Harmony Behind Bars: Juliet Mendoza's Guest Artist Visit to the Prison Electronic Music Program
Guest Artist Juliet Mendoza at the California Rehabilitation Center
Juliet Mendoza, a prominent DJ/Producer, songwriter, and spoken word Afro-Latina artist with roots in El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Mexico, hails from Los Angeles. Her musical journey traces back to the vibrant mid-'90s house scene where she immersed herself in the underground House music and dance culture of LA. By her early 20s, Juliet had already established herself as a renowned House Dancer and event promoter, contributing significantly to LA's largest house music festivals.
Juliet's deep-seated connection to the LA house music culture led her to become the Founder and resident DJ of Jill's House, also known as Jackin Jills. Her distinctive style of delivering melodic, soulful, and deep sounds has not only captivated audiences in Los Angeles but has also taken her to headline international cities like Amsterdam, Paris, Mexico City, Tulum, Croatia, and various locations across the United States.
In addition to her remarkable musical journey, Juliet's commitment to community service shines through her involvement as a Guest Artist in the Prison Electronic Music Program at Give a Beat. When asked about her motivation to participate in the program, Juliet expressed her passion for helping others and emphasized the importance of sharing skills and experiences with the community. Drawing from her background in working with individuals dealing with drug addiction, substance abuse, and mental health issues, Juliet's visit to the program aimed to bring positivity through her music and serve as an uplifting presence for the participants.
Juliet Mendoza with Teaching Artists Billy and Angela at the California Rehabilitation Center
“I believe that art programs, such as the Prison Electronic Music Program can offer the incarcerated population a positive way to spend their time. They aid in community engagement and foster camaraderie among participants. Many have expressed joy in participating in these programs due to the positive atmosphere they create. By being themselves and discovering freedom through music, they can avoid feelings of isolation in their confined environment. For instance, when I share my profession and background with others, explaining how music has positively influenced my life, it has a beneficial impact. This sharing of my musical journey with others creates a positive setting.” - Juliet Mendoza
Upon entering the prison facility for the program, Juliet was taken aback by its resemblance to a military camp, reminiscent of her days in ROTC during high school. Despite the initial surprise, she found the existence of a rehabilitation center for incarcerated individuals fascinating. The unique environment surrounded by water and individuals dedicated to offering support left a lasting impression on Juliet, who viewed the opportunity to connect with Give a Beat as a valuable experience.
During her time at the program, Juliet was struck by the active participation and genuine efforts of the participants. Engaging in discussions about their music preferences and sharing their insights with the Teaching Artist Angela, Juliet witnessed firsthand the willingness of the individuals to participate wholeheartedly and find joy in the class. These interactions highlighted the transformative power of music in fostering connections and creating a positive environment within the correctional facility.
“Being able to speak out and release your emotions is crucial. There are many people out there doing positive things and channeling their energy into constructive endeavors. Music serves as a medium for self-expression, particularly in production. Through music, you can create something that resonates with others.” - Juliet Mendoza
Reflecting on how music can positively impact individuals in correctional facilities, Juliet emphasized its therapeutic nature. Drawing from her personal experiences, she shared that music had been a source of therapy for her during challenging times. The ability of music to uplift spirits, evoke emotions, and facilitate expression through movement resonated deeply with Juliet. She advocated for the incorporation of music as a resource for counseling and therapy within correctional facilities, underscoring its potential to foster healing and personal growth on a broader scale.
“I believe that music is a source of therapy. It has been that for me. I got into DJing because of hardships. Whenever I'm feeling down, the different types of energy lift me up. The positive outcomes of music range from dancing to singing.” - Juliet Mendoza
Juliet Mendoza emerges as a true ambassador of the house music culture, whose passion for music is equaled only by her dedication to using music as a means of spreading positivity and creating meaningful connections within communities. Through her involvement in programs like the Prison Electronic Music Program at Give a Beat, Juliet exemplifies the transformative power of music in uplifting individuals and fostering a sense of hope and resilience even in challenging environments. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the profound impact that music can have on our lives and the communities we inhabit.
“Music helps us express our emotions and feelings. We can dance and release. You don't need to understand the same language to comprehend movement. It is an amazing tool that should be used in correctional facilities as a resource for counseling and therapy. I believe that music can be utilized on a larger scale.” - Juliet Mendoza
Learn more about the Prison Electronic Music Program at giveabeat.org/pemp
