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Interview & Performance by Gospel Sensation Jekalyn Carr
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00:00Hello, hello, and welcome to the
00:29Welcome everyone to another episode of our Music Monday series. I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving and I hope you're ready to talk music and hear a great performance because you know that is what we bring here at Music Mondays. So thank you guys for tuning in today and I'm going to hop right in. So today's guest is one of the top young artists in gospel music today. She released her first album when she was just 15 years old and she's had a whopping six singles land in the top 10 on Billboard's gospel airplay chart before she was even 20.
00:59Just recently this past September, she earned her fourth number one with her single Changing Your Story. And now at 23, she's a four-time Grammy nominee and multiple stellar award and dove award winner. I don't think she needs an introduction. I know you guys love her. I love her. She has a beautiful voice. So without further ado, please welcome Miss Jekyll and Carr.
01:21Hello. Hello. How are you? I'm good. How are you? I'm doing pretty good. Pretty good. How was your Thanksgiving?
01:30My Thanksgiving was beautiful. Of course, it's not like what I'm used to because I'm used to back home spending time with a whole lot of my family because I have a big family. But we did it in-house and my siblings, everybody was just, it was a beautiful time. You know, we made the best of it and that's just what I just encourage others to do. Of course, we know it's not the same, but you know, just do the best you can and just bring the positivity out because at the end of the day, we all have something to be thankful for.
01:59Yeah, I agree. And I mean, at this point, that's all we can do. And it's so true that we've had such a year. There's been so much happening, but Thanksgiving definitely, you know, reminded us all that there's plenty to be thankful for, you know, our health, our jobs, our, you know, our family, our friends and just all the things that, you know, we may have taken a little for granted more so than we care to admit before all this started.
02:25So, yeah, yeah, yeah, man. So, I definitely want to get into a little bit of your journey. You released your first album at 15, which is like, what? Like, that had to be amazing. So, released your first album at 15 and then now here you are at 23. I mean, and what you've been able to accomplish in that span, my goodness.
02:47But take us back a little bit to releasing your first album at 15 and then, you know, some of the things that you think of, you know, where the headspace you were in then versus where you are now.
02:57You know, I started out singing at the age of five years old. I always knew that I would do great things, but I never thought that it would be to this capacity.
03:07Like, I was that little girl who would be on the back porch singing to the grass as if the grass was my crowd, just really loving music.
03:16And so, at the age of 15, I released my first breakout album, which is entitled Greater Is Coming.
03:22And it did what we did not expect in Atlanta and in the top three, you know, on the charts.
03:28But, you know, being able to release great music, positive music that really inspires people has always been the ultimate goal of mine.
03:38And, of course, I didn't expect the things to happen for me that young or that early, like you said, within that time span.
03:44But, you know, all glory go to God. And I just want to be a testament to those that despite your history, how old you are, where you come from, at the end of the day, if you were destined to be great, it's going to happen.
03:56You just have to activate it and get around the right people so that they can help you cultivate it at the same time.
04:04So true. God has a purpose for us all. And whenever it's kind of like whenever you're ready to tap into it, you know, he's going to be right there and guide you on that journey for sure.
04:13Now, do you come from a musical family or are you kind of the singer in the family?
04:18I do. I come from a big musical family. Most of my mom's side can definitely sing.
04:25Actually, when I was a little girl, I used to travel with my mom.
04:29Their group was called the Selfies Family Group and used to sing all the time with them.
04:34And then, of course, like my dad's side is more so the writing side at the same time.
04:39But having those two components is just a blessing for me.
04:43And so, yeah, I definitely come from a very talented family.
04:48Yeah, for sure. For sure. Now, when we talk about the journey, we're talking about your journey.
04:54OK, so you started singing at five. You released your first album when you were 15 or your first, as you put it, breakout album at 15.
05:02And then at 21, like having all of this, you know, charting success on Billboard, which is every artist, no matter what genre you're in, that's that's the dream.
