Jastin Martin is an R&B singer-songwriter, producer, and guitarist whose minimalist, emotionally raw sound feels like stepping directly into her Houston bedroom—the same intimate space where she writes and records her most revealing work. Entirely self-taught, she moves seamlessly between crafting silvery guitar lines, building stripped-back yet textured production, and delivering hushed, confessional vocals that cut with precision.

Recently named a 2026 Billboard Artist to Watch, Jastin has built her career on consistency and instinct. Writing songs since the age of nine, she evolved from the dorm rooms of Grambling State University to Houston’s open mic circuit, and ultimately onto the roster of Def Jam Recordings—before returning to independence to fully own and shape her creative path.

Now operating as an independent artist, Jastin writes, produces, and releases her music on her own terms, cultivating a direct relationship with her audience. Her breakout records “Again” and “Reassurance” sparked organic momentum online—driven not by heavy marketing, but by genuine listener connection, with fans drawn to her soft-spoken delivery and unfiltered honesty.

Her debut project Miss Me Yet? introduced a fuller scope of her artistry—balancing vulnerability with control, intimacy with intention—and was embraced as a refreshing entry into modern R&B. Since then, she has continued to grow a loyal and highly engaged audience through consistent releases and direct fan interaction, with her music spreading through shares, user-generated content, and word-of-mouth discovery.

While she collaborates selectively with top-tier producers, Jastin remains deeply hands-on in every aspect of her work—from songwriting and production to visual and creative direction. Whether she’s recording at home, writing in a quiet corner of the city, or refining a melody over guitar, her process stays rooted in authenticity.

As an independent artist with a fully realized body of work and growing cultural momentum, Jastin Martin represents a new model of creative ownership—where artistry and autonomy move in lockstep.

“If I’m going to give something of myself,” she says, “I might as well give all of it.”

Selected by ASCAP

All bios appear as they were submitted in the year of scholarship presentation.