Jade Novah, a versatile artist and creative, has built a fan base of over 2.5 million across various platforms. It truly reflects her dedication and genuine connection with people. It was a pleasure to chat with her about her studio album WHERE HAVE I BEEN, a glimpse into her daily routine as a superstar, and the advice she has for upcoming artists and creators. Jade Novah exudes an undeniable brilliance and radiance.

Cox: Could you tell me more about the artist Jade? How would you personally define yourself?
Novah: I am a singer, songwriter, comedian, storyteller, and an artist who wants to help shift the collective consciousness by encouraging more free thinking, curiosity, laughter, and healing.

Cox: I’m curious about what a typical day is like for Jade, spanning 24 hours.
Novah: On a productive day, I wake up and take my son to school. Then I come home and do Yoga and meditate with my husband Devin (who is also my producer and creative partner). We set intentions for the day and say affirmations together. We create music in our home studio or shoot content in our content room. I have been so busy these days that cooking isn’t something I’ve done much of lately, so we’ve been getting raw vegan meal prep during the week and it has been so helpful. We like to eat our food outside so we can get some sun before we keep working. I edit videos, engage on social media, return emails, and then at the end of the day we have family time. After our son goes to sleep, Devin and I spend some quality time together and that’s about it. Devin is very organized with our schedule and I’m grateful for that because it helps us run our business more effectively and keeps us productive and balanced.

Cox: What is it about music that resonates with you?
Novah: I love the ability to shift the energy in a room with my voice and lyrics. That is a superpower I picked up on at an early age. There is nothing like performing on a stage and hearing a room full of people singing along to my songs and exchanging energy through music. Songs are like a mantra because we sing and hear the lyrics over and over again. I’ve been very conscious of the music that I let into my spirit these days and what I put out into the world. Music is such a powerful tool and I don’t take that responsibility lighty.

Cox: Can you share some of your musical influences?
Novah: I loved the neo soul era of R&B. Erykah Badu and Jill Scott painted such beautiful pictures with their music. Who is Jill Scott: Words & Sounds Vol.1 is storytelling at its finest. There was a vulnerability in that age of music that has stuck with me and has shaped the way I make my art. I’m inspired by the vocal precision of Whitney Houston, Brandy, Tamia, Beyoncé, and Toni Braxton, and the vocal creativity and timeless song writing of Stevie Wonder. Last but not least I love Jamie Foxx because he is a true multi-hyphenate who has mastered the art of comedy, music, and acting.

Cox: What kind of environment is most conducive to your creative process when making music?
Novah: I don’t like a lot of people around when I’m creating. I like to be able to trust in myself when I’m making art, especially because it comes from such a real and vulnerable place. I love candles and burning Palo Santo to get the vibe right. I need to have room to stretch and move my body. There’s a cozy nook in our home studio that has a big white board that I can doodle on and some tarot and affirmation cards that I like to play with as well. I just need space and time to play and create at my leisure. I don’t like to be rushed.

Cox: Could you provide more details about your album WHERE HAVE I BEEN?
Novah: Where Have I Been? Is a love language origin story. It’s a concept album that is a combination of storytelling and R&B music. It reflects on my childhood and past relationships to show how Words of Affirmation became my love language. It’s about healing, accountability, and self love. The album has some incredible features that I am so grateful for: Wayne Brady, Tabitha Brown, Tony Baker, Leslie Odom Jr., Gail Bean, Kenyon Dixon, and Tarriona “Tank” Ball of Tank and the Bangas all make guest appearances on the project. My husband Devin Johnson executive produced the album. It’s an immersive listening experience and I encourage listeners to experience it from beginning to end on the first listen!

Cox: Are there any songs on the album that stand out to you as your top favorites?
Novah: Lost in You, Trip, Don’t Love You Anymore, Who Are You?, and Maybe it’s Me are my favorites for sure…but if you ask me tomorrow it might change because everyday I have a different favorite!

Cox: What advice do you typically offer to new and up-and-coming singers as a vocal producer and mentor?
Novah: Be authentic. Educate yourself on the business of what you do. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else because we are all on our own journey. Have fun. Be patient. Fall in love with the process.

Cox: You have built a strong social media presence by offering humor and entertainment to your audience. What insights did you gain about navigating social media? Could you provide a few suggestions on what to do and what to avoid?
Novah: Honestly, the same advice that I just gave for an up and coming artist applies to content creation. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Social media can be such an asset, but you also need to make sure that you are building community outside of those platforms. Figure out how to get emails and phone numbers so that you can reach your fanbase without having to fight the algorithm.

Cox: Jade does it all. How do you balance life?
Novah: Sometimes I don’t have the balance part figured out honestly. The days when I am following a schedule and making sure I take time for self care at the start of my day are the days when I feel most balanced and productive.

Cox: Before diving in, whether it’s navigating social media or the music industry, what’s one thing you wish you had discovered sooner?
Novah: Follow your own intuition. At the beginning of my career I allowed the opinion of others to sway me or convince me not to do something I felt I should be doing. Listening to my own voice and carrying out that vision to completion is something I would have benefited from early on.

Cox: Finally, do you have a mantra that you live by or turn to for encouragement?
Novah: Like Tabitha Brown’s character Dr. Black says on my album “Change is a beautiful thing.” Change is always going to happen and so mastering the art of how you show up when life shows out is the key to unlocking more peace.