Q. Good day, jayzxr! We appreciate you taking the time to speak with us. The first thing we want to know is What made you want to become a musician?
A. I delved into the world of music back in 2020, although I could trace my interest back to the summer of 2019 when I casually shared freestyles with friends in group chats and such. Some of those early freestyles remain with me to this day, while others have unfortunately been lost. In February of 2020, I noticed that SoundCloud had a new update allowing users to upload songs directly from their phones. That's when I wrote and recorded one of my very first tracks, titled "Green Tea," and uploaded it to SoundCloud. From that point on, I continued to upload the songs I wrote during the pandemic, taking my music more seriously as 2021 approached. In late 2021 and into 2022, I decided to invest in my music by using a distributor like DistroKid to upload my songs to digital streaming platforms. I started gaining some attention after releasing tracks like "Valentine" and "White Girl," which quickly became my most played songs on SoundCloud in early 2022. Throughout that year, I released two EPs titled "Misunderstood" and "TakeCare," as well as a collective mixtape called "Limited Koterie Vol. 2" with my collaborator A Dotti. In September of the same year, I dropped my very first album titled "Trials and Tribulations of a Broken Heart." Following that, I released three singles, one of which was a collaboration with fellow artist TracysFuneral. This year, I have focused on releasing three successful singles so far, and I've been diligently creating even more music in preparation for future releases. I've also been actively engaging with my followers on social media, providing them with glimpses of the new material I'm working on, as well as sharing aspects of my personal and social life. I strive to maintain consistency and a strong connection with those who support my music.
Q. Who are your musical influences and why?
A. When it comes to my musical inspirations and influences, there are a few artists who have truly shaped my perspective on music. XXXTENTACION, Lil Peep, and Juice WRLD are the epitome of what music means to me. Their music carried powerful messages and left an indelible impact on both the industry and the lives of their fans. It's unfortunate that their careers were cut short, as I believe they had so much more to contribute and evolve in their craft. It's intriguing to ponder how their artistry would have shaped the music landscape today, considering the significant changes in the industry since their passing. In addition to these artists, I also draw inspiration from a variety of genres and bands. Bands like Nirvana, The Academy Is, Linkin Park, and My Chemical Romance have influenced my musical tastes and expanded my creative horizons. Their ability to convey messages through their music resonates deeply with me. While XXXTENTACION holds the title of my all-time favorite artist, I also find inspiration in the works of Pasto Flocco, an artist from Queens, NY, where I reside. Pasto brings a fresh and unique sound to the drill scene, with his melodic cadence and captivating flow. It's interesting to note that we both hail from Far Rockaway, adding a personal connection to my admiration for his artistry. Discovering artists like Pasto Flocco from my own community only fuels my passion and motivates me to explore new dimensions in my own music.
Q. What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
A. One of the major highlights of my career occurred earlier this year when I released my first song of 2023, titled "2015." To my delight, it gained significant traction and started generating buzz after just a few weeks. Currently, it has reached an impressive 850 plays on SoundCloud. Following that success, I dropped another track called "High Like a Rocket," which also garnered considerable attention. It was incredible to see fellow students at my school vibing to the song and showing genuine support. As of now, it has reached 801 plays on SoundCloud. Recently, on my birthday (May 18th), I released a remix of a song called "Someday" by MisakuFoxx, a talented artist and member of the GoonCity collective, along with producer WhoIsErdo. This remix has been well-received, accumulating 1.1k plays on SoundCloud. It was truly a surreal experience for me as I used to be a fan of MisakuFoxx's music back in late 2020. Collaborating with him now feels amazing, and the fact that the remix reached 1k plays in less than a month is mind-blowing. This year, I also started sharing trillers on Instagram Reels, and I'm thrilled to see the plays skyrocket soon after their release. On average, my trillers achieve 2k+ plays within just a day or two. It means the world to me that people are actively tuning in and engaging with my content. The support and attention I receive from my audience are incredibly motivating and reinforce my dedication to my craft.
Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A. Considering the unpredictable nature of the future, it's challenging to envision specific outcomes five years down the line. However, personally, I have a strong desire to establish myself firmly in the music industry within that timeframe. I can see myself performing electrifying shows and captivating audiences, both at sold-out venues and renowned music festivals. My goal is to consistently release hit songs that resonate deeply with listeners, showcasing my growth and versatility as an artist. In addition, I aspire to forge meaningful connections and collaborations with influential figures in the music industry, building relationships with established artists who share my passion and artistic vision. Ultimately, my aim is to be recognized as one of the standout artists of the new generation, potentially even earning the distinction of being considered the best in my field. I firmly believe that through continual evolution, drawing from the wisdom and experiences gained in life and music, and maintaining unwavering determination, my trajectory can only continue to rise.
Q. What Is One Message You Have for Your Fans and Supporters?
A. To all my fans and supporters, I want to share a message that resonates deeply with me: Follow your true passions in life and pursue whatever brings you genuine happiness. I understand that this might sound cliché, but it's an essential truth. It's crucial to prioritize your own well-being and carve out your unique path in this world. Along this journey, you will inevitably face challenges and obstacles, but remember that they are part of the process of growth and self-discovery. There will be moments when people may attempt to discourage you or undermine your confidence, making you question your own abilities and aspirations. During those times, I encourage you to stay resilient and remain focused on your goals. Don't allow anyone or anything to hinder your progress or hinder your pursuit of happiness. Embrace the mindset of perseverance and resilience, always pushing forward despite the obstacles that come your way. Believe in yourself, trust your instincts, and surround yourself with positivity. Your journey is unique and personal, and it's up to you to define your own success and happiness. Never lose sight of the incredible potential within you. So, in the face of adversity, let those who doubt you know that you're undeterred and resolute. Keep moving forward, stay true to yourself, and strive to accomplish what you set out to achieve. Your happiness and fulfillment are worth every ounce of effort.
