One talented student at Sacramento State rises above the rest, writing over 100 songs, recording multiple albums, playing at shows and opening for R&B artist Miguel Pimentel. Jasmine Nichol shows balancing a dream, a class schedule and a job is not only feasible, but also enjoyable. 

“Singing has always been my passion. I started singing when I was 10 years old,” Nichol said. “When I was 13, I started with a vocal coach; then, in high school, I was in the school choir all four years and that gave me the real vocal training that I use today.”

Nichol is a senior criminal justice major focusing on social work and involved with the Cooper-Woodson College Enhancement Program at Sac State. 

The framework for the Cooper-Woodson Program is based on the principles of leadership, scholarship and service. It was founded in 1990 through the leadership of Otis Scott, Chris Glen and David Covin. Its success and influence is felt nationally and internationally, according to the Sac State website. 

Bob Marley, Aretha Franklin and Lauryn Hill are just a few of Nichol’s musical inspirations, but she said her true inspiration came from within herself. 

“It was a realization within myself that I’m happiest when I’m singing and writing. So why not turn that into a career?” Nichol said. “It was the simplest epiphany that turned into something great.”

Many artists today remake songs by another singer; however, Nichol writes all her own lyrics and has friends help produce the music. 

“I’ve been producing music for about seven years and have done a lot of the music for Jasmine’s songs,” said senior film major Jordon Briggs. “She stood out to me at a poetry reading where she sang. There’s a sense of humility about her and her lyrics. You don’t see that in much of today’s pop stars.”

Nichol’s drive toward success is reflected in how she manages being a full-time student in good academic standing while pursuing something as time consuming as a music career. 

“The biggest obstacle I face is time management,” Nichol said. “I find myself always giving more time to one than the other. It’s truly all about balance and discipline and I’m still working on perfecting this balance.”

Nichol has a strong support system of friends and family who encourage both her education and her singing. One friend describes how music is in every part of Nichol’s life.

“Once we got to Sac State, singing took the back burner to her academics and her trying to figure out what she wanted to do as a career,” said senior ethnic studies major Erianna Jackson. “Once she started back, it was more her just posting songs on YouTube and Facebook. But within the last year, Jasmine has completely transformed – as an individual and as an artist. Writing and making music is what she loves. She is literally singing or humming all day from the moment she wakes up.” 

Those who work closely with Nichol on her music speak fondly of her, and show a genuine interest in her success.

Nate Tate is a senior communication studies major who works with Nichol by co-directing and editing her videos. Tate has also done a few tracks with Nichol. 

Tate hopes Nichol will ascend into an iconic figure in the music industry, and go beyond the hopes and dreams she has set for herself. 

“She believes in me as an artist and I believe in her,” Tate said. “She has a genuine heart and a passion for music only rivaled by the passion our fellow artists share. She generates an energy that we have to match, and she brings the best out of all the people she works with.”

Junior anthropology major Jules Ramzy is one of the videographers for Jasmine’s music videos and a close friend.

“She is very determined about her education,” Ramzy said. “Music is so important to her, but she would not sacrifice her education for her music.” 

With much of the music on the radio being about relationships, Taylor Swift’s latest breakup, drugs and money, it can be difficult to discover a new artist who does not follow these patterns. 

Jasmine sings about personal struggles and life experiences with songs like “The Struggle” and “No Swerve.”

“She brings people together with spirit and her music,” Briggs said. “Her voice is commanding, but also gentle. Her sound is explorative, soulful and versatile. Her music tells stories because she explores more than heartbreak and relationships. She explores what it is to be human and to be a young female.” 

Having one album out already and one in progress, Nichol is showing no signs of slowing down. She describes her musical process as very natural and organic and feels very fortunate to have friends and family as not only fans, but also producers and musicians. 

“When this all started back in April of 2012, I was only writing, but I was looking for a producer and a place to record,” Nichol said. “One day I went to a showcase on campus and met Justin Holloway and he provided a place for me to record. Then I went to an open mic night and met my producer Jordon Briggs. Before I knew it I had my debut project complete.”

Sac State is a commuter school and some students feel there is a lack of a sense of community. Some supporters and fans of Nichol’s music would like to see the campus community stand behind what she’s doing and encourage her as an aspiring artist, and also as a fellow student. 

“There’s not enough of a community and that’s why she remains so undiscovered by a lot of students,” Briggs said. “People are set in their ways and musical tastes. Everyone is looking for upcoming talent, but students should think about this: Jasmine is attending school, doing shows and dealing with life. Just listen. Give her your time, you could get something out of her music.”

Ramzy said students should get behind Nichol’s music because they can actually get to know her and have a connection with her.

“We go to the same school and we share some similar dreams and struggles with our fellow students. Students can watch her story manifest and support someone who is in the same place as them,” Ramzy said. “We already support garbage and we as listeners have more power than we are made to believe. You can decide to listen to what mainstream media tells you is good, or you can listen to a singer whose lyrics are meaningful and relatable.” 

Nichol has played nine shows in Sacramento and San Jose, but plans to expand her venues to build a bigger and stronger fan base. Her new album is set to come out March 21, including new videos. 

“My ultimate dream is to be recognized on a global platform for my music and songwriting abilities,” Nichol said. “I’m pretty much living my dream out already with all the love and support I’ve been receiving, but the day I win a Grammy is the day I can die happy.”

Nichol said she plans to graduate in December and then take her act on the road, performing across the states and in Europe. 

“I got to where I am today in music purely by my hustle and networking,” Nichol said. “I can truly say I work hard every day to better myself, and my music career, by always changing and coming up with new ideas and concepts. Work ethic is everything – if you don’t work hard, you can’t expect results.”

Not only does she sing, but Nichol also acts as her own manager, publicist, and make-up artist. “I am able to be successful because I have amazing people around me that have opened doors for me and stood by me,” Nichol said. “The struggles and hardships get to me at times and I can let the frustrations take over but once I take a step back and look at the bigger picture I see that I have to keep pushing on.”