Grammy Award-Winning Songwriter "Jaunita Wynn" Still Winning! New Single, "Make It Right" Is a Hit!

 Interview by: Gina Sedman

Jaunita Wynn, is a Grammy Award-winning songwriter whose music evokes joy, peace, and encouragement. As a Grammy Gospel Nominee and 2017 Grammy Award Winner, Wynn has written for legendary artists like Fred Hammond Lalah Hathaway, Lalah Hathaway, Angie Stone, Destiny’s Child, the multi-platinum-selling female R&B group Virtue, Ben Tankard, Norman Brown, and Shirley Murdock, among others. Her other credits include Diana Ross's "Every Day is a New Day" and Tyrese's "Lately."

Wynn has worked with publishing houses such as Quincy Jones Music Publishing and Sony ATV Music Publishing. Wynn has been a notable singing/songwriter for over 17 years, always striving to reveal her heart through song.

Tell me a little bit about your background. Where are you from, and how did you get started in music? I grew up in Reno, Nevada, as a COGIC Pastor's daughter. I am 1 of 9 siblings, eight girls and one boy. As for music, my mother saw that my voice was different and took a little extra time to train me. I soon became one of the lead singers in my sibling singing group, "The Wynn Sisters." 

What is your vocal range? My Falsetto is high, and my full voice, depending on the song and the key I start in, is soprano/alto.

When did your professional career begin, and how did it happen? As I got older, I began to sing at various places with the late Rober Brookins and his band and Ivan Johnson and friends to make extra money to help care for my two kids. One night someone from Quincy Jones Music Publishing approached me and asked, "Do you write"? I told her no, but she believed differently. She left me with two tracks to write to by the late Rory Bennett, and I did so within that week, and a few days later, I found myself in Burbank, CA. Talking about a deal.

What challenges do having your independent label have? The main challenge is that I am learning some things as I go. I'm making mistakes, but I'm learning from them all.

In your opinion, what does it take to "make it" in this business? Consistency, and you've got to love the music as a whole.

In your opinion, what's the best and worst part of being an independent artist? Making new relationships. In many cases, this is a who knows who and who is your business. Knowing who you can trust can be challenging. Realize that it takes time to get to know someone and prove yourself to them. This business is built on relationships.

Have you ever released a song that you thought would be a significant success but didn't do as well as you expected?

Tell me about an experience you had like that. I never had that experience. I'm my worst critic. I hear so many great artists until I become grateful that anyone takes an interest, and that's real talk. Yes! I want my music to blow up, but if it doesn't, and I did my best, there you have it.

Do you have a daytime job, or is music your full-time job? I have a daytime job. I am a scheduler at a healthcare facility in Virginia Beach.

How important is it for your friends and family to support your music by purchasing and downloading your single? It's vital to me. I need their support. This is my way of knowing I am writing music they can relate to. I love the positive feedback, as well as the genuine opinions, good or bad.

How crucial is their support for the success of your career? One could only hope they would get behind them and help, but if they didn't, I hid my disappointment and kept pushing. I know I did my best. I'm sure they have their reasons. However, I can't live in that place of disappointment. I have to keep going for those who are supporting me.

How do you feel about the concept of likes and dislikes on an artist's social media music-related post? I don't think it's needed. If you don't like it, scroll up or down, right or left (laughs). Good music is in the ear of the beholder. Everyone has a fan, and if you're not one of them, that's okay! Enjoy those artists that you do like.

Is that an accurate assessment of the artist's talent, worth, or ability? No, it is not.

What have people who have heard your music say about your vocal style that sets you apart from other vocalists? I have heard that it's sultry, soulful, and real R&B. I don't know if that sets me apart, but the feedback has been encouraging.

What would it be if you could speak to your fans from your heart and tell them one important thing you want them to know about being an independent artist? Don't be afraid to believe in yourself. Do not share your plans to be an independent artist with just anyone. Once you begin, keep going even when you feel alone. Stay focused.

What advice would you give to new artists entering the changing industry? Stay close to the family and friends that have always been there. Be kind, and do not forget the simple things, like the words please, and thank you, because no one owes us anything. The people behind the scenes working for you are not your slaves; they are your support system, who can always go and get another job, so let them know that you appreciate them every chance you get.

If you could speak to DJs from your heart and tell them one important thing you want them to know about being an independent artist, what would it be? We need you, period.

How would you describe your music to those who have never heard it? Inspiring, thought-provoking, healing, and full of love from the soul.

Do you write and produce your music? I don't produce. However, I do write my melodies and lyrics.

What does it feel like to be an independent artist? Share your heart with our readers. It's liberating because you can call your shots and do it your way. No pressure from someone saying no to those songs you have put your all into. That stuff is gut-wrenching. I'm not knocking those who do sign major deals, but I will say that those can easily make an artist not want to do what they love anymore, and that's music.

How do you prepare yourself mentally for public opinion (either positive or negative) when you're preparing for a new song release? Be honest with yourself. I keep my feet on the ground and take the bitter with the sweet. It's tough at times, but what can you do?

Have you ever felt so discouraged in this business, for whatever reason, that you just wanted to throw in the towel? I felt discouraged and threw in the towel for about two or three years, but it kept calling me, and I came running. Every artist who writes their music needs a sabbatical from the music at times. This is when you can come back with new music and a new perspective to share with the world.

Tell me about your latest album/ song, and what was your inspiration behind it? The latest song is my new single, "Make It Right." I wrote this song to speak for women and men who aren't afraid to be vulnerable. It's so beautiful to be in a loving relationship where the two of you can be transparent and vulnerable with one another without judgment. As a woman, I want to be my significant other's soft place to land, meaning the one he comes to when he is stressed out, can't sleep and needs to talk about it.

Is it out now, and where can people buy it? Yes! The song is out now and can be found on my Bandcamp website. I thank you all who support me and my music in advance.  

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Music buy link: juanitawynn.bandcamp.com   

Website:     www.juanitawynn.com

END OF INTERVIEW