JENNIFER MEADE
“MY MESSAGE IS INSPIRATIONAL, IT’S BASICALLY MY LIFE AND IT’S THE SHARING OF CERTAIN PERIODS OF IT. IT IS LIKE GIVING A MAP, A BLUE PRINT OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO OTHERS. AND THAT IS SATISFYING TO ME.”
This ability to play the voice instrument with exibility between its higher and lower register is a technique ADELENE Meade knows comes through her own voice with ease. And it’s something that has long been in the making. After three years as a stay at home mom, she is now working on the nishing touches to her fth studio album, which, according to the sultry vocalist, “will include words of wisdom and experiences by Jennifer.” Such words are usually enveloped in a warmth that is gospel and soul, rhythm & blues. In a word: spiritual. “I won’t dene my style as strictly gospel,” condes Meade, a furtive smile playing her lips, “my content is spiritual, a mixture of jazz, pop and soul, and I try to write something of my everyday life, food for thought and share it.” She says this as she sits in a corner of her studio in Montreal, home of Jam Vocal School, an establishment she founded.
“My passion for music, blessings of the Lord that puts (me) in the right place at the right time,…”
Between sessions, her enthusiasm for vocal expression does not tone down. e smile takes over and words start to ow. “Musically, I was just all over the place,” Meade says of her beginnings. “I started to work on my own with choirs. I loved singing with a group and I loved also teaching and directing. I started touring when I was in my rst group, the Harmonettes at the age of 15.” e gospel group is where Meade considers her singing career began. Her work as young singer caught the interest of Second Regard the CBC Quebec show featured Meade in their gospel documentary. After the Harmonettes, she became part of another group, Touch of Heaven, in which she did encounter a certain musical paradise. “Working with that group opened me up to other genres of music,” says Meade.
I met musicians and vocalists from Montreal, and with them I worked in the studio doing a lot of little compilations here and there.”
Of those musicians, there was Freddy James who she sang back-up for and Quebec singer Joanne Blouin, with whom she did the opening act for Aretha Franklin. As she mentions the legendary soulful singer, Meade’s eyes grow wider.”/ didn’t sing with her, but being able to share the stage with Aretha Franklin, just to be there was such a blessing.”
Meade’s recognition of blessings is a big part of her musical career. She credits them for having taken her to where she is now. “My passion for music, blessings of the Lord that puts [me] in the right place at the right time,” are what has helped her evolve musically.
Dubbed the ‘First Lady of Gospel’ by the Montreal community, Meade has long been a part of the city’s spiritual voice. After having been fully immerged in gospel during most of her childhood and youth, at 19 she took her passion one step further and began to teach. She had derived inspiration from a number of vocalists, such as Rachel Farrell, Bobby McFerrin, C.C Wayans, and Will Downing.Meade’s admiration for these artists was due to their “connection and understanding of how to play their voice as an instrument.” Having achieved this herself, she wanted to share it with others.
While studying at McGill University’s conservatory of music, she became convinced that this was what she wanted to do. “I developed skills as a musician and met other artists and fed off their passions- and made it concrete.”
These skills are what she now passes on to her students, who, in turn feed off her own passion for vocal expression. Of the soul, blues gospel-inspired music Meade is involved with, she says, “it’s a very emotional, gut wrenching quality that comes through-a very soulful cry.” This is what she strives for in her own voice and those of her students.
Being a vocal teacher has also given her the capacity to better manage her voice, and has added versatility to her sound. While many vocalists have a specific time during the day when they excel, Meade is vocally strong and centered most of the day.
“Get to know your voice, sing as naturally and as real as you can, develop your voice and style, there are no two voices that
are alike.”
It is obvious when talking to Meade, that she knows her strengths. It is this vocal self knowledge which she encourages in her students. “Get to know your voice,” she says, “sing as naturally and as real as you can, develop your voice and style, there are no two voices that are alike.”