05:11Right. So what was that moment like for you?
05:14And do you remember kind of looking back or taking a pause in that moment to be like, wow, like, you know, I'm doing it?
05:22Well, to be honest with you, when it comes to like the number ones and even the awards, per se, we knew about it, but we didn't know about it.
05:31So when God blessed me to be able to accomplish those things, it was mind blowing.
05:36It was very shocking because, you know, it's just amazing any time you get the opportunity to see how far your reach is and to see how intense your influence is, how people are being inspired.
05:49And so and then being that young, come on now, like it was just like amazing.
05:54I remember the very first time when I was told that I was number one, the very first time when I was told I was nominated for my first Grammy.
06:02So it was just amazing. And like I said, when we first got into this, none of that was the goal.
06:08I just want and still love to be able to inspire people and push them into purpose and where they're supposed to be through my music and all the accomplishments that comes with it.
06:18It was just life changing and it was mind blowing at the same time.
06:22Now, coming from such a musical family and then being kind of a young voice within that big musical family and and so many of those accomplishments,
06:32how did you go about kind of crafting your own sound and carving your own lane?
06:36So, you know, to be able to get to where you are now and kind of stand on your own vocally and as who you are as a young woman as well.
06:44What was that journey like in that process for you? I think we hear about it a lot from some of the artists in some of the other genres,
06:52but not so much from young gospel artists. We don't get to hear kind of how they carve their own lane.
06:57And so I'd love to hear that for how that was for you.
07:00Yeah. So the interesting thing is from the very beginning, my parents were very big on you being you and not only being you,
07:09but being confident in what God has given you. And so that's one thing that I have carried along with me.
07:15I know where I am. I know my assignment. I know where I'm supposed to be.
07:19And and I'm confident in that. I'm very strongly confident in what it is that I'm supposed to do,
07:26because I know that there is a reason why God has given me what he's given me, you know.
07:31And so and with that being said, I try to make sure I I conquer it and do everything I can to do with everything that I have,
07:39because I know that is definitely a call is called for, especially in this profession.
07:45You want to make sure that you're being your unique self.
07:50We don't need a duplicate of someone else, you know, be you and let people embrace that.
07:55And I promise you, it's going to help give you longevity of what you do.
08:01For sure. For sure. And then being a young woman in gospel music and just like that, like we said, carving your own lane,
08:07kind of charting your own way and navigating that way to success, you know, all of that for so many artists and just everyone in general,
08:15like we were kind of talking about in the beginning, it's come to a bit of a halt.
08:19Like it's kind of put a wrench in our creativity a little bit.
08:21But how have you been able to kind of stay afloat and navigate and keep your creativity flowing, stay inspired during this period?
08:29I think one thing we got to understand is, first of all, we are a very creative people.
08:35So it doesn't matter what goes on in our world, our nation, we always have to find a way around things, find a way to do things.
08:45And so with that being said, with the pandemic and everything, you would think things have slowed down for me.
08:51But, you know, everything is basically now virtual.
08:54So people are now booking virtually.
08:56And so I have to do virtual concerts and all of that.
09:00So it's just being very creative with it.
09:03And then there were actually things that I was working on outside of music prior to.
09:08And so it just gave me a little time to be able to continue to work on it.
09:12And you're getting ready to see it very soon.
09:14But, yeah, that's just how I've been able to stay afloat and just keeping in mind, you know, this stuff doesn't have to stop me.
09:21You know, it's just all about you strategizing and knowing how to go about doing it so that you can continue to produce.
09:27Because I made up in my mind that as long as I'm here on Earth, I'm going to be productive.
09:33I love it.
09:34I love it.
09:35And I caught that little, I got something coming up.
09:37So we will be watching and tuning in for that.
09:39I'd love to hear that.
09:41One other thing that comes to mind before we get into your performance, which I know that's what everyone's waiting on.
