A CONVERSATION WITH JESSIE REYEZ
Making a name for herself as the rising psychiatrist to watch, it's no secret that Dr. Jessica Clemons is on a mission to dismantle the myths regarding mental health and treatment through healthy dialogue with some of today's most inspiring creatives. For the fourth and highly anticipated installation of #BeWell : A Conversation Series, Dr. Jess sat down with emerging Colombian-Canadian songstress & songwriter Jessie Reyez.
Recognized for her genre-blending infusion of Blues, R&B, Pop and Soul vibrations, the 26 year old Toronto native was transparent about the complexities of living your truth that has ultimately contributed to her emotionally charged sound. In front of a sold out crowd at Brkyln Commons located in the heart of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, NY -- Juno's "Breakthrough Artist of The Year" discussed the trials and tribulations of standing in your truth, assimilation, and leaving the nest to pursue a dream.
"I grew up praying with my mother everyday," says Reyez when asked about her desires to stay motivated and pursue a career in music. She makes it very apparent that she admires her mother. The safe space provided on behalf of Dr. Jess not only sparked a tearful Reyez to open up about her songwriting endeavors -- but ultimately shed light on the experiences of being an immigrant and paving your own path. During the Q&A portion of the event, an attendee asked both Reyez and Dr. Jess a question with the hopes of discovering their own passage in life: "How do you find peace?" Throughout the night, Reyez's identification with peace and mental wellness became visibly connected to the love for her family.
If you aren't familiar with Jessie Reyez, chances are you've sonically been exposed to her heartbreak anthem "Figures." On the heels of her latest EP Being Human In Public --which provides an intimate view into the life of a young woman immersed in the rivers of empowerment, Jessie contributes to the growing number of women dismantling male chauvinism and sexism in various industries. Outspoken and packed with emotional ballads, her project notably features vocals from next gen musicians Normani, Kehlani and JRM.
The songstress brings an aesthetic to her music that is reflective of her evolving story telling, sexuality, and lyrical integrity --making her a standout candidate for the 4th installment of Dr.Jess Be Well series.
“I’m grateful, it’s like having the dead of night right beside sunshine”
So far, the #BeWell productions have featured the likes of fashion designer Kerby-Jean Raymond (Pyer Moss), rising digital sensation Neelam, and MC Rapsody, demonstrating just how multidimensional the series has become. Reyez's unique experiences and emotional honesty would translate into the perfect passageway for #BeWell's annual affirmation ritual. Upon hearing from both Dr. Jess and Jessie Reyez, attendees were given a small slip to write a positive affirmation. Affirmations, a positive statement said or written to be as fact, are aligned to remind everyone by the end of the dialogue of Dr. Jess' glorious proclamation : "You are not your pain, you are love."
Video by @dillzvp