jayesslee - payphone

Janice and Sonia have fond memories of their childhood. When asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Their answers were a variation of a teacher, a painter and at one point in time even a shop-keeper. Funny though, never did they mention a musician or a performer as something they wanted to become. They had no idea what was headed their way.

In 2008 the duo discovered the world of YouTube. Fascinated by the concept of connecting with an unseen audience all over the world, they created their first account under the name "Jayesslee". The name was their attempt to be clever - fusing both of their initials and spelling it out.

Jayesslee's first video was uploaded in their messy bedroom, doubtful that anybody would take notice. However the subscribers steadily increased over a year and it wasn't until 2009 when the two saw a sudden boost in followers after their viral hit cover of Tamia's "Officially Missing You" (currently over 12 million hits).

In 2010 they packed their bags and flew to LA for the duo's first ever debut concert. Since then, they have travelled numerous parts of the world such as the USA, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand performing headlining shows and meeting their amazing fans.

The duo recently completed their first headlining Asia tour in 2012 spanning 8 cities to sold out shows in Singapore with more than 3,500 fans coming out to see them. Janice and Sonia have made various radio/television appearances throughout asia on popular programs such as "E! News Asia", "Channel V" and the "MTV show".

People have often asked the two what it feels like to be online celebrities. They look at each other with raised eyebrows, wondering how anyone could refer to them as celebrities (chuckle). Rather the two feel like they have made many friends from all around the world and hope to meet every one of them one day.

Their ultimate goal and motivation behind every video is to share about the hope they have found in knowing Jesus. The two are not shy in expressing their faith and indicate they would not be doing what they do if it weren't for His grace and providence. All the glory to Him.

HELLO....

"Tulisan bisa ditulis berkali kali, tapi inspirasi tidak datang dua kali 
and live like it's heaven on earth" - Esa Andinie Kusnandar

Melankolis

Kulihat mata coklat bening itu di balik kacamata berframe biru miliknya.

Membias cahaya matahari menjadi beberapa warna. Dari sanalah sinar tatapan yang selalu bersentuhan hangat dan selalu aku rindukan. Terpancar ambisi dan keinginan yang membara.
Kepalanya setengah menunduk fokus melihat setiap deretan huruf yang ada di kertas itu.
Senyumnya tersungging, jelas terlihat bahwa senyumnya lebih indah daripada pelangi. Senyum yang sering kali membuat syaraf-syarafku melemah. Menunjukan bahwa ia memiliki anugerah senyum terindah yang Tuhan berikan.
Jari-jarinya mengetuk lembut meja kayu tempat ia bersandar. Dari sanalah alunan petikan gitar terindah dan ribuan kata yang selalu menggetarkan jiwa. Jari-jari yang setiap celahnya tak mungkin kuisi. Tak mungkin ku genggam.
Ia menyandarkan bahunya ke sandaran kursi yang ia duduki. Bahu yang selalu ingin ku jadikan sandaran saat aku rapuh. Saat dunia tak bersahabat, dan mentari lelah menyinari.
"jadi mau bagaimana?" suaranya membuyarkan lamunanku. Suara menentramkan yang selalu terngiang dan selalu kukenang saat malam datang, bersama rindu yang merongrong habis semua rasa.
 "terserah"
"baik"  tanpa menunggu dramatis ia merapikan buku-bukunya dan mengambil langkah dari sana. Sosok itu berjalan sehingga perlahan raib dari pandangan. Sosok melankolis yang mengisi hari-hariku. Hari-hari yang dipenuhi perasaan dengan laju yang tidak konstan. Sesekali membuncah perasaan gembira, disambung dengan perasaan galau yang terus menghantui. Mimpi-mimpi siang yang selalu berlangsung indah, namun sulit untuk dijadikan realita. Fase-fase penyiksaan inilah yang tak mungkin aku lewatkan begitu saja.
Tapi masih saja, aku tidak tahu apa yang ia tuju.
Aku membutuhkan manifestasi atas perasaan ini. Terjemahan dari setiap kegalauan. MUNGKIN tidak hari ini, tapi PASTI besok