In conversation with Mississauga’s JSAL, an emerging singer songwriter who combines powerful vocals and messages of hope and resilience. As a cancer survivor, JSAL is dedicated to demonstrating music's transformative power to heal and empower listeners to triumph over their struggles. 

Rob Aguiar: JSAL, thank you so much for taking some time to share a little glimpse into your heart as a singer songwriter. I’m excited to get to pick your brain about lyrics, songwriting, and your very inspirational journey as a whole.

JSAL: Thank you so much, Rob! I’m truly grateful for this opportunity. Songwriting has become a powerful way for me to connect with others and share experiences of resilience and strength. I’m excited to dive into what it means to me and how I hope it impacts others.

RA: During your battle with breast cancer, you turned to journaling as a form of therapy. At what point did you realize you were building the foundation of song lyrics through your journal entries?

JSAL: Journaling was a lifeline for me. When I was going through treatment, it was one of the few ways I could process the intense emotions I felt. At first, it was purely a way to cope, but over time, I started to notice patterns in the words and themes. My journal entries became more rhythmic, almost like verses. That’s when I realized I was capturing something deeper—my experiences, my fears, my hopes—almost like the foundation of song lyrics. It felt like a natural evolution to turn those entries into music, a way of telling my story and, hopefully, helping others find strength in their own battles.

RA: As a songwriter, how do you navigate drawing from such a deeply personal battle while protecting your own emotional well-being?

JSAL: It’s definitely a delicate balance. My music is deeply personal, and bringing those emotions to the surface can be overwhelming. But I've learned to look at it as a way of transforming pain into something positive. I set boundaries too, giving myself space when I need it. Ultimately, sharing my story helps me connect with others on a deeper level. It reminds me that I’m not alone—and neither are the listeners who connect with these songs.

RA: How do you envision your music making an impact on the hearts and minds of your listeners, and what legacy do you hope to leave through your artistic journey?

JSAL: I hope my music gives people a sense of hope and strength. My goal is to create a space where listeners feel seen and empowered, especially those facing their own battles. I want my songs to be reminders that even in our most difficult moments, we have resilience within us. Music has the power to connect us, and I’m honored to share my story in a way that might inspire others.

RA: How have your collaborations helped you uncover new layers of your story or your songwriting abilities that you hadn’t explored on your own?

JSAL: Collaboration has been one of the most transformative aspects of my journey as an artist. Working with my producer has reshaped how I approach the emotional depth in my songs. He encourages me to dig deep and capture the intensity of my experiences, pushing me to explore new sounds and melodies that reflect the essence of each track. 

With my audio engineer, the collaboration takes on a unique dimension. He knows my background in choral music and inspires me to weave those influences into my pop songs, helping me bring both power and nuance to my vocals. 

I’m also grateful for the guidance of my vocal and songwriting coaches, who have been instrumental in shaping my artistry. My vocal coach works closely with me on technique, helping me bring out the emotional resonance in each line I sing. My songwriting coach, on the other hand, challenges me to refine the narrative and lyrics, ensuring that every word feels genuine and impactful. 

These collaborations have expanded my creative toolkit and taught me invaluable lessons in trust, adaptability, and self-expression. They've given me the courage to explore parts of my story I once kept guarded, strengthening my skills as a songwriter and performer while pushing me to grow on a personal level. 

RA: Your debut single, Be Invincible, and your most recent release, Inner Flame, obviously hold a deeply intense and personal meaning for you. Has performing them repeatedly changed how you relate to them or the emotions they bring up for you on stage?

JSAL: “Be Invincible” is a reminder of the strength I had to summon during my cancer battle. When I perform it, I’m reminded of that resilience, but I also feel this incredible energy from the audience as they relate to their own battles. It’s as though we’re all tapping into a shared strength, which is both humbling and uplifting.

With Inner Flame, performing it live reignites that quiet inner strength and determination. This song is about the flame within that never truly dies, even in the face of life’s toughest moments. It reminds me of how far I’ve come and how far I want to go. Both songs have become more than just music—they’re part of a journey I get to share with my audience.

RA: JSAL, thanks for reaching out many months ago. Having the opportunity to connect with you, follow your journey, appreciate your music and add your heart to this series has been a true honor for me. Thank you so much!

JSAL: Thank you, Rob. This conversation has been truly meaningful for me. Sharing my journey and reflecting on the role of music in my life helps me remember why I do what I do. I’m grateful for the chance to connect with listeners and share a piece of my heart through this interview. I hope my music can continue to make a difference, inspiring others to find their own strength and resilience. Thanks for being part of this journey.