At only 20 years young, Jarline Almonte, more commonly known as, Jarline, has solidified her spot as a rising star ripe with unlimited potential. While a portion of her allure stems from her status as a certified Savage X Fenty ambassador and being the poster girl for NYX cosmetics, music is at the forefront of her growing brand.
Raised by a single mother, who immigrated from the Dominican Republic to New York City at the age of 16, Jarline discovered her lifelong penchant for music during her days in elementary school. Encouraged by her mother to sing, the proud Queens native quickly fell in love with the process of making quality music.
As early as nine years old, she began studying the piano and started playing the trumpet. From then on, musical production remained a top priority in her life as she went on to become a fine arts major at The Frank Sinatra School of The Arts in Astoria, NY. Following graduation, Jarline was accepted into the prestigious Parsons School of Design on a full-ride scholarship. Ultimately, she opted to take the road less traveled by pursuing her career in music full-time.
Last year, the Dominican songstress dropped her first single independently: “Potion,” which has amassed over 500,000 streams across various platforms and gained massive support from some of her inspirations, which include Rihanna and SZA.
Today, Jarline is in the process of leveling up with zero signs of stopping anytime soon. She is now the first female artist signed to “Spring Sound,” a newly launched record label founded by legendary music mogul Steve Rifkind. In the wake of her newest single: “Ghost,” which is the first of a collection of tracks she plans on dropping this Summer, The Knockturnal was able to chat with her about the inspo behind it among other exciting facets of her career and brand.
Here is the conversation:
The Knockturnal: When did you discover that you wanted to pursue a music career full-time?
Jarline: I realized I wanted to pursue music professionally very early on in my life, before I could speak. I had no doubt in my mind my dreams were going to come true, regardless of how “impossible” others thought it was for me. I knew at a young age I would grow up to make art that positively impacted the world and while I didn’t know how, I knew it was my future. Making music helps me articulate my feelings better than I could ever speak. It brings me joy and it makes others happy too… and that’s what matters most to me.
The Knockturnal: How would you describe your sound?
Jarline: I’m still figuring out what exactly I’d like my sound to be. I’m influenced by so many genres of music, though I think what’s consistent is the message, the honesty and my energy. I like to consider it “pop” because pop music is ever-changing and flexible. There’s always a bit of RnB, hip-hop and Latin in there because those are styles of music I was raised on.
The Knockturnal: Who are some of your biggest inspirations?
Jarline: Some of my biggest musical inspirations are Aaliyah, Selena & Janet Jackson. I’m a huge Aaliyah fan — she’s mainly who inspired me to make music. I learned to sing trying to mimic her vocals. I feel like my career aligns a lot with Selena’s because I’m making bilingual music and want to tap into both the English and Latin markets. And Aaliyah and Selena were both inspired by Janet, who is an absolutely legendary performer. “The Velvet Rope” is one of my favorite albums ever. I love Rihanna, Ariana and Cher a lot as well. They all lead their careers authentically and have an amazing work ethic and style. They just know themselves and I love that so much.
The Knockturnal: It seems like you’ve been able to develop an organic following on social media. What are some of the tactics you used to build your buzz early on?
Jarline: I think what’s worked for me is just being myself and making content that I’d feel makes others happy. That’s where everything I do stems from – making others happy. Regardless of whether it’s a song, or a painting, or a post on Instagram, it needs to be of value.
The Knockturnal: I peeped that you just dropped “Ghost,” your latest single. What was your motivation behind the track and the video? They’re both super dope!
Jarline: My motivation behind the track was just to release all the emotions I felt at the time, having just got out of a relationship that wasn’t healthy and abruptly moving to LA from Queens, NY. I was only letting those I wanted to maintain contact with know about it.
I wanted to run away and be in a new place, be in solitude, and focus on my career. I love that the Gittens brothers gave me the space to let it all out and help thousands of people who are going through similar situations let it out too. It’s fun to sing along to and it’s produced so beautifully. It really feels like the pain is washing away by the end, as the strings are introduced. It’s very therapeutic.
The music video was inspired by a mix of Aaliyah’s “We Need A Resolution” and Quentin Tarantino’s “Dusk Till Dawn.” I wanted the video to have a VHS effect, like it’s lost footage, or like something you’re not supposed to be watching. Very retro MTV vibes. I really wanted snakes in the video because they’re so mysterious and beautiful. I also wanted to do a pole dance flow at the end of the video because I started training pole with my friend and choreographer of the video, Cami. Pole dancing was very healing for me, and that’s what the ending of the track felt like for me. It’s such a beautiful art form and I have a huge appreciation for it.
The Knockturnal: What is some of the best advice you’ve been given so far?
Jarline: I’m grateful to have amazing people in my life who give me amazing advice, but the main one for me is to do everything with authenticity. Every decision, every choice, every word. And, always have gratitude and never forget to express it. Every time you feel it, say it. We forget to give God, the universe, ourselves and the people around us the flowers they deserve. Be aware that everything we experience is a blessing, good or bad. The fact that we are alive today is something to be grateful for.
The Knockturnal: So, what’s next for Jarline?
Jarline: I’m excited to release more music consistently, since I’ve been recording a lot of music all year. I’m really excited to share it and put it all out in the world!
To keep with Jarline and her steady rise to superstardom, follow her on Instagram.