Discover Delmarva Arts: Jayla Elise

CAMBRIDGE, Md. — For singer-songwriter Jayla Elise, music is more than something she creates — it’s how she connects with the world. Through every lyric and melody, she weaves stories that words alone sometimes can’t.

Jayla says the people around her keep inspiring what’s next. “I think everybody around me is in some type of creative realm, so I’m constantly drawing from those around me.”

Music is Jayla’s way of communicating — and she says being able to put her fans’ emotions into words makes it all worth it. “You’re not really writing music for yourself. You’re kind of a servant in a way; you’re serving the people. . . My favorite thing about performing is that satisfaction of maybe I was able to take what this person couldn’t say and finally say it.”

For the past few years, Jayla has been working with Barzini Family, a collective of creators that help her grow as an artist. Together, they believe that the Eastern Shore has the potential to become the music industry’s next destination.

“My team really believed that the Eastern Shore has a deep history when it comes to entertainment,” Jayla said.

“In the 1920s, 1930s — the Chitlin Circuit actually already was here. . . The Eastern Shore was big in the music industry back then for breaking artists out, so all we did was, instead of creating new history, we just repeated it,” CEO of Barzini Family Derrick Taylor said.

Both Jayla and her team are confident that her impact will reach far beyond The Eastern Shore. “I think she’s, in my opinion, historically great because her heartfelt behind her music, and the things she sings about, she looks more than just a song, she looks for the person,” Taylor said.

Follow Jayla Elise on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Follow Barzini Family on Instagram.