Meet Jaydena
Meet Jaydena (Athena de Martel), the Mexican-born, Parisian-based artist who originates from the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, California. She embodies a fusion of eclectic musical talent and distinctive style, having carved a niche in the worlds of music and fashion. All the while, she stands as a vocal advocate for mental health, transgender rights, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Her journey defies conventional labels, reflecting her deep commitment to personal expression and social activism. With fans eagerly awaiting her debut EP "ANGELTOWN," Jaydena continues to push the boundaries of her creative expression, promising a project that is as innovative as it is impactful.
Directing your music video represents a deeper dive into your creative expression. Could you describe the impact of this role on your artistic narrative?
I think, as an artist, it’s very important for me to be able to tell a story through many different ways. Directing my music videos has never been out of the question; on the contrary, it’s always been part of the plan and the process of delivering this whole record. For me to have the ability to not only tell a story through sound but also to add the visual elements, I find it to be the most wonderful way to complement my storytelling. And having the artistic freedom to do so, to be able to gather beautiful, talented people and direct a project that comes from deep within my head and make it a reality, is so freaking rewarding.
Your career uniquely intersects music, fashion, and social advocacy. How do these elements shape the narratives you choose to pursue?
They're the threads that weave the tapestry of my existence. Music is what I am; it's my heartbeat, my essence. Fashion is my language, my armor, my visual vulnerability, my celebration of self-expression. It's also my political statement. Advocacy comes from this burning fire in my soul; there is a driving force behind every note, every stitch, every word. Everything I do, I do with a high state of awareness, through kindness and love. My life is shaped by the narratives I pursue because they're inseparable from who I am. My art is my life, and my life is my art. The artist is the woman, the fashion lover, the activist, the narrator, the writer, the performer, the goddess, the judge.
You often challenge conventional fashion norms. What drives these choices, and what impact do you hope to achieve with your audience?
I like to keep it real. I like to tell a story. It's about being naked within my clothing, baring my soul to the world. I am embracing my beautiful body like I have never done before, and I’m allowing myself to be free, to be me and be seen. If people don’t understand it, at least they'll have to swallow it. For you can’t deny the energy that lies from within towards the surface. I want people to embrace themselves and stop judging themselves. It’s all a big playground in here; there are no rules, there are no boundaries. Creativity is our biggest asset; go wild, do crazy stuff, make them stare, make them smile. In the end, you’re only doing this for yourself. Peel off the layers and boom!
The sound of ANGELTOWN draws from a diverse array of influences. Could you reveal one that might surprise your audience?
ANGELTOWN is a beautiful concoction of influences, but one that might be surprising is my admiration for David Lynch's work. This musical piece is somewhat of a dark fairytale, where an outcast angel, who falls from heaven, starts facing reality in a human experience. There are many blurred lines between good and evil, between pain and pleasure, and between reality and fiction. And in that, I relate a lot to Lynch’s work, to his ability to tell stories shaped as lucid dreams. That’s pretty much my storytelling, always exploring the complexity of being a human, an awakened human being.
Looking to the future, is there someone you're eager to collaborate with, and what would they bring to your creative process?
There are so many humans that I would love to collaborate with in this life. I think Arca is the closest person to my project and my direction; she’s also a Mamacita Latina like yours truly. I believe we can create a pretty exciting, groundbreaking, and iconic narrative together. And oh my god, Kanye West! Say what you will about him, but the man is the most incredible avant-garde rapper of our generation, if not in the entire human history. I love his storytelling, his direction; he is telling a story. To be honest, as controversial as he is made out to be, I like him pretty much as an artist. I think collaborating artistically with someone like him would be like colliding universes where beautiful volcanoes are erupting all the time.
Your work is deeply intertwined with your activism. Is there a piece you consider most reflective of your core values? How do you decide which subjects to engage with in your work?
Every piece of my work reflects my core values, you know? It's about resilience, healing, and embracing every part of myself, even the parts that society may deem unconventional. As a female artist, or simply as a trans woman, or just as a woman, every single thing I do and put into my art is my way of reclaiming my narrative, of existing unapologetically in a world that often tries to silence us, discredit us, and diminish our successes. I am celebrating my flaws, my scars, my journey. And I know I’m beautiful; my art is not about the lack of knowledge but the awareness of it. To be reduced to just my physical appearance or my economic status, I find it not just incredibly stupid but it proves everything that’s wrong with our society. And I like to sing about that, about the lack of love, the ignorance that surrounds us. When we face our fears and we heal, we see more than what our fingers can touch.
Your artistic journey has embraced a variety of mediums. What new medium are you interested in exploring next?
I just really want to go back to acting. I am truly excited and happy to be able to embrace this chapter of my life where my brain, my soul, and my body are truly aligned. After having experienced many lives in one for so many years, I finally feel ready to host different characters in this vessel. I am truly excited to explore the range of human emotions that one can go through only by acting, by embodying different personas and delving into a complete exploration and development of someone who wears a different pair of shoes than mine.
Maintaining authenticity is crucial in your line of work. How do you navigate this in an industry built on public perception?
I went through a lot with this industry. I was not only discovering myself and healing right in the middle of it all but also developing my artistry. Performing, fully working, and doing public appearances while facing the most horrible and most beautiful chapters of life—it's something we must do with love and respect around us. The mental journey I had to go through, surrounded by vampires and bad energy, consumed my peace. I felt like I was real in a pool of fakers. Unapologetic authenticity is something many people are yet to understand.
I felt the need to go into hiding for a bit to protect myself. Even during public appearances, I wore glasses to avoid connections. There were so many abusers and gaslighters, even people who wanted to work with me just wanted my platform, my body, or my connections. I didn’t feel respected as an artist.
But after living many lives, being raised in film and political backgrounds, the only way to stay true was to continue focusing on my journey and heal. A dragon doesn’t need to spit fire on every person to prove it’s a dragon. Healing brings power, and one of those powers is the power of self-knowledge, reaching a place of detachment and having the availability to not give a f***. It’s so delicious, always maintaining kindness, respect, and love. If they don’t get it, it’s okay; everyone is on their journey. I like to go where I’m celebrated, just flying above the BS. And disrespect has no place in my garden.
Can you share a moment that significantly altered the course of your career and how it influenced your work?
The pandemic truly forced me to dive deep within myself, to confront my fears, desires, and truths. From that place of introspection came a beautiful metamorphosis, a journey of healing and self-discovery reflected in my art and my embrace of existence as an artist. My art during that whole year gave me the woman I am today, and the woman I am today created the art that brought healing. Everything truly started to develop from this little fire. Meditating and dancing share the same purpose, and I truly became so free, especially artistically. I'm happy to be putting the product of this chapter out into the world because it means I’m starting to embark on a brand new and very beautiful one.
What can your fans look forward to in the near future? Are there any projects or collaborations on the horizon?
I’m super excited about this whole record. I've been collaborating with a lot of different and talented young artists, weaving together a modern fairytale that's equal parts magic and mayhem. It's a journey of connection, celebration, and embracing the beauty of the human experience. So get ready to sing, to dance, to laugh, to cry. I can’t wait to share the DANCEFLOOR with everyone and to sing loud, raising our vibrations toward love. We're just getting started!
In the world of modern artistry, Jaydena's work is genuinely influential, showcasing her unique blend of music, fashion, and activism. The release of "ANGELTOWN" signifies the next chapter in her artistic journey, echoing her dedication to challenging societal norms and engaging with her audience on meaningful issues. Her approach combines talent and passion, ensuring her contributions leave a lasting impact in the art and social landscapes.