As for Meade’s own vocal characteristics: “/have a lot of movement in my voice, a lot of smooth intertwining techniques,” she says, using her hands to describe the flow. And of course, her tone is her vocal trademark. Meade says her smooth sultry voice makes those who know her say, “Yeah that’s Jennifer, that’s her tone …”
As the Montreal winter winds down, Meade’s teaching continues at full force. It’s Tuesday afternoon and Meade calls on her next student. Standing in the warm glow of the studio, the breathing exercises begin. Different notes are sung as hands are placed on the diaphragm. For Meade, taking care of the voice involves the whole body as a vessel: mind body and soul.
Eating definitely plays a role on how her voice performs. “When I have to sing I try to avoid greasy stuff, and avoid singing on a full stomach especially when wanting to control breathing,” Meade says. “/ try to stay away from dairy products, chocolates. Things like that I really try to avoid for sure and I do drink a lot of water I do -well/ try,” she laughs. “Having a healthy diet does affect your vocal chords. Once you have a good regime everything will work well, physically mentally, vocally-everything.”
It appears that for Meade, everything is working well. With an established vocal school, years of musical experience under her belt and an upcoming album, her career shows much promise. She already knows how she wants to be welcomed into the next step of her profession, “/want an audience to know the relationship with the center of my life which is Christ,” Meade says softly.”/ want them to know that I’m real passionate, that /love what I do,” The message is loud and clear-and soulful too. •
Business
“Jephte Bastien: Crafting Cinema, Challenging Norms, and Championing Authentic Stories”
Jephte Bastien, a multifaceted director, producer, creator, and editor, has carved a unique path in the film industry. From his humble beginnings in Haiti to his groundbreaking work in cinema, Jephte’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and an unyielding passion for storytelling. In a recent interview, Jephte shared insights into his life, inspirations, and the challenges he has faced as a filmmaker.
Early Beginnings: A Childhood of Creativity
Jephte’s love for storytelling began in his childhood. Growing up in Haiti, he would cut out paper silhouettes, align them with thread, and use a flashlight to project characters onto a makeshift screen. This early form of shadow puppetry allowed him to mimic voices and create stories, laying the foundation for his future in filmmaking. Music also played a significant role in his upbringing. As the seventh of nine boys in a large Christian family, Jephte started singing in church at the age of five. His family’s tradition of entertaining one another—through poetry, singing, and dancing—fostered his creative spirit.
Haiti: A Source of Inspiration
Haiti holds a special place in Jephte’s heart. Despite the media’s often negative portrayal of the country, Jephte describes it as a paradise filled with vibrant culture, music, and natural beauty. His early memories of Haiti are filled with joy—playing games, eating mangoes straight from the trees, and forming lifelong friendships. When his family moved to Canada, Jephte struggled with homesickness and depression. Haiti became a recurring theme in his dreams, a place he would revisit mentally to find solace and inspiration. Even as an adult, he traveled back to Haiti frequently, using the trips to rejuvenate his creative energy.
The Church and Early Questions
Growing up in a religious household, Jephte was deeply involved in the church. However, he began to question the narratives he was taught, particularly the lack of representation of Black people in religious imagery. These early questions about identity and representation would later influence his work as a filmmaker. Jephte’s departure from the church was not a rejection of faith but a search for truth and authenticity in storytelling.
A Journey to New York and Beyond
Jephte’s pursuit of his passion led him to New York in the 1990s, where he studied theater despite his parents’ wishes for him to become a lawyer. This decision marked the beginning of his independent journey. He worked tirelessly to pay for his education, immersing himself in the arts and honing his craft. After returning to Montreal, Jephte faced the harsh realities of the film industry. Despite his talent, opportunities were scarce, especially for a Black filmmaker in the 90s. Determined to tell his own stories, Jephte enrolled in film school, where he began to develop his unique voice.
Breaking Barriers in Filmmaking
Jephte’s career is marked by a series of groundbreaking projects. One of his early successes was editing a music video for the song “Due to the Interest” by Garou. Despite the director’s inexperience, Jephte stepped in to manage the set, ensuring the project’s success. The video became a buzz clip, earning praise from industry heavyweights like Luc Plamondon. However, Jephte’s refusal to accept a $2,000 bonus from the director highlighted his commitment to integrity over financial gain.
In 2003, Jephte produced “Haiti Through My Eye,” a docu-series that showcased Haiti’s rich culture and history. The project was a critical success and opened doors for future opportunities, including funding for his feature film “Exit 67.” Despite the challenges of securing funding and navigating the industry’s systemic barriers, Jephte remained steadfast in his mission to tell authentic stories.