09:46One thing that comes to mind that I don't hear talked about enough as well is the kind of sisterhood and sister circle that is present in gospel music among the young artists today.
09:57And also some of the artists who have been around, some of the ones that we know and love and grew up on and how they've embraced you guys as well.
10:05Do you have kind of that sister circle?
10:07Is there a sister circle?
10:09You know, we always wonder, you know, when you hear people wonder if, you know, the Beyonce's and the Rihanna and the Nikki's are friends.
10:14I think we wonder the same thing like the Jekyll and Tasha and the Walls group and, you know, everyone, are they, you know, tight?
10:21And is there a circle?
10:22Is there a unity there?
10:24And if so, so who's that kind of sister circle for you?
10:27Of course, you know, there's so many because we all, I believe that unity is very elite and it should be definitely punctured when it comes to what we do.
10:40But definitely so every time we get an opportunity to see each other and definitely on social media now, we're having to connect on social media and all of that.
10:49And we, we, it's always like a family reunion.
10:52It's always just like that, us just embracing and, you know, catching up with one another.
10:58So I think it's definitely important, but I love being able to see my co-laborers and sisters and even brothers in the body of Christ who does what we do, because it's just refreshing for us to come together.
11:13And like I said, again, it's like a family reunion.
11:16Well, we appreciate y'all.
11:17I definitely grew up, you know, on gospel.
11:20And so I love to see that, you know, you guys are carrying this torch and doing it well and also taking it, not just carrying the torch in the same way that it was done, but kind of just, you know, doing some fresh, some new things and just doing them excellently.
11:32So thank you for that and being a part of that, this new class of gospel music, like y'all are killing it.
11:38So I'm not going to keep wrapping you up because I know what they want.
11:41We're getting ready to get into your performance.
11:43But before we do that, tell us a little about what we're going to hear today.
11:47Absolutely.
11:48So for those of you who don't know, I just recently released my album, Changing Your Story.
11:53It is my live album that I recorded in October of last year here in Atlanta, Georgia.
12:00But today I'm going to be singing two songs up of the Changing Your Story as well as You've Been Restored.
12:05And I just want you to understand because I know there's a lot that is going on.
12:10But as I mentioned before, it doesn't have to stop you from producing.
12:14It doesn't have to stop you from being successful.
12:17Today, I just declare that the strength of God should be a portion.
12:20And today you will allow God to change your story for the better because that's what he promised and that's what you're going to see.
12:28All right.
12:28Let's get into it.
12:30Guys, check out Jacqueline.
12:31I know you've been defeated before.
13:01I know you've been defeated before.
13:06I know you've been defeated before.
13:11I know you've been defeated before.
13:14Yes, you have a generation of curses.
13:20And I just want to tell somebody that God is changing your story.
13:26Say!
13:26God is changing your story, God is changing your story, He's making you quick, your place is straight, He's creating a way in your everyness, He's putting a river in your desert, God is changing your story,
13:46Unemploying me, to voice is calling your name, poverty is calling your name, but I want you to know today that God is changing your story, God is changing your story, God is changing your story,
14:15He loves you too much to leave you
14:18Leave you right there, wake you up
14:21He got to show you what it looks like
14:24You got to be your miracle
14:25You got to be your miracle
14:27You got to be your miracle
14:28Yeah
14:29He's changing your story
14:34I said he's changing your story
14:38From failure to success
14:40From bound to freedom
14:43From love to the abundance
14:46Say
14:47You want to just begin to release that
14:51Over your mouth and shout it out loud
14:54I'm going from defeated
14:57From defeated to winning
14:59He got to change your location
15:03From defeated to winning
15:05I'm only a story novel
15:11I don't know who's watching me right now
15:13But can I just remind you that the greatness of God
15:16Can never be questioned
15:17I believe that today God is about to show you
15:20In a greater way
15:21Just how good he is
15:23Just how great he is
15:25Can you just begin to lift your hand in the atmosphere
15:28That's it
15:29Lift your hand in your atmosphere
15:31I don't know what the enemy has been losing against you
15:35To keep you from being where God wants you to be
15:38But I came to tell you that's about to change
15:41I speak to everything that's been holding you captive
15:44And I command it to let you go
15:47To let you go
15:49Lift your voice and sing the song like you mean it
15:51God is changing our story
15:54God is changing our
15:57God is changing our story
16:00I know what it felt like before
16:03And I know what it felt like before
16:06But he's releasing healing right now
16:09Hey!
