Photo credit: Ryan Parent
We caught up with Ottawa folk rock singer/songwriter Jasmyn Gulyas on the release for her Debut Single “23”
Ottawa Life: Jasmyn, thank you for joining us! We appreciate you sitting down with us today. Let’s get right to it! When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
Jasmyn: I feel like as long as my mind will take me back, I was writing original music and poems to perform in front of my family and friends. Yes, I still have those old song books, and yes, they are hilarious. It sounds cliché, but I really do believe I was born with this drive and passion to pursue the arts. In terms of music becoming my career, that mind set happened after I graduated University. My focus is now my passion, how cool is that?
Ottawa Life: On your current project, how did you come up with the concept?
Jasmyn: 23 was the age where I started to question my lifestyle, I was feeling too caught up in the mundane yet busy routine I had created for myself. This song embodies the constant inner narrative in my head of “follow your dreams, go for it!” and “Let’s be realistic here.” When I wrote it, I finished it quickly—like it was almost something I had to get off my chest and that had been built up for some time. That’s why I think it’s so powerful, because it’s so honest.
Ottawa Life: What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
Jasmyn: I not only put too much pressure on myself but also put too much on my plate at the same time. Word of advice . . . not a good combo. But regardless of how tired I am or how long of a week it has been, I always find the strength to get things done. And when it comes to music, you’ve got to put the work in.
Ottawa Life: Are you the best at what you do in your opinion?
Jasmyn: I learned a quote when doing a thesis paper on Saturday Night Live, that in comedy “if you are the funniest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room”. I believe that applies to music as well. If you think you are the best, you aren’t surrounding yourself with people who challenge you. I believe I have a gift for writing and performing but you can always learn from the musicians around you—and boy are their some amazing and talented musicians in Ottawa right now.
Ottawa Life: What are your plans for the near future?
Jasmyn: "23" comes out on July 23, 2021! Fitting date don't you think? I am so excited, this is my first time releasing a song that I am this proud of and worked this hard on. After this will be more collaboration, more practise, more gigs and working with Jason Wilkinson at Artist Alliance Company (Young Wild & Free Studios) to produce and release more music. There is a lot to look forward to.
Ottawa Life: Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout outs?
Jasmyn: Jason Wilkinson has helped me bring my small acoustic song to life and has given me the time and patience I needed to do so. I would recommend him to anyone needing that extra push to take their music to the next level, he’s incredible. Ryan Parent—who did the music video for this song—is a creative genius. We worked so well together and all the hard work paid off, it looks amazing. Thank you to my family for always supporting my passion to pursue the arts and driving hours to see my shows whenever I have them. I also have the best friends in the entire WORLD who not only help promote me, come to every show but also really believe in me. I don’t know what I would do without them.
Ottawa Life: If you could change one thing about the current music industry, what would it be?
Jasmyn: There’s a lyric in my song that goes, “I’m feeling jaded, music scene saturated, where standing out is in the way”. I think that the ability for everyone, everywhere to release music on every platform is bittersweet. It’s that struggle to really stand out as an artist nowadays.
Ottawa Life: How can fans find you?
Jasmyn: I am most active on my Instagram which is @jasmyn_music or you can follow me on YouTube which is “Jasmyn Gulyas”. I'm also on Tik Tok @jasmyn_music0. For upcoming shows, you can check out my website jasmynmusic.com, I also post my merch on that site as well!
Don't forget July 23, 2021, you can find the single "23" on Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming services.
