Midweek Motivator - 22nd March 2023
Hypnotic artist JAGARA talks martial arts and Scorsese, and I share a tale from Madonna's beginnings in New York; this week's hungry woman.
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This Midweek motivator is designed to pull you out of the post-weekend slump, and share inspiration and entertainment from women crafting away at their dreams. This week presenting Jane aka JAGARA - a producer, singer and multi-instrumentalist who’s given me goosebumps with her synthy production, and seductive melodies.
Ps. the eagle eyed of you will have noticed I’m experimenting with the best day to share this. Do you have more interest in a Monday motivator, or a midweek motivator? Let me know :) x
Lex: What do you think has been the biggest unlock for you in your life so far?
JAGARA: Taking up martial arts a few years ago, as it unlocked not only my body, but my mind and still does. It led me to start doing a lot of other things, so it was effectively a game-changer. Neuroplasticity, baby - it’s not dead! Our teacher makes it a very inspiring space, it’s a great mix of people and he demonstrates multiple fighting styles so fluently, as well as being a gifted storyteller. Some people in the class have really progressed and it’s impressive to see. When I have the time to go, I do it mostly for the social aspect and to build up strength, as well as some self-defence reflexes. It would of course be amazing to go out and train in Thailand one day and I intend to do that!
Lex: If you could be an intern to anyone (dead or alive), who would it be and why?
JAGARA: There are quite a few but I will have to distil it…
I would love to intern for Trentemøller. I love how he has built his sound world playfully but cautiously and I loved the personality that came through his most recent documentary about life on the road. Would be cool to sing on one of his tracks too! And Graham Norton, though I doubt he’d take an intern! He comes across as a very whole person, knows how to make the most of life’s absurdities and seems to know how to divide his time well. I’ve been reading one of his books, ‘A Keeper’, which my dad lent me. First time I’ve read a book of his and I’m really drawn in. I love reading or hearing the Irish perspective and right now, I’m enjoying stories about people returning to their roots. Doesn’t matter what genre.
“He comes across as a very whole person, knows how to make the most of life’s absurdities and seems to know how to divide his time well.”
Lex: What opportunity or encounter would you climb Mount Everest for?
JAGARA: I don’t think there will ever be any opportunity or encounter that would convince me to do this! I’ve watched those docs about the climbers and also the sherpas themselves and their welfare - I don’t understand those who keep climbing even after they’ve heard news that someone has just fallen and been buried or died of exhaustion. What’s wrong with the average mountains, eh? They were once treasures! I can't deny that I get pleasure out of the tension that comes from watching people do extreme things though, but that's only when I know that they survive in the end.
Lex: Is there a piece of art (including design, music, film) which has had a significant impact on you?
JAGARA: The song Afro Blue in all its depictions, but particularly the version by Melanie de Basio blows me away. Every time I hear it, I feel like I am listening to it for the first time.
And in terms of films, I really loved watching Martin Scorsese’s After Hours last year. A refreshing break from mafia territory and just as dark at times. I think it’s a good idea to explore a director’s earlier work and get a fuller picture of them. The soundtrack was a real mix of genres, which made the whole experience nuts but in a very good way. I love Howard Shore’s themes running through the night. Feels like a pseudo-thriller. Is that a term?! Chilling humour and one to watch..
Lex: What is one habit which you know isn’t ‘good’ for you but you’re content to do it anyway?
JAGARA: Going down rabbit holes. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s sometimes hard to stop.
Listen to the Music:
Spotify:
Find JAGARA on Instagram
Hungry Woman: Madonna
Madonna moved to New York alone in 1978, with $37 to her name. She arrived and asked the taxi driver to drop her off “in the middle of everything”, and so he dropped her off in Times Square. She reached out to her handful of contacts for work. Work didn’t come consistently and she wound up squatting in an unoccupied Synagogue and sofa surfing, building relationships with artists in music and film.
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