16:09He's releasing victory right now
16:12God is changing our story
16:15Lift your voice and sing like you mean it
16:18This won't be
16:20This won't be my story
16:22One more time
16:23Put a smile on your face and say
16:25This won't be my story no more
16:29Hallelujah
16:31And since you believe that this won't be your story anymore
16:35I just want to declare that you have been restored
16:37Don't forget to follow me
16:39On all of my social media
16:41Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
16:42Under my name
16:43At Jekalyn Carr
16:45J-E-K-A-L-Y-N-C-A-R-R
16:49You've been restored
17:14Back where you belong
17:18After the enemy told you
17:22You could never come back home
17:26But thank God for his work
17:29And thank God for pulling you
17:33When you thought that it was over
17:37Your purpose was rediscovered
17:42Thank you
17:42Come with the storm
17:45That's what I want to declare to you today
17:49You have it
17:50You have it
17:52Listen
17:58I know the first Adam fell
18:02When he disobeyed the master's command
18:06But the love of God looked at us and he said
18:10I'll give him another chance
18:13Thank God for the second Adam
18:17Whose name is Christ Jesus
18:21Just when we thought it was over
18:24Because of him
18:25Our purpose was rediscovered
18:29You have been restored
18:31Hey!
18:32Oh yeah!
18:34You can wave your hand wherever you are
18:40And sing it like you mean it
18:42Say
18:43You have been restored
18:45And God says to you today
19:00I put you back where you belong
19:03Eugh
19:19I put you back where you belong
19:21And I made you stronger than you were before
19:23I made you stronger than you were before
19:26to be restored.
19:28Come on, let's do it, Claire.
19:30I feel restored.
19:32Come on, let's do it, Claire.
19:34I feel restored.
19:36I feel restored.
19:38Hey!
19:40I feel restored.
19:42I feel restored.
19:44I feel restored.
19:46I know, stand!
19:48Welcome home.
19:50Hey!
19:52Welcome home.
19:54Welcome home.
19:56I made you a new creature.
20:00Welcome home.
20:02Welcome home.
20:04You are where you belong.
20:08This is where you belong.
20:12Welcome home.
20:16I put you back.
20:18Back where you belong.
20:20You're supposed to be at the top.
20:22Supposed to be at the top.
20:24Supposed to be at the top.
20:26Supposed to be here.
20:28Supposed to be made whole.
20:30You are, you are.
20:32You are, you are, you are.
20:34Back where you belong.
20:36My God.
20:37Now how, how y'all tell me how am I supposed to continue this interview after that?
20:52Like who wants to hear or see anything else after that?
20:55Like what do we even?
20:56My God, girl.
20:58Goodness.
20:59That was beautiful, beautiful.
21:01the comments are going crazy right now on social media, by the way, they love you. Um, and so I
21:07wanted to close out with a few questions, um, from some of the fans and some of the audience who are
21:11tuning in. So our first question that we'll get into is from Tiffany. She asked, when did you
21:17start singing? And I know you answered that. You said that you started singing around age five.
21:21So, uh, I'll add on to it. When did you know that you wanted to kind of take a music career
21:27seriously, right? Because there's a ton of talented people out there, but making that jump to say,
21:32okay, this is what I want to do with my life is, is that, you know, it's a leap of faith and it's a,
21:36it's a big step. So when did you know that that's what you wanted to do?
