Singer, dancer and songwriter Jessica Galan came early and naturally to the stage. The New Jersey native began studying dance at age 8, driven by a passion for ballet, tap, acrobatics, and jazz. At 14, she began to take piano lessons, influenced by her internationally famous father, singer and keyboardist Johnny Galan, and at 15, Galan frequented New York City to study acting. By the time she was 16, after learning about the music industry by working for her father’s independent record label, Galan landed her first jobs as model and make-up artist. Meanwhile, she was writing poetry (which she began to do at a young age), storing away her lyrical murmurings and rhythms for future songs. At 18, Galan began to professionally record her own original songs, putting her creativity and musical ear to use. Inheriting the fierce musical talent that came down through her bloodline, two of Galan's strongest influences are her grandfather, Nando Galan, one of the most popular Hispanic saxophonists known today and her father, Johnny Galan, who taught her almost everything she knows. Extremely individual and unique, Galan has been performing her particular style of dance/pop music for thrilled New York audiences, while choreographing, dancing and singing with her team of backup dancers. The musical knowing she received from her family and the opportunity to create an electric intimacy with her audiences are Galan's most treasured gifts.

GALAN's Q&A

Q: When did you first begin to dance?

I was eight years old when I told my parents I wanted to be a dancer, but I was trained before then, by two aunts. I was able to do splits and stuff before I started formal dance training. Then one thing led to the next. I tried out modeling and acting and then got serious about music. Music is my thing.

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

Everything.

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

A lot, but mainly my father.

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 energy 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 into a family of musicians.

Q: What are your nick names?

Galan, Rabbit, and Grammatically Correct! LOL

Q: What do you admire most about an artist?

The ability to create something no one ever has, and the chosen way to express it. Every mind is a world of its own and that alone is admirable.

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

Some, not all. I read a lot of fiction literature and historical fiction novels, and that influences my lyrics. Sometimes I'll hear about other people’s lives and make a song or poem out of it. I'll also write 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?

What I do is fun for me. I'm devoted to what I do.

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?

Well I am a martian, but if I had to choose, I'd be a mermaid! They are real, aren’t they? (lol)