Jessie Laine Powell by Dr. Gail Jhonson

Collaboration is a time for the meeting of the minds, sharing musical ideas, and an opportunity to understand the creative process of others. Collaborating with Jessie on a recording project was a fun, cool, yet unique experience. She liked my instrumental music, heard a different spin on it, and wrote lyrics to the track! Jaco Pastorius’ composition “Rain” and the collaboration with the R&B vocal group SWV was the only time I can recall that kind of collaboration. Both were excellent versions of the same melody, with different interpretations, heard through different lenses.

I had the chance to catch up with Jessie. This latest recording project is a milestone for her. I am glad I could be a part of her musical journey, and I look forward to many more to come.

What is the collaborative project between you and Dr. Gail Jhonson? “ Fire and Ice” is a song about me and my husband’s relationship, and the single “Live Your Life” is an anthem for every dreamer to pursue their dreams.

What was the process?

JLP Music Global purchased the licenses to record two songs from Dr. Gail Jhonson. Both compositions had previously been released as instrumentals on her project. My management suggested one song they felt would appeal to me and my audience and would be a perfect addition to my upcoming album. Taking the song and creating a lyrical story to weave in with the melody was fun. Gail gave me the freedom just to make. We both were delighted with the outcome. Both songs will be impactful to the listener.

In retrospect, was it a different experience in sharing musical ideas with a woman? No, not really. I do not look at gender when collaborating. The process was easy. This has been my experience. It is always a pleasure to feel that” girl power” and experience hands-on, gifted female musicians.

Have you ever collaborated with women in critical positions in your business? No.

Are you an entrepreneur?

Yes. I am the CEO of JLP Music Global, creating healing music that brings hope, love, and transformative change in the world as a singer/ songwriter. I am also the founder and creator of Dream Manifestor, a Instagram platform created as a beacon for individuals seeking to unlock their dreams. We all have them, or we all should. Not just holding dreams on the inside but manifesting those dreams into reality. I desire to inspire dreamers through my journey by being a template. Every dream matters, and there is a place for them all.

Would you recommend women to collaborate more or less?

I would always say more collaboration is calibration to elevate our gender.

Did the collaboration initiate or enhance a sisterhood?

It truly enhanced and grew into a sisterhood and a mutual respect for each other’s gifts, talents, and drive for change. When you as a woman can appreciate and support another woman openly and honestly, we are then

Jessie Laine Powell by Dr. Gail Jhonson (con’t)

embracing the best of who we are individually and corporately, creating a safe space for other women to breed positive change.

How important is it for women to collaborate?

It is my opinion that collaboration is extremely important. It is not a competition… it should be a sisterhood.

We must be that example and remove the stigma that women cannot achieve remarkable things together. We can create beauty and build together in the musical field or any other profession. Women are the cornerstone of creation and the glue that holds it together.

It was great to hear that Jessie is open to collaborating with other women, whether as producers, writers, graphic artists, or arrangers, where women are increasingly becoming more prominent in the male-dominated music industry. All the best to Jessie Laine Powell. Look for her new CD, My Love Journey, streaming on all digital platforms.

-Dr. Gail Jhonson, Contributor - Musicwoman Magazine

Jodylynn Talevi & WIJSF Elite

Jodylynn & Joan met in person

NYC 05.24.24

Collaboration is a key part of the music industry. How did you both connect? How have these collaborations influenced you?

We connected through Dr. Joan when Donna was looking for a graphic designer. Our first project together was a design for “The Diamond Jazz Orchestra” music stands. Other projects we did together are Donna’s CD’s covers, song release art and event flyers. In a conversation, I played Donna a song in pre-production titled Where’s My Baby Going? Donna loved it wanted to record for her upcoming project and it is now a featured track on her CD Beauty Along with a Bass. It has reached #4 on the Italian radio station animaJazz charts. We are working on another collaboration, a social justice anthem, and love working together.

-Jodylynn Talevi, WIJSF Senior Graphic Designer, Songwriter

Jodylynn & Donna Singer

Jodylynn Talevi & Radha Botofasina

VICE PRESIDENT

We met on Zoom on the WIJSF monthly Composers meeting. We are also collaborating on a cabaret style Christmas tune. I have always been fascinated with Radha’s story from her early start in music to her touring around the world. She had heard a song I that was almost finished with and really liked it. I told her I would be honored to write some songs together, so we’ve had some initial meetings. We are hoping to actually meet in person or will collaborate remotely. Thank you technology!

by Shanta Lana Hereford

We are excited to support the Musicwoman Festival and its mission to amplify the voices of female musicians and industry leaders. This event aligns perfectly with our values of diversity and empowerment, and we are honored to be a part of it.”

~ Her Excellency Shanta Lana Hereford, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Maverick Global Distribution

In light of its innovative approach and commitment to artist empowerment, Maverick Global Distribution has formed a strategic partnership with Musicwoman Magazine. As the Official Music Distribution Partner for the upcoming Musicwoman Festival, Maverick Global Distribution will play a pivotal role in supporting female musicians and industry leaders. The partnership underscores both organizations' shared values of diversity, inclusion, and empowerment, as they work together to create opportunities for underrepresented voices and musicians in the music industry.

Moreover, Maverick Global Distribution's sponsorship of the Musicwoman Festival highlights its dedication to supporting emerging talents and fostering creativity and innovation in the music industry. From October 17-19, 2024, the first annual Musicwoman Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, will feature live performances, workshops, and networking events aimed at empowering women in music and celebrating their contributions to the industry. As a festival sponsor, Maverick Global Distribution reaffirms its commitment to championing diversity, creativity, and excellence in music.

In today's digital age, independent musicians face numerous challenges with distributing their music. Traditional distribution models favor established artists and labels, leaving emerging talents struggling to gain visibility and access to global markets. Limited resources, complex contracts, and lack of transparency further exacerbate these issues, hindering the growth and success of independent artists, worldwide.

Amidst these challenges, a new giant in the music industry is emerging on the distribution landscape. Maverick Global Distribution is a trailblazer, redefining the way music is distributed and empowering independent artists to take control of their careers. Unlike traditional distributors, Maverick Global Distribution offers a fresh approach that prioritizes transparency, accessibility, and artist empowerment.

At the core of Maverick Global Distribution's ethos is a commitment to provide artists with tools and resources to succeed. Through its innovative platform, artists can easily distribute their music to major streaming platforms and online stores to reach audiences on a global scale. With user-friendly interfaces and no contracts, Maverick Global Distribution removes the barriers that hinder independent musicians from accessing distribution services.

Furthermore, Maverick Global Distribution's emphasis on education and support sets it apart from other distributors. The company offers comprehensive support and access to performance opportunities, one-on-one consultations, and other support to help artists navigate the intricacies of the music industry and maximize their potential. By empowering artists with knowledge and expertise, Maverick Global Distribution equips them to make informed decisions and chart their own paths to success.

Kim Jay and Libra Sene (R.I.P.)

I first met WIJSF Past President Audrey Libra Sene at the Jazz on Jay Street Professional Jazz Jam in West Palm Beach, Florida. The first thing I noticed about her was her big hair. The next thing was her even bigger smile. As we got to know each other, I was working on an instrumental song composition, All Good. At first, I released the song.

Later, I asked Libra if she would write lyrics to it. She resounded with, “Absolutely!”

It was during COVID, so we were collaborating through FaceTime and phone conversations. I got up enough nerve to ask her to sing it and she said, “Let me hear your take on it first.”

Unfortunately she passed away before we could record her voice on it. I miss Libra and think of her daily. Whenever I play this song, I know in my heart she loved it and it will always be her song too. And it’s All Good.