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1) We’re very happy to be speaking today with acclaimedactor, singer and model Jalen Harris; greetings and salutations, Jalen! Before we take off down the proverbial Q&A music pathway, how is the 2023 holiday season treating you?
– Oh wow! It is truly an honor for me to be speaking with you and the holiday season is treating me well as always. I’m so excited to be performing this holiday season in Toronto, ON and Detroit.
2.) Major congratulations on your freshly-minted debut EP ManneKin The EP which just premiered on November 28! Starting at the tip-top, can you talk about what inspired this glorious slice of pop music?
– Thank you for the congratulations! It has been such a journey to get to this point and I’m so thankful. This EP was heavily inspired by the great musicians that have influenced me. From Lenny Kravitz to Prince to Michael Jackson, I wanted to highlight the musical style I developed from studying who I considered the greatest of all time to be. My life and the many adventures I pursue are also a major inspiration behind the project. I finally get to express some of my inner thoughts and most vulnerable emotions through this music.
3.) Rightly lauded Matt Wilder and Jai Widdowson-Jones did the producing honors on ManneKin! What was your collaboration process like in working with Matt and Jai during the recording of your debut EP?
– Working with Matt and Jai was like getting to be in the best of both American and British soul worlds. I feel like we were able to bridge all of the sounds that move me, and that I’ve always wanted to explore. With classic guitar, live drums and innovative rhythms, I think we are absolutely setting the standard and the foundation for what my lane in pop music is becoming.
4.) We’re tremendous admirers of the Love Me Now tune off of the new ManneKin The EP! What made Love Me Now the perfect and only choice to be the new single off of the new EP?
– Love Me Now is also one of my favorites from the project. Written by myself and Brian Mayher, our goal was to create a song that could heal a broken heart. Sometimes saying the things we feel the deepest can lead us to feeling more healed. The song also shows a little more of who I am as a vocalist and musician. It’s a look into who Jalen is, from a more stripped down and raw perspective.
5.) In your humble opinion, what differentiates ManneKinThe EP from the Distinguished Competition on the 2023 music scene?
– ManneKin The EP in my humble opinion is like a rebirthing of the all around entertainer. At the end of the day, I’ve become an all around showman, especially from my years as a touring Broadway performer. Because of that quality, ManneKin The EP allows me to be limitless in my natural uniqueness sonically and visually. I find that not only do I become more distinguished, but I also exist confidently in my space, message, and sound without the idea that I’m competing with any artist other than myself.
6.) Who inspires you musically?
– I come from a very musical family. I find a lot of inspiration in them for so many reasons but because they’ve taught me so much, almost all that I know. I also love producers and musicians like Quincy Jones, Rodney Jerkins and Justin Timberlake to name just a few. But ultimately, I’ve been inspired by so many artists. That includes artists in music, theater, film, television, to infinity and beyond.
7.) Was it as much fun to make the music video for Love Me Now as it was for us to watch it?
– Hah! Filming a music video while touring the US and Canada is not the easiest challenge. But I feel like I was born to do things like that. It’s always fun for me no matter the circumstances. I love doing this so much, and I hope it shows in everything I do.
8.) You’re pulling double-duty at the moment: Along with stumping for your beautiful debut EP ManneKin, you’re also currently on the road starring as Eddie Kendricks of The Temptations in the celebrated play Ain’t Too Proud. Kudos and congrats! Where are some of the performance venues for the show?
– I’m so grateful to be able to portray the Tenor of all Tenors, Eddie Kendricks. I’ve played the Fox in ATL, the Kennedy Center in DC, the Ahmanson in LA and so many other beautiful venues. We are making our return to Detroit on December 18th at the famous Fischer Theater. For the final leg of the tour schedule, go to ainttooproudmusical.com/tour and you’ll find all of our remaining dates and venues.
9.) Speaking of being on the road, can fans of ManneKinlook forward to catching you on the touring/performing circuit in the coming weeks and months?
– Absolutely! While I’m still on tour with Ain’t Too Proud, I may pop up with a live band, you never know. I’ll be with the show until March 2024, so come to the closest city near you!
10.) With the release of the new EP, will 2024 be the year in which we get an LP release from you?
– You can expect new music in 2024 from me in general! Whether it’s several singles or a full LP, I’m excited for my new fans to hear what I’m working on. I especially think that 90’s-00’s kids like me, will especially enjoy what I’ve been working on.
11.) You had the distinction early on of being on American Idol. Any special memories of that very public venue?
– You know, being on the show was such a whirlwind and I was only 15 years old at the time. I most remember my mom being with me, being a momager the entire process. I definitely had to do my homework after every day of filming (hehe).
12.) At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving many-a-spin to your dynamic debut EP ManneKin The EP?
– I hope that the people who listen to ManneKin The EP, not only dance and sing to the tunes, but they are met with a mirroring image in their mind of who they want to be. We all have purpose and a destiny to fulfill, and I want everyone to realize they are enough, never anybody’s mannequin. Which I think makes us ManneKin.
Watch the “Love Me Now” Video here: https://youtu.be/_R9lfB-aYMo?si=bSGkBCr3booD5pqg
