Port Washington Singer Hopes To Inspire Unity Through World Music

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — For singer Jessica Medina, music is her way to share her Latin roots and spread messages of transforming oneself and self-betterment.

She accomplishes this in her sophomore album, "Black," which she released in May 2019. She sought a title that represents her roots and background, as well as the key message the album tries to get across.

"It represents darkness and transformation," Medina told Patch. "Out of the darkness, we’re able to transform ourselves."

The album blends jazz and soul in a Latin, world style of music.

Medina grew up in Queens before moving to Port Washington four years ago, though her mom hails from the Dominican Republic while her dad comes from Puerto Rico. She grew up listening to Latin music, pop and R&B. However, she fell in love with jazz once she got to college. Once she made her school's jazz ensemble, Medina never looked back.

Both her first album, "Azul" from 2007, and "Black" represent her Latin roots and her admiration of jazz. "Black" features 10 songs, with about half in English and half in Spanish.

Medina returns to the music scene on the heels of motherhood, as she felt compelled to create a new project given the current political climate, she said.

"This new album has been kind of a rebirth process for me. One mainly that I was coming back from giving birth myself. Also coming back to rediscovering my Latin roots and getting back into music again."

Her 10-song album hones in on issues from the 1960s that are still relevant today: civil rights and equality chief among them. In addition to original songs that Medina wrote herself, her album features some covers. One example is her cover of The Beatles "Blackbird," but as a Latin version.

In the song "Sueno, Te Extrano," Medina reflects on her postpartum anxiety, which made her more conscious of the importance of mental health. The lyrics give listeners humorous insight into the ups and downs of motherhood, in addition to trying to convey the importance of women making time for themselves to pursue a career, as well as their dreams and goals.

"I’m hoping that through music, I’m able to inspire people to be a little bit more united," she said.

"Black" is available on Spotify, iTunes, Deezer and Pandora. Medina also has a pair of music videos on YouTube, including "Back to Black" and "Perdon."

During the 12-year span between her albums, Medina has focused on motherhood. However, when she has time, she's also a part of Long Island Together in Port Washington. There, she helps provide interpreter and translation services to immigrant families.

"That’s always been in my backbone, doing community work," she said.

For the immediate future, though, Medina will be promoting "Black." She performs at various venues in New York City. Locally, she sometimes sings at Ayhan's Mediterranean Marketplace & Cafe on Port Washington's Main Street. She recently toured to Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Mexico City. Colombia is her next destination.

Medina can be found on social media @JessicaMedinaMusic.