It’s one thing to get excited about musicians coming to the county to perform, but when a talented musician is coming from Westchester? Now that’s something to write home about.
Being that Westchester is our home, we felt you should know about up-and-coming indie songwriter J.Antonette, a self-described “lyrical gangster” whose playful-yet-passionate multi-genre sound made its debut last August with the release of her first album Lollipops & Daggers.
Infused with elements from pop, rock, and even a touch of country for good measure, that album introduced an icon in the making, eager to be discovered since touring as a background singer for Melissa Etheridge.
This week, the White Plains resident (who interestingly enough made it into our Most Eligible Singles feature back in 2013) dropped a fun, light-hearted music video for the first single off that album, Let Me Love You, at her video premiere show at Drom NYC. The single, a lovable pop-rock ballad that shows off Antonette’s skills as a songwriter, is brought to life through Malixion Production’s vibrant cinematography. Like Antonette’s tunes, it’s worth checking out, and for a more in-depth look at our local rising star, read our interview below.
Where in New York do you call your hometown?
Originally, I’m from Whitesboro, which is a town near Utica. But I’ve been living in Westchester for like 10 years now.
I always try to incorporate White Plains into everything I do musically, you guys have shown me so much love and there’s such a community outpour of support for what I’m doing with my music.
When would you consider the start of your music career?
I was always a writer. So, my music career started when I was a kid, I was writing all the time. It became my full-time job about four years ago when I was hustling writing music for different artists. Then a couple years ago I got this huge opportunity to work with Melissa Etheridge as a background singer. She was one of my idols so it was such a blessing.
It really jolted my soul. I told myself, “Okay this is what I’m meant to do. Be on stage in front of all these people and pour my heart out.”
From there I started background singing for different artists and continuing to write. Through that process one of my producers asked me, “Why aren’t you trying to be the lead?” And it really was because I was afraid, I was hiding behind fear.
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What did it take to move past that?
The realization that it was only fear. A lot of people make these excuses for themselves in life, but really it comes down to your personal desires and fears. I had to ask myself “Why am I afraid? I have something to say. Why don’t I want to show the world?”
I didn’t want to be vulnerable. I was afraid of judgment. I pushed through that, and it was probably the best thing I’ve ever did in my entire life.
What’s your relationship like with Malixion Productions?
They really have become family to me; they’ve seen my growth and have been on my team this whole time. This industry is all about money, but it was never about that for them. They genuinely loved the project. And to be able to have those people on my team is a beautiful thing.
Is there a next step for you in the works?
Right now we’re working on my next record, so I’ll be focusing on that. I’m also going on tour, Ill be gigging all over the country over the next couple of months.
