The one named Jasmine is an emerging R&B and soul artist whose music is rooted in honesty, vulnerability, and fearless self-expression. Drawing from a rich musical foundation that began in church choirs and led to performances at Carnegie Hall as a teenager, Jasmine has crafted a sound that blends timeless soul with contemporary R&B while telling deeply personal stories.
Her latest single, Trib, is a bold and intimate celebration of queer love, embracing sensuality, emotional connection, and authentic representation without compromise. More than just a love song, it is a statement of confidence, freedom, and unapologetic identity.
In this exclusive interview with Spinex Music, Jasmine discusses the inspiration behind Trib, the importance of authentic queer storytelling, overcoming personal struggles through music, and the artistic vision she is building as she continues to make her mark on the modern R&B landscape.
Congratulations on the release of Trib! It’s a bold, soulful, and deeply intimate record that celebrates queer love with remarkable honesty. What inspired you to tell this story, and why did now feel like the right time to share it?
I believe that there needs to be more queer love making music available. We have a few artists making waves in this area but I wanted to release something more sensual. I decided to release this song now because it felt like the right time. Pride month had just ended and summer was heating up, so the time was right.
Trib explores desire, vulnerability, and emotional connection without compromising authenticity. How did you strike the balance between sensuality and storytelling while writing the song?
I had to find the balance between sexual expression and not being too crass. I didn’t want this song to be exploitative or just another sexual song. I wanted the listener to have an experience when they listened to it, feel connected and still be able to visualize what was happening when they heard each lyric. The focus of this song was the feeling you got while listening.
You describe Trib as an anthem that gives people permission to embrace love on their own terms. What conversations or emotions do you hope the song inspires among listeners?
I hope this song inspires other queer creators to be unapologetic in their writing and not tone down or rephrase their language in fear of not being accepted in the mainstream market. My hope is that this song inspires queer women to love openly, freely but most of all proudly.
Your journey began in church choirs before performing at Carnegie Hall as a teenager. Looking back, how have those early musical experiences shaped the artist and songwriter you’ve become today?
These experiences gave me the foundation I needed for my artistry. Without these training grounds I would not be the artist I am today. The church, performing arts school and Carnegie Hall taught me discipline, how to read music, how to perfect my craft, but most importantly, how to use my gift to convey whatever message I am releasing into the world.
You’ve spoken openly about a difficult upbringing and how it inspired you to change your name and channel your experiences into music. How has embracing your truth transformed not only your artistry but also your personal life?
I feel like a new creation, like I am finally in the driver’s seat of my life’s journey. I now have the courage and the freedom to own my narrative and express my creativity freely. I live out loud and on purpose in honor of the former version of me whose voice was stripped from her. I’m finally who I was called to be.
Representation has become an important part of your work. Why is it so important for queer love stories to be told with authenticity rather than treated as exceptions within today’s music industry?
Being queer is normal and shouldn’t be treated as a side identity or something that’s thrown in to be edgy. Considering all of the queer icons that have contributed to the global music scene, it is actually a dishonor to not produce queer love stories alongside straight love stories. Both can coexist without being secondary to one another.
Your music blends timeless soul influences with contemporary R&B while exploring identity, love, and emotional honesty. How would you describe the artistic vision you’re building, and what sets your sound apart from today’s R&B landscape?
I’m still crafting my artistic vision but I believe my music offers you to come along for the ride as I find and hone in on my sound. The current focal point of my art is to emotionally connect with my audience and help them feel understood. My current sound sets me apart from today’s R&B landscape by combining the authenticity of my experiences with the calling back to the parts of R&B music that may have gotten lost as the genre evolves. Both of these elements leave a lasting impression on those who are hearing my music for the first time.
Vulnerability can be one of an artist’s greatest strengths, but it also comes with risks. Has there ever been a song that felt almost too personal to release, and how do you decide when you’re ready to share those parts of yourself with the world?
I struggled with releasing House Fire because of how deeply personal it is. When I first recorded it, the engineer laughed at me when he found out it was a true story. For a while, I was embarrassed and didn’t want to put it out due to fear of people judging me the same way the engineer did. I still have an internal battle with being vulnerable in my art, especially with how critical people are of artists nowadays, but I realize that I don’t have to share anything I am not comfortable with, especially if it is not supporting the message that I am conveying. Some things I feel called to release, and others I keep to myself. It just depends on what feels right at the time.
Many listeners connect with music because they see pieces of their own lives reflected in it. When someone finishes listening to Trib, what do you hope they understand about love, intimacy, or eventhemselves?
I want them to feel confident in their sexuality and sensuality. I want them to call up their boo. I want them to feel like the hottest thing on the planet 🙂
Finally, what’s next for the one named Jasmine? Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or creative goals you’re excited to share, and what message would you like to leave with everyone who continues to support your journey?
I’m collaborating with a few artists right now. I can’t say too much, but I got some heat coming. In the meantime, I’m releasing my next single, lie to me, on September 4th, so be on the lookout for it when it drops! Thank you to everyone that has been supporting my music and sharing it with others. As an independent artist, support is so important and I am grateful for every listener.