The Draft: A Powerful Vision
One of Jephte’s most ambitious projects is “The Draft,” a film about a young Black hockey player whose dreams are shattered by a brutal act of racism. The story follows his journey as he mentors his younger brother, offering a new paradigm for success. Jephte describes “The Draft” as the most powerful film he has ever written, a project that challenges the status quo and highlights the resilience of marginalized communities.
However, the production of “The Draft” was not without its challenges. Jephte faced significant obstacles, including interference from unions and a lack of support from industry institutions, except Telefilm and Harold Greenberg Fund, who supported the project from the beginning. Despite these hurdles, he remained committed to the project, pouring his own resources and energy into bringing his vision to life.
The Struggles of an Independent Filmmaker
Jephte’s experiences shed light on the difficulties faced by independent filmmakers, particularly those from underrepresented communities. In Canada, the film industry is heavily reliant on government funding, which often comes with strict quotas and limitations. Jephte has faced numerous rejections and setbacks, including being blacklisted by medias after an interview. Despite these challenges, he continues to create, driven by his passion for storytelling and his desire to challenge societal norms.
A Legacy of Resilience
Jephte Bastien’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity. From his early days in Haiti to his groundbreaking work in film, he has remained true to his vision, using his art to challenge stereotypes and inspire change. As he continues to work on “The Draft” and other projects, Jephte’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and the enduring power of storytelling.
Business
Jephte Bastien: The Visionary Filmmaker Behind Exit 67 and The Draft
Whether through his portrayal of gritty urban landscapes or his exploration of the human spirit, Jephte Bastien continues to push the boundaries of cinema. As we await the premiere of The Draft, one thing is certain: Bastien’s journey as a filmmaker is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.
Jephte Bastien, the award-winning filmmaker renowned for his gripping storytelling and raw cinematic style, is set to captivate audiences once again with his upcoming film, The Draft. Best known for his debut feature film Exit 67, which garnered critical acclaim and won numerous awards, Bastien has established himself as a powerful voice in the world of cinema.
From Haiti to Canada: A Unique Perspective
Born in Haiti and raised in Canada, Jephte Bastien brings a unique perspective to his work, combining the rich cultural heritage of his homeland with the multicultural influences of his upbringing in Montreal. This blend of experiences has given Bastien a distinctive voice in filmmaking, allowing him to explore complex themes of identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience with authenticity and nuance.
Breaking Ground with Exit 67
Bastien burst onto the scene with his first feature film, Exit 67. Released in 2010, the film tells the story of a young man named Jecko, who is caught between the world of street gangs and his desire for a better life. Drawing from his own experiences and the reality of many young immigrants in Montreal, Bastien crafted a gripping narrative that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The film’s success earned Bastien a Genie Award, cementing his status as a filmmaker to watch.
The Draft: A New Chapter
With his latest project, The Draft, Bastien is poised to once again capture the imagination of viewers. While details about the plot remain under wraps, the film promises to explore themes of power, corruption, and the human condition—elements that have become hallmarks of Bastien’s work. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and moral dilemmas, The Draft is expected to be another compelling addition to Bastien’s filmography.
A Filmmaker with a Mission
Beyond his artistic achievements, Jephte Bastien is a filmmaker with a mission. He aims to tell stories that reflect the realities of marginalized communities and challenge societal norms. His films often delve into difficult subjects, shedding light on issues such as crime, poverty, and the immigrant experience, all while maintaining a deep sense of humanity and hope.
Looking Ahead
As Jephte Bastien prepares for the release of The Draft, anticipation is building among fans and critics alike. With his track record of compelling storytelling and his commitment to exploring important social issues, Bastien is sure to deliver another thought-provoking film that will leave a lasting impact.
Whether through his portrayal of gritty urban landscapes or his exploration of the human spirit, Jephte Bastien continues to push the boundaries of cinema. As we await the premiere of The Draft, one thing is certain: Bastien’s journey as a filmmaker is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19799652
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3904454
https://www.instagram.com/the_draft_movie
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