Jazmin: Interview, bio, profile and music

JAZMIN

Individually they are Nadia, Felicia, Celia and Daria. Collectively, JAZMIN makes up the freshest and hottest group to hit the market. Not only are they singers, dancers, and musicians, they are SISTERS. "We love music and we love each other. This is a wonderful place to be," says oldest-sister Nadia.

In their household, the second-generation Chinese-American sisters from Woodland Hills, California spent most of their free time creatively. "We weren't allowed to be bored at our house," remembers Felicia. Their mother, a piano teacher, played a significant role in shaping their destiny. Each of the girls learned piano by age three because of her, and she urged her daughters to participate in community dance and vocal courses every weekend. Growing up with a mothers musical support and their fathers faith (a preacher) led to years of performing in church (over a decade!), honing their musicianship and stage presence. They are armed with style, presence, confidence and most of all, talent. JAZMIN enters the music industry determined and ready.

In addition to writing their own songs, choreographing routines, and playing the piano, drums, guitar and bass, JAZMIN has even more to offer. "We may look alike, but we are very different," mentions Celia. Nadia, the oldest, is a graduate of UC Irvine in Studio Art. Her love for fashion predicated her as the groups stylist. With visual arts being Felicia's forte, a UCLA graduate in Art History, her role as art director in designing everything from their album artwork to websites was expected. Celia, the silly one, graduated from UC Irvine in Literary Journalism with a love for words and the NBA. Her lyrical ideas and passion for sports reflect her high energy and spirit. Daria, who is attending UC Irvine in the fall, stands as the Michael of their Jackson 4. Her strong vibe holds the group together, making their voices truly united.

From oldies, jazz and swing, to hip-hop, R&B and rock, musically JAZMIN has it covered. Baby-sister Daria sums it up, "I'm open to every and any type of music. As long as it has a cool beat I'm good." They are influenced by the likes of Janet Jackson, Aaliyah, The Jackson 5 and TLC, as well as Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and the Beach Boys. Their fondness for all styles of music has shaped their sound. Combining much of today's urban and rock influence with melodic lines and jazzy harmonies, JAZMIN is positioned to break new ground in the world of popular music.

INTERVIEW::
conducted by
JiZO Jewles

JIZO: Hi Jazmin. How are you guys doing? Can you please introduce yourselves to our readers or listeners?

Jazmin: Waddup! We are Nadia, Felicia, Celia, and Daria: 4 Chinese-American sisters who sing R&B and Pop with a Hip Hop flavor.

JIZO: What is the meaning of Jazmin? Who came up with that name?

Jazmin: The name is combination of two things. Jazz consists of sophisticated harmonies and syncopated beats. Jasmine flowers are a symbol of grace and beauty. Together it forms JAZMIN. We came up with this name together.

JIZO: Who are some of your influences, and how have you adapted any of their styles into your own?

Jazmin: Some of our influences are the Jackson Five, Beach Boys, SWV, TLC, Destiny’s Child, Janet Jackson, Aaliyah, the Supremes, and even Gene Kelly. We have definitely adapted their styles into our own from American Standards to Hip Hop. We love and are open to all types of music from oldies, jazz and swing, to hip-hop, R&B and rock. Our fondness for all styles of music has shaped our sound. We combine today’s urban and rock influence with melodic lines and jazzy harmonies, and would like to break new ground in the world of popular music.

JIZO: Each one of you has such an amazing voice...Were you just born with that talent or did it really take a lot of practice to get where you are?

Jazmin: Our mom was a piano teacher and we have played and been around music all our lives. Because our father was a preacher, we also would sing and perform in church all the time at an early age. Our parents then further put us in community voice and dance classes which we were in from elementary until high school. Music was an influential part of lives as we were urged to learn to play instruments as well: piano, violin, drums, guitar, bass…etc. Yes, it definitely takes a lot of practice to get where we are and we are still practicing! The practicing never ends because you can always get better.

JIZO: It seems that most known Asian American singing group have been either of a Filipino or Korean background. You are actually the only Chinese American singing group that comes to my mind. Are there any other Chinese American vocal groups out there or are you the first one?

Jazmin: We are not aware of any other Chinese-American vocal groups out there, but it is probably because this movement is just beginning. However, we know that there is not a Chinese-American vocal group who consists of four sisters! In that case, we are the first one.

JIZO: As an all Asian American singing group, you have made it your purpose to do your best to represent Asian Americans that are unfairly represented in the music industry? How do you intend on doing it?

Jazmin: Our mission is to represent Asian-Americans in the entertainment industry and open doors for other Asian-American artists by giving them positive role models. We intend on doing this by showing that we are strong Asian-American women who have a passion for music and are serious about what we are doing. We are not a group who is willing to compromise our morals or lose our integrity to get to the top. We are true artists who want to be a positive influence for the future generations.

JIZO: Can you share with us some of the pains and struggles you have already experienced and/or still experience today as Asian American artists in the music industry?

Jazmin: It is definitely hard to get past the stereotype of Asian women. Some people have never seen anything like us before, so they are not sure how the public will react to it. However, that is something we use to our advantage. Knowing that we are different only makes us more determined to break that boundary and show that Asian women can be independent and enjoy life doing what they love. We want to show that we are Chinese just as much as we are American at the same time.

JIZO: You guys have such an amazing voice...Were you just born with it or did it really take a lot of practice?

Jazmin: You cannot run a marathon if you stretch and run once. You have to prepare mentally and physically. It takes a lot of years of hard work and it never ends! Though it is cliché, practice really does make perfect.

JIZO: As professional singers, what is the biggest advice you would give someone who wants to improve their singing?

Jazmin: Never give up and always have perfect practice. Take the criticism and work harder to counteract the negativity. Don’t get discouraged as you can only get better. Personally, we rely on God to get us through each day. The key concept is patience and faith!

JIZO: Are there any particular artists you would like to collaborate with?

Jazmin: Yes, there are a lot of artists we would like to collaborate with such as Janet Jackson, Jermaine Dupri, Pharrell Williams, Ludacris, and Rodney Jerkins to name a few.

JIZO: Any U.S or worldwide tours planned for 2007? Are you already working on a specific project?

Jazmin: We currently are touring in different venues in LA, and are looking to get our major record deal in the US this upcoming year.

JIZO: Thank you guys. Best of luck to you guys and thank you for your time!

Jazmin: Thank you so much to all the readers. We hope that we have inspired you in some way to pursue your dreams!

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