Tattooed model and rapper JACKEL has kicked off 2017 in style by dropping a eye catching new video for her song “Fortune” featuring Ty. This gorgeous and talented girl is definitely one to watch as her star is on the rise. We caught up with JACKEL to find out more about her music, tattoos and what she has planned for the future.

SCENEzine
Firstly how’s 2017 going for you so far?

Jackel
2017 has been the best year in my career to date in my opinion. I feel like I’ve got my spark back – 2016 was a really hard year for me and I picked myself up, shook off the dust and screwed my head back on. I think anyone who has ever tried to make something of themselves has had some sort of set back in their career – it’s all about how you pick yourself up that really matters at the end of the day.

SCENEzine
Earlier this year you dropped a video for “Fortune” can you tell us a bit about the writing process for that song?

Jackel
I wrote the verses for it, went into the studio and came home with the vocals, listened to it a bunch of times and decided to re-write the whole thing because I knew I could do better. When I came back into the studio the producer was like “oh what you really want to re-record!” but then after he heard the new verses he was stoked that I decided to change it up.

SCENEzine
How did it come about getting Ty involved?

Jackel
TY and I had met at his music video shoot for “Turn Me On” after I was invited to attend, we got along really well and that same night I was opening for his show at The Cotton Club in Christchurch, NZ. He saw me perform, afterward he came up to me and said that he was impressed. We became friends and I later asked if he was keen to collaborate.

SCENEzine
Was it a fun process filming the video?

Jackel
That day it was EXTREMELY hot weather and there was no fans or aircon so we were all sweating our makeup off. I was in full director mode and making sure everything was on point. The most fun part of the whole day was when we all jumped in the ocean. The pool floaties belonged to random beach go-ers who all jumped into the scene with us and partied. It turned out way better than I even dreamed!

SCENEzine
The video features a nod to pokemon and anime culture are you a bit of a secret geek?

Jackel
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a major Pokemon fan, ever since I was young and the first season aired I’ve been a fanatic – collecting books, cards, toys, games – anything I can get my hands on. I actually bought Pokemon Sun for my Nintendo DS the other day!

SCENEzine
Can you tell us about any new songs you’ve been working on?

Jackel
Hoodlum is my new song that was created by myself & one of my best friends TRIKKSTAR who is a EDM styled producer, DJ and rapper. It’s our first collaboration together as a rapper/producer – but he has featured as a rapper on one of my songs ‘Nasty’. The music video for Hoodlum was shot a month or so ago and I’m about to drop it within the next 1-2 weeks, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled! After that i will be collaborating with a few more of my favourite artists.

SCENEzine
What themes inspire you to write?

Jackel
Just whatever I am going through or feeling at the time. Most of the lyrics come from situations in my life, others are more inspirational like not listening to people who try to say that you can’t achieve something, or even smaller things I enjoy doing like partying, music & spending time with friends. I’ve joked to myself about writing a love song to my cat – because who doesn’t love their pets more than themselves right?

SCENEzine
Recently you headed over to Melbourne for the Miss Rites of Passage comp how was that experience?

Jackel
It was so exhausting. I didn’t sleep for 30 hours because I left everything to the last minute! I learnt my lesson that day! Shopping for outfits, working, catching flights, checking into hotels, driving to my hair and makeup appointments by Nelly Vee (check her out she’s based in Melbourne), and then arriving at the expo & doing my thing! I met all the contestants and they were all super nice. It was the most fun I’ve had in a competition because there was a street wear round & I felt like I could dress how I normally would but glam it up a bit. I ended up coming 1st runner up to Pippah – she had some incredible tattoos so I probably would have screamed “rigged” if she didn’t win. My friend Dee also came 2nd runner up.

SCENEzine
Speaking of ink can you tell us a little about your inspiration behind your Cry Baby tattoo?

Jackel
Going back to the first question – 2016 was shithouse for me. I suffered from depression and anxiety for most of the year. The album Cry Baby by Melanie Martinez was something I played a lot during that time & it helped me get through some pretty dark places.

SCENEzine
Lastly what do you have planned in the near future?

Jackel
I’m planning more videos for my YouTube series ‘Mi Vida Jackel’ , more songs & videos, dropping my EP ‘Girl Gang Anthems’, touring on it & moving to Melbourne! I will also be opening for Riff Raff in Christchurch, NZ on June 8th at Winnie Bageos! Tickets are on sale via TALK LATER & link on the events page.