The city of Miami Gardens hosts the 9th annual Jazz in the Gardens music festival on March 15 & 16, 2014, at SunLife Stadium. The 2014 music festival will be hosted by celebrity comedian, author and now radio personality, DL Hugely. This year’s roster of artists include Stanley Clarke, Jamie Foxx, LL Cool J, Anthony Hamilton, Rachelle Ferrell and Kelly Rowland. M&V spoke to Rowland about her career.
M&V: Your career and success gradually grew over the years. With shows like X-Factor, people can achieve high status and fame immediately. How are these shows grooming a different type of star?
Rowland: Today’s music industry gives aspiring stars the opportunity to make their own rules. There are no rules actually. On X-Factor, contestants that made it to the finals experienced an accelerated grooming process and came face-to-face with the challenges and perks of fame. The mentoring component of shows like X-Factor help individuals deal with the dramatic changes in their life that fame brings. Although a large amount of contestants that make it to the finals have quite a few years of experience and grooming, fame is new to them. Cameras, social media engagement, interviews, and public spotting can be overwhelming. As a mentor, I made sure I reminded them of who they are as people. Keeping them grounded and focused on the goal to win was a huge part of my role.
M&V: What do you know now about success that you would share with your younger self and/or share with young upcoming artists?
Rowland: Everyone who tries is successful. You have to simply try. Be passionate about your craft and enjoy the journey! I’ve grown to learn happiness is success. It’s really not about results. It’s more about your journey to the goals you set. Never give up, stay grounded, and always remember to give back.
M&V: Your new album features great collaboration (The-Dream, Pharrell). What musician from another genre intrigues you so much that you’d do a future collaboration with them?
Rowland: This is a good question! I love so many artists from so many different genres. It’s hard to single out artists. I love any song that sounds good, makes you move and feel good. I’ve collaborated with really great hip-hop and R&B artists like Nelly, Lil Wayne, Eve, and Future in the Past. I think an out of the box collaboration with a country standout or even an EDM DJ would be an exciting experience.
M&V: I imagine you have your finger on the music pulse. What up-and-coming female musician is currently impressing you, and why?
Rowland: I’m really happy the market is widening its lanes for female artists like Sevyn Streeter and Lorde. I also love what’s coming from the independent and underground scenes.
M&V: As a musician, you lead a very on-the-go life. How does maintaining a healthy lifestyle (food, exercise, sleep) help you keep going and stay calm and well-rested? What are two healthy tricks that you do?
Rowland: The secret is nutrition and a great workout that you absolutely enjoy! I have my good friend and trainer Jeanette Jenkins to thank for that!
