Jalen Harris recalls himself as having been a creative person ever since childhood.
Growing up in Memphis in a musical environment with his siblings also being musicians, he was interested in the entertainment industry from as early as he can remember.
"It's like you eat, breathe, and sleep it in so many ways," Harris said.
It was around the time in which he competed on American Idol, around ages fourteen and fifteen, that Harris says his dreams began to take on a more "serious" tone. It was then that he knew he wanted to become a singer. He had the desire to create music and perform around the world.
Harris soon began to attend dance classes twice a week, partook in school musicals, and began to work with different coaches.
"I also had a mentor, which is so important, I feel like, when you're pursuing a life in a creative space and world," Harris said.
Now 28-years-old, Harris has gone on to star as Simba in Disney's touring production of "The Lion King," has appeared in HBO's "Lovecraft Country," and has portrayed Eddie Kendricks in the touring Broadway musical "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Tempations" for the past two years.
In October, Harris released his debut EP "ManneKin The EP."
Harris began working on the project in February of this year. As he was still touring in "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations," he had to schedule his time in the studio.
With a touring schedule that consisted of around eight to 10 layoffs, Harris would finish a leg of the tour, travel to the studio on Monday, work in the studio from Tuesday to Sunday, and travel to the next touring city on the following Monday.
After four to four and a half months of recording, Harris then began working on visuals and other aspects of the album.
"The music that is on this EP is truly me. It's truly the sounds I hear in my head, the sounds that make me move and make me feel a certain type of way," Harris said.
Harris notes that the creation of his earlier works were accompanied by a feeling of being "boxed in." With this EP, however, he was able to implement his input more.
"ManneKin The EP" aims to challenge listeners in how they not only view themselves, but also in how they view one another.
"I definitely want people to look deeper in themselves. It's an inner experience, I think, when you listen to the record and hear the different analogies and wordplay..." Harris said.
Alongside the release of his EP, Harris is still actively portraying Eddie Kendricks in "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations."
On Dec. 23, the cast completed its second Detroit leg of the tour.
Reflecting on being in Detroit, the city known as the origin of The Temptations, Harris says it is an emotional and thrilling experience to be back a second time.
"I feel like I have the same kind of butterflies in my stomach because I just know how much this music, how much The Temptations, and how much these men mean to this city," Harris said.
Harris also says he has learned much from Eddie Kendricks through his portrayal of him. He has garnered a sense of wisdom on how to speak up for himself and how to trust his gut instincts more.
Looking ahead, Harris hopes to one day open up for Lenny Kravitz on his tour while also paying tribute to his heroes, such as Prince and Michael Jackson.
"I'm definitely looking forward to more things happening, especially now that I've branched more so into my music career," Harris said.
