Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, On February 26, eight year old, Jessica Galan developed a passion for ballet, tap, jazz and acrobatics. At age 14, influenced by her father, Johnny Galan, (a well-known musician in the latin market) she began taking piano lessons. Shortly after that, at age 15, Jessica traveled a little further, into NYC, to then begin studying modeling and acting. At age 16 Jessica got the opportunity to work for her father’s small record label, taking on small responsibilities, that would help her learn about the industry. Continuing and expanding her dance training, adding lyrical, hip-hop, and dance team, Jessica started landing jobs as a model and make-up artist, in NYC. Using her mind to her benefit, at a very early age, Jessica began writting poetry, which would be used in her songs, in the future. Recording music professionally, at age 18, came easy to Jessica, for her creative mind and musical ear, played a big part in her songs. Sone of Jessica’s greatest influences are within her bloodline, for her grandfather, Nando Galan, was one of the most popular, hispanic, musicians in the 80’s. Also her father, Johnny Galan, a popular latin musician, has not only influenced jessica, but has taught her most of the things she knows, which are jessica’s most treasured gifts today.

Jessica Galan’s Q&A

Q: When did you first begin to dance?

I was eight years old when I told my parents to sign me up for ballet classes. I was so excited that I finally got to go to a real dance studio. At only months old, two of my aunts (from my mom’s side) would stretch me daily, and train me. So I was able to dance at a very early age. They would also dress me up and take pictures of me. I was like their own “dress me up” barbie doll or something. (lol)

Q: Tell us about your music background.

My grandfather, Nando Galan, was a very popular musician in the 80’s, before I was born. He had his own band and played the saxophone. My father, Johnny Galan, followed his steps. He had his own band and played the piano. Then he became the lead singer, and opened up his own independant record label, which I worked in, for a while. So I grew up among musicians all my life. I also have cousins and other family members that play music professionally, on both sides.

Q: Where are you originally from?

I was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. I spent my entire childhood there. Then I moved to West New York, New Jersey. I also spent some time In Union City, New Jersey. Some of my best times I spent in Jersey City.

Q: Name one thing you love most about singing and dancing.

Everything. There isn’t one thing I dont’ like. It’s my passion. I feel like I’m god when I’m singing or dancing.

Q: What or who has been the biggest influence in your career?

Well, of course my granfather and my father. They were the first artists I ever knew. Also, when I was a freshman in highschool, I took a course called “Today’s Music” and I got the opportunity to learn about music and its evolution. Today I still sit down in front of the computer or read encyclopedias to learn about old school music and how it has influenced today’s music. That plays a big role in the process of choosing my sounds.

Q: What is your favorite part of performing live?

Performing is amazing. I’ve done it since I was a toddler. My favorite thing is the audience’s reaction and the intimacy you have with the people.

Q: When did you realize that you wanted to be a singer?

Honestly, since I was born. I guess that's just how it is, for most people who are born to a family of musicians. Watching my father on stage or sitting at his piano, playing so passionately, made me feel the same way. I always knew it, though I didn’t always talk about it. In the back of my head that was my plan, “I’m going to be an artist like dad!”

Q: You seem to have inherited all these super talents from you’re father. What else is there?

Well my dad is also a visual artist (he paints). He painted a portrait of me when I was eight. I think that’s where the whole “wanting to be a fashion designer” thing comes in for me. I enjoy drawing, like my daddy. I just copy every talent he has, I’m such a copy cat! (lol)

Q: How about your mother?

She’s proud of all of us. She’s our number one supporter. She told me that she wanted to be a dancer when she was younger. So, she appreciates all the art surrounding her.

Q: Tell us how you got your name?

My father’s name is Johnny Galan. When I was in mommy’s belly, she wanted to name me Johanna, because it sounded like my dad’s name.One day walking down the street, she heard a woman call her daughter, “Jessica get back here!” who was about to cross the street on her own. My mom fell in love with the name. So I was born Jessica Quezada (my mom’s last name). I don’t know why. My parents were young, I guess. Then, at around age 6 or 7 they finally changed it to Jessica Galan. I hated it, but now I’m glad I have it. I love that last name a lot better (lol).

Q: Is that what you like to be called?

Yes. Galan or Rabbit. Those are my two favortie nicknames, though Galan is my real last name.

Q: So you model, correct?

Yes. I grew up watching two of my aunts (my mom’s sisters) model, all the time. I would go to their shows and everything. So at age 15, mom and dad signed me up for modeling, acting, make-up, etiquette, and more dance classes, in New York. I had seen a commercial on T.V. and wanted to go there, so my parents took me over. Though modeling wasn’t really my passion, I tried it anyway, because so many people would tell me, that I was so extremely skinny and long, and I would make a good model. That’s where things, pretty much, started taking off for me.

Q: Modeling or Music?

Music! Definately.

Q: Music or Dance?

Both.

Q: Acting?

Um...I've done very little acting like extra work and videos and small stuff like that.

Q: You’ve worked as a make-up artist, right?

Yes. I’m a girlie girl. I love make-up. Growing up I would play with mommy’s make-up and make all my cousins and friends look prettier. I’ve also had the chance to work with different photographers, as a make-up artist. It’s super fun. Plus I got to work at a few modeling agencies, so that was really cool.

Q: What do you admire most about an artist?

The ability to create something, noone ever has. I admire artists who can write their own songs, compose their own music, choreograph their own dance routine, etc.

Q: Do you write your own songs?

Yes I do. I also write poetry. I’m not very good with verbal communication, but I sure can wrtie my feelings down in an eye blink.

Q: Are all your songs based on your own life experiences?

Some, not all. I like to watch movies or hear about other people’s lives and make a song or poem out of it. Sometimes I just write about whatever comes to my mind, or whatever fits into a certain melody, I might already have in my head.

Q: What is your favorite music genre?

I like all music genres. I dont have a favorite one. Music is music!

Q: What is your favorite thing to do, for fun?

I’m actually a very very boring person. My parents were kind of strict with me, growing up, plus I was always too busy with ballet, piano, modeling, school, etc. So aside from reading and spending time with my little sister, anything that has to do with the arts is my favorite thing to do.

Q: You have a sister. Is she as talented as you are?

Yes. She’s actually a lot more talented than I will ever be! (lol). After being an only child for 13 years, I was so upset to find out I was going to have a sister. Now I feel like I couldn’t live without her. I actually train her myself. I give her ballet lessons. I’m not a "stage sister." She shows interest in everything I’m doing, so I give her a little taste of it. Whatever she decides to do, she can do when she gets older. She knows that. I just want her to enjoy her childhood.

Q: Where do you see yourself in the next 10 or 20 years?

Hopefully I have accomplished all my goals and maybe run my own record label, like my dad. Maybe I’ll take over his. (lol)

Q: What advice would you give to “will be singers” and future artists?

Stay focused.

Q: If you could be a creature (non-human) what would you be?

A mermaid! If they were real. But they are real, aren’t they? (lol) :-)