– Interview With Jessica Cabral –

Have you heard someone so talented that you felt as though this person would undoubtedly be successful in whatever they undertake? That’s how I felt when I first heard Jessica’s blossoming voice.

Since then Jessica has grown within the music industry to become a household name in many Latin countries, and now lives in LA while teaching young talents how to sing and grow their career.

I hope the following interview with Jessica Cabral shows you the extent to which it’s possible to become a professional singer if you put your mind to it and invest yourself fully.

Without further a due, I present you Jessical Cabral!

At which point did you know you wanted to become a professional singer?

I never really made a decision about becoming a professional singer to be honest. In my second year of college I met some incredible singers, living in LA that’s pretty standard! And I got connected to some amazing background vocal opportunities for some Latin albums. The first one I did ended up being nominated for a ‘dove award’, and the song I solo’d on ended up going #1 in something like 11 Latin countries. It was kind of hilarious! I was doing interviews with radio stations in Spain, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and from there I just kind of kept getting called. It was my first experience getting paid to sing, and I just couldn’t believe people actually wanted to Pay me for that. From there my life just kind of began to change.

Did you have a strong support group around you? Do you believe this is crucial to success?

I’ve always had a great support system in my family, especially when it came to me pursuing music, but honestly no matter what I want to pursue as my career, I know they will support me. I think that’s extremely important, but I also know some people who’s families aren’t so completely thrilled about their creative career choices, but those people manage to still do it. I really admire those people.

What most helped you on your way to becoming a professional singer?

I’ve never been a networker, and here in LA land everything is about networking. You watch people cling onto certain friendships because they’re advantageous and push away other people just because they don’t have as much to give. It’s honestly the ugliest part about this business. But on the other hand, everything I’ve accomplished musically has been because people saw me and chose to believe in me in some way. You never want to take those opportunities for granted, but also don’t be a fame seeker. Don’t let people use you for opportunities and don’t use other people for them either. It never ends well. You have to be genuine every step of the way.

Has singing forced you out of your comfort zone at all? If so, how?

I think everything that I do is really within my natural gifting, so even the opportunities for discomfort actually pretty naturally resolve themselves. Last year I got to travel to the Middle East for a month, and I was never afraid or concerned, but so many people were afraid for me and continuously panicking and I couldn’t believe it. I understood their concerns, but I didn’t share those concerns because I knew I was doing what I was supposed to do. At the end of the day, that’s what matters. Don’t let the fears of others hold you back from things you know are meant for you! Even if it sounds uncomfortable at first, the idea should excite you if it’s something you’re meant to do.

On a similar note, have you been able to travel with this career? Are there ways to grow a singing career through travel?

I have so many friends that tour and travel and I definitely think it helps grow your career. I think the more people groups you can connect to, the longer and stronger your career will be. I mostly travel because it feeds my soul, and I am also an intercultural studies student (as I will be for life!)

Do you remember the first time you sang in front a major crowd? How did it feel to do so?

I have been lucky enough to sing in front of crowds pretty much my entire life. One of the most notable moments for me was about 3 months after moving to Los Angeles, I ended up in a church in downtown and auditioned for their music and worship team, and they had me sing that same day. I was 15 and it was an audience of 10,000 people. That was surreal for me.

But I think the crowds were never what was scary. I got to sing in front of crowds of 80,000 at one point in my young career, and yet the scariest crowd was one of the smallest. When we were shooting for American idol, and I had to sing for Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick JR, that had to be the most nervous I’ve ever been in my life. They’re all accomplished artists and professionals, and to stand and sing in front of them and then in front of America, (an audience I couldn’t actually see), that was the most intimidating experience of all. But it was also the most rewarding. Get out of your comfort zone and watch yourself learn A LOT about yourself, and what you have left to learn.

What are some of the jobs/ options for people that want to sing professionally?

I always tell my students that there are SO many options in the music world. Not everyone is Beyoncé and that is OKAY. You can be a songwriter, a producer, a vocal coach, a casting producer or director, a talent agent, a manager, artist development executive, etc. Get an internship, and keep getting them until someone hires you and you find something you love.

How would people go about getting these opportunities? Are there websites/ agents/ services that exist to help you achieve success?

It’s really all about being where it happens. Apply to a school in LA, meet the faculty and find out how they can plug you in with internships and job opportunities.

Where are the major hubs around the world to become a professional singer?

If you want to do musical theatre most people say New York City, be ready to audition! And Los Angeles for everything else. But I really think the way the world is today, you could live in Hoboken and make it big, as long as you’re putting stuff out there. Create a YouTube, an Instagram, a musical.ly, and start performing! There’s an audience of millions maybe even billions on the web, and in this day and age that’s how people get started. On apps like Live.ly you can even get tips and payment from people who think you’re really good. Some of my 13 year old vocal clients make 500$ per month just singing when they can on there.

Is this something you would recommend to anyone? Does it take certain type of personality?

I think you have to have lots of personality to pursue the arts. But more than that, you have to be a durable person. How much pressure can you endure? That’s really what it comes down to. You will likely face a ton of defeat before you really find your stride or find your niche in this business.

Any tips for people that are following a similar dream to yours?

Get a mentor. Find someone you look up to and don’t be afraid to ask them questions, ask them to meet you for coffee. The industry is hard to navigate, but if you can find people to invest in you and believe in you, the world will be your oyster.