Rising Stars: Meet Lena Jackson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lena Jackson.

Hi Lena, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I started my love for lyrics as a teen, simply writing poetry. As a tomboy, I often saw “the boys” in their ciphers and beating on tables. I witnessed it and knew I not only wanted to engage in it but surpass my peers in it. I started writing rhymes and rapping to myself in private. When I reached young adulthood, I would try to perform and record songs. However, the stress of navigating the music scene with no real knowledge, little support, and extreme self-doubt kept me from pursuing music as I wanted. Around 2015, I was inspired to start rapping again, this time professionally. I got back into the groove doing open mics and eventually doing my shows. Once pregnant in 2016, I was even more motivated to be an example for my son to go after his dreams, no matter the circumstance. I shot multiple music videos during my pregnancy, performed shows, and within weeks of giving birth, got right back onstage. Being a mom motivated me more than ever to continue being an artist and made me a better one. It transformed my self-doubt into resilience and will. And I used that to continue earning the musical opportunities given to me.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been the smoothest road, mostly because of how I viewed my potential as an artist. My biggest struggles along the way were fear and self-doubt. I was my own worst enemy. I downplayed my talent, and I downplayed my ability to be successful. I was afraid I wouldn’t look pretty enough to be accepted as an artist-things that I laugh at now. I got inside my head about all of these issues that could be the thoughts of others, but no one was a bigger obstacle than myself.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a lyricist, a songwriter, a creative director for music visuals, and an actress as well. Primarily, I specialize in rapping, but I have recently decided to take acting more seriously and will do more in the coming year. I’m most proud of being able to create art how I like to and have it reflect my authentic self without a false image. I have no façade to keep up with. I live by “real life is the brand,” so you get to see facets of my whole life while I make music that reflects it- who I love, who I no longer love, how I parent, what kind of exercise I do, how anxiety affects my life. My desire to never hide the raw parts of who I am set me apart from how the music industry likes to shape and mold artists into completely different people.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those just starting.
My best advice for those starting is to get out of your head. You can do anything, so don’t let people deter you from your goals, but for damn sure, don’t talk yourself out of your blessings. Also, learn the business aspect of music the best you can to gain leverage to protect your craft and be both respected and appropriately compensated for it. You deserve rewards for your work, but you still have to work. I wish you knew that people in the industry, whether independent, major, title, or no title, are still trying to figure out the best ways to navigate the industry. No one has all the answers. There’s a lot of smoke and mirrors to make people look like they’re big shots- have enough confidence to know you belong, but enough humility to treat everyone with respect no matter their status- or the perception of their status.

Contact Info:

• Website: LenaJacksonMusic.com
• Instagram: @LJackPower
• Facebook: LJackPower
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LenaJacksonMusic

Image Credits
Phyllis B. Dooney, J. Cacao, AudioHeeem, 8 Bit Photography