21:40Oh, from the start, from the start, I knew that this is what I wanted to do.
21:44So basically from the age of five years old, like I said, I was, I was a big dreamer. I was very
21:49ambitious. I was always somewhere in the, in the mirror singing. If I wasn't on stage, I was in
21:55mirror singing. Um, so I knew from the very beginning that this is what I wanted to do.
21:59And this is where I, what I was placed on this earth to do as well.
22:04And, and second question, as someone who kind of got your start, um, so early, um, and then has
22:10been able to kind of sustain, you know, year over year over year and grow and just, you know, try a new
22:15things and go a few different directions. What advice would you have for some other young people who
22:20are looking to break into music and kind of take, again, take that leap, get their start and just
22:25go for it.
22:26One thing I always say, this is the main thing, make sure that this is what you're called to do.
22:32Um, and secondly, if it's what you're called to do, then go at, go for it. Um, you know,
22:37we always say, I want to wait to this time, wait to that. No, it's better to start now. And then also,
22:43I encourage you to make sure that you are connected to the right people. You're connected to those who
22:49can help push you, who can help pull the best out of you. Um, you want to be around those who can help
22:54cultivate you, not just for the stage, but behind the stage. You know, you want to make sure that
23:00your character and everything about you, you know, matches, uh, what you desire to do in life,
23:06because it's very important. And so having those right people that can be around you,
23:11supporting you, pushing you, and then also encourage you and giving you advice when need be.
23:16It is very great as well at the same time as you are on your journey.
23:21Yeah. That's such an important advice, making sure that your circle is, you know,
23:25aligned with where you're trying to go and what you want to do and supportive of that.
23:28That's super important. Last question. I see one more, and I actually was thinking of this while
23:32you were singing as well. Um, and the question is, have you ever thought of preaching or do you see
23:38yourself preaching, um, in the future, in addition to continuing your music?
23:42I'm actually a preacher already. Um, yeah, I started preaching at the age of 13. And what
23:49people don't know is, um, I traveled the world for two years, uh, beginning at the age of 13 before
23:55my music, uh, took off. And so that was kind of like the foundation for everything for me. Although
24:01I started singing first, it was me accepting my calling of preaching that caused everything else to
24:07catapult. Got it. Wow. Wow. Wow. Well, thank you so much for being here today, Jekyllyn. And you guys
24:14say her name, like she said it, not like I said it, Jekyllyn, not Jekyllyn. Um, thank you guys for
24:19being here today. Also tuning in with us, Jekyllyn, it's been such, such, such a pleasure before we get
24:24out of here. I know you did it already during your performance, but just let people know one more time
24:29where they can keep up with you on social media. And if there's anything that you want to mention
24:33that we should look out for, um, in these next, you know, a couple months or in 2021.
24:38Absolutely. So on my social media, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook is under my name
24:42at Jekyllyn Carr, J-E-K-A-L-Y-N-C-A-R-R. Also for those of you who want to know how you can get a
24:50hold to the entire album that those two songs are on, the name of the album is Changing Your Story
24:56and it is available on all digital outlets and you can also stream it at the same time. So yeah,
25:02you can get it all, uh, that along with other albums and stay connected with me because there's
25:07some things that I'm working on that I'll be releasing very soon. Yes, ma'am. We'll definitely
25:13be checking those out. Such a timely name for the album and timely message with that song
25:17of Changing Your Story. You know, I think a lot of us, you know, we have changed our story,
25:22you know, voluntarily, involuntarily this year. So thank you for closing us out, um, with that,
25:28you know, come as we bring in, bring this year to a close. It's just as a match, such an inspiring
25:32and uplifting and, you know, timely needed message that so many of us needed to hear. So thank you so
25:37much. All right, guys. Um, we are wrapping up and we're going to get out of here. Um, again,
25:42thank you, Ms. Jaqueline Carr. And we will see you guys for the next Music Monday.
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