In April, Jai’Len Josey released her debut album Serial Romantic. It includes the singles “Housewife,” and “New Girl,” as well as “Won’t Force You,” her most streamed tracked from the project.
The Atlanta native started her career in musical theater. In 2014, she won a Jimmy Award (aka the teenage Tonys) for her portrayal of Effie in Dreamgirls. A few years, she made her Broadway debut as Pearl Krabs in the SpongeBob Squarepants musical.
Josey has shifted towards pop music in recent years. Her first EP dropped in 2020, followed by Southern Delicacy in 2023. Throughout her career she’s remained consistent with clean, powerful vocals and organic production.
Now, she’s on the road headlining her first national tour. We were there for opening night on Oct. 6 in Los Angeles (remaining tour dates below). Just a few minutes before her performance, we talked to Josey about recording the album and making the transition from Broadway to pop and R&B.
What does Serial Romantic mean?
Serial Romantic means the evolution of love—the cycles that you go through, the ins and outs, the stupid days, the days where you’re the smartest person ever—all in the name of love.
What’s your favorite song on the album?
My favorite song from Serial Romantic is “Won’t Force You.”
That’s your top song Spotify. It’s sort of a rock song. Does that mean we’re going to hear more rock songs from you?
Actually, yes. I have a plethora of alt R&B rock kind of songs. So that’s my next step, I believe.
Do you write songs about real relationships, or is it all fictional?
No, These are all my experiences. I went through every single song. It’s like a release for me. I feel like after I put the final period on it, that experience is long gone.
What’s the secret to a great vocal run?
Surrender. The secret to a great vocal run is just to surrender. Whatever comes out is supposed to come out. Whether it’s a weird run, a run that isn’t clean—you’re just supposed to surrender to it.
Is there anything from your experience on Broadway that carries over to pop concerts?
You’ve got to give a performance, whether you’re doing musical theater, pop, R&B. People came to see a show, and that’s exactly what you should put on.
What do you miss most about playing Pearl Krabs on Broadway?
The shoes. They were made in Italy. They were really comfortable platform shoes. I think they were like six inches. Yeah, I miss the shoes.
What’s your dream Broadway role?
Oh snap. You put me right on the spot . . . I would play in Funny Girl.
Jai’Len Josey 2026 Tour Dates
October 12, 2026 – Chicago, IL – Schubas
October 14, 2026 – Toronto, ON, Canada – Drake Underground
October 15, 2026 – Brooklyn, NY – Baby’s All Right (LATE)
October 17, 2026 – Washington, DC – Songbyrd
October 19, 2026 – Philadelphia, PA – The Lounge at World Stage
October 25, 2026 – Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre
October 27, 2026 – Atlanta, GA – Vinyl
