitely pressure, but good pressure! It’s pressure to be a good representation of my family and where I come from. I feel like if I focus on writing songs from a sincere and genuine place and do my best to make people feel heard and seen, I’ll be doing my best.
You have been a lover of poetry since childhood – what is it about poetry that made you fall in love with it?
I think it’s because it’s such an intimate peek into the writer’s thoughts. Even when I was in grade school, reading poetry has always felt voyeuristic. It’s like looking at someone’s diary, but they intentionally shared it with you. I am eternally fascinated by the ability of some writers to make a printed poem feel melodic to my brain. It’s such a powerful medium.
I think it’s fair to say your lyrics are something special and come from real-life experiences. What part of the human emotion is best to capture when beginning to write a new track?
Thank you, that’s very sweet to say!
I have to say, my favourite human emotion to write is infatuation! It’s so sudden and so universal to get hit by the proverbial Cupid’s Arrow at the most inconvenient times! It’s a chaotic, joyful, beautiful feeling. Unrequited feelings are interesting to explore as well, but sometimes that’s too sad!
Nashville is the hub of all things country, what is it about the city that oozes creativity?
The dreams and hopes of people hang in the air here, and it’s heavy, thick, and alive. It’s a hub for all kinds of music, from country, to americana, trap music to Punk… there’s a place for every type of musician and music lover to listen to and find people that love what they love. It’s definitely a very special place.
A quick question about your Auntie if you don’t mind – what is it about Dolly Parton that you think inspires others?
I truly think it’s that she cares about her audience and they feel that.
It was my grandmother Avie Lee (Dolly’s mother), who taught me to sew, and helped raise me. She instilled a love of storytelling in me, as she did with Dolly, her own children, and any other child fortunate enough to find themselves in her care.
Dolly makes people feel like we’re all part of the same family and she never judges anyone. Love and acceptance is what we all need deep down, and she radiates that.
At the beginning of your career, you began to work at Dollywood. What was it like during that time?
Scary! Haha! I was brand new to performing, and I was suffering from horrible anxiety. I’ve written songs and poems since I could talk, but those were always private and only for a very small group of people whom I trusted.
I had an Associate’s degree in psychology that I was planning on expanding to a Master’s eventually, so performing wasn’t on my radar at that time. Dolly invited me to join the cast of the family show and I just couldn’t refuse her. I knew that if she believed in me enough to ask me, I should believe in myself enough to try my best.
It turned into something so special that I am so grateful for! I learned so much: I met one of my favourite writing partners, Barry J, there and I got to perform with family that I love very much. Eventually, Barry and I got the opportunity to write our own show and I got to sing my own songs for the first time and I learned how the music you sing and the stories you tell can affect a crowd of people firsthand. I’m so thankful that she gave me that opportunity!
What is next for Jada Star?
Well, I’m so proud to announce that I’ll be playing on the acoustic stage at Glastonbury this year! It’s such an honour and I’m working hard on a fun set that I hope everyone will enjoy. I’m also headlining at the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool on July 4th. I’ll be joined by my cousin’s amazing band, Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau, and special guest Katie Nicholas! There might be a couple of surprises as well!
I’m hoping to spend a lot more time performing for everyone in the UK. It’s so welcoming and full of beautiful, kind people.
Listen to ‘Tell Me I’m Your Angel‘ here:
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