JAKI NELSON
Bi singer Jaki Nelson went to school with the Jenners, and fell off a horse into showbiz!
DNA: We hear you literally fell into showbusiness.
Jaki: I’m where I am now, partly, because a horse almost killed me.
Please explain!
I was a professional show rider for years until one day this lazy horse I was training decided to throw me as hard as he possibly could. I spent a week in hospital after major surgery. I couldn’t walk up the stairs for months. That’s when I started to seriously pick up music.
How did you get to be making records?
One day I noticed someone on my Facebook friends list had “producer” on his job description. He ended up giving me a writing opportunity that ended up being my first label deal. A couple of years later I got a song on the Billboard Dance chart.
You’re doing well at the moment, too!
In the last year, I’ve hit the Top 10 twice. It’s an incredible feeling when you’re in the Top 10 with artists like Cher and Ariana Grande. You’ve been called a “rising star” – is that a lot to live up to?
Sometimes I get overwhelmed by the size and scope of what I want to do and what others expect of me, but that’s when I know it’s time to get back to work. Who were your musical heroes, growing up? Britney Spears is a shining pillar of my musical foundation. Sara Bareilles was another. Lady Gaga, of course. Not only is she pop perfection, she’s a member of the LGBT community.
Your music is dance-floor friendly.
My musical interests started to focus very intensely on the dance music scene at the beginning of high school. I went to Together As One, a massive rave in my hometown of Los Angeles. From there, I was hooked.
How did you get involved with Dave Aude?
I went to go hang out with a guy one day, we got to talking about music and he texted later saying I should meet his best friend Dave Aude. I’d been listening to Dave’s music since high school, so I lost my mind with excitement on the car ride home!
Have you had many celebrity encounters?
I grew up in LA so it’s par for the course. I was friends with one of Quincy Jones’ daughters. I went to his house and met him once. I had no idea how cool that was until later. I was also pretty close to Nicolette Sheridan for a while. She got down on a knee and presented me with a cake she had baked for my 10th birthday. I also went to high school with Kendall and Kylie Jenner. I spotted Troye Sivan at a red-carpet event just the other night. Small world!
Who would you most like to work with?
I would absolutely die to work with any of the people who are making waves in the LGBT community – Troye, Hayley Kiyoko and Kim Petras. They’re all amazing artists.
Your music obviously hits a bullseye with the LGBT community.
Thank you! I’m just trying to make music I would like to listen to. As a member of the LGBT community it’s only natural our musical interests would line up. I’ve performed at quite a few LGBT+ events and one that really stands out is San Francisco Pride. Imagine LGBT people and our allies filling the streets as far as you can see and all coming together in the spirit of love, community and music. It was incredible.
What are the issues closest to your heart?
The #MeToo movement is the closest issue for me right now. The war on abortion and gun control are pretty close behind that.
Are you romantically attached?
Nope, single as a pringle! I don’t enjoy dating and I’m too busy to handle anything serious right now anyway.
What’s the gayest thing you own?
That depends on the definition of “gayest”. Gayest would probably be my two little white fluffy dogs. Gayest, as in Lesbianest? That would be my flannel collection!
The most lesbianest thing I own? My flannel collection!
MORE: www.jakinelson.com or find her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @ JakiNelsonEnt. Her music is available on all online music platforms.