Jayna is a 22 year old singer-songwriter, guitarist, and aspiring music industry professional from Folsom, California. In a musical career that began at age 10, Jayna’s performed in dance ensembles, choir, opera, rock bands, folk duos and as a solo acoustic act. Having a great love for the folk-rock of the 60's and 70's, Jayna loves performing classics from her favorites like Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Paul Simon. Having just graduated from CSU, Chico, with a BA in Music Industry, Jayna is excited to serve her Sacramento community with the power of music.
Q&A
Which artist influence your music? Who are your favorite artist?
When I think about my biggest songwriting inspirations, Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon always come to mind. I consider myself a folkie and a lover of the 60’s folk era. These two songwriters have always stood out for me, Paul for his wit and his guitar prowess, and Joni for her fearless honesty and brilliantly musical ear. Of course, when I think about who influenced me to pick up a guitar and write songs at a young age, I have to credit my girl Taylor Swift. Some of my current favorites are ladies that are paving the new modern folk and americana sound: Madison Cunningham, Faye Webster and Laura Marling.
How long have you been creating music? What got you started?
I remember having a healthy diet of the Beatles as a kid. One of my earliest performances was “All You Need Is Love;” live from my living room coffee table. My dad is a hobbyist guitar player and has always owned way more guitars than any family of four would ever need. Naturally, when Santa brought me a kid-sized guitar when I was ten, my dad started giving me lessons. The first song he taught me to sing a play was “Bubbly” by Colbie Caillet.
With your new single “i don't want to!". Do you plan on releasing a full project? New videos?
I wish I could give you an excited, confident, yes but that’s just not the case. I’m an independent artist funding my own music and working full time to make it happen. That being said, projects usually get rolled out slower than I want them to. Luckily, I am definitely of the belief that we live in the “era of singles.” Especially for small artists, releasing one single at a time and compiling them into an EP can be a great strategy when you are starting out. I definitely plan to continue to release singles at a time until I can fund a full EP or LP project someday…
As far as videos go, no music videos in the works right now but I am always sporadically making Youtube content. An oh yeah, follow me on tik tok! ;)
Outside of music what are your favorite things to do?
Although this might be the most predictable answer, my favorite thing to do outside of music is probably hang out with my friends… Especially right now, I am really missing the chance to meet new people and gather in groups. I love the feeling of bringing people together and watching as a great circle of friends form. I am VERY extroverted and a believer that you can always have more friends. Getting back together after the pandemic will be oh so sweet and I just can’t wait!!!!
If you were forced to pack 3 items and leave everything else, which items would they be?
Oooooh that’s a toughie. Well, I have to bring my guitar… gotta bring my phone so I can “snapchat vlog” to my friends my every move and let them know that I’m running away...and then I guess I got to bring my charger in order to have the phone…. Oh crap that’s 3.