Our previous #IndieArtistSpotlight JAWAN is back as he promised with the release of his debut album Broken. Leading up to its release, Broken has spawned three singles, title-track “Broken,” “Cool,” and “Everything.”
JAWAN previously described the process of creating this project as, “really fun, sometimes draining, but always a spiritual process. I’m learning so much about myself, about music and recording, and, really, just my overall sound. Figuring out my place in the music scene has been a really dope ass experience.”
JAWAN’s debut album Broken is available here and on all streaming platforms.
Our final #IndieArtistSpotlight of 2018, goes to JAWAN. JAWAN is a very talented singer-songwriter from Mississippi who currently resides in New York City. This past week, RnB Junkie Official had the pleasure of interviewing JAWAN. We discussed his background, passion for music, balancing life, his singles 'Broken' and 'Cool,' his new single 'Everything,' and more. Check out our interview with #IndieArtistSpotlight JAWAN below.
Can you tell us a little about your background and where you’re from?
My name is JAWAN (pronounced “juh-WAHN”). I was born and raised in Mississippi, so I’m a southerner at heart but currently based in NYC.
When did you first develop a passion for music?
Music has always been a huge part of my life—really since the very start. I come from a lineage of singers, so it’s something I’ve always been around. I’d say I first developed a passion in elementary school being in music class. Singing was fun and felt very natural. I felt complete while doing it. Over the years, that feeling just continued to grow.
For those who aren’t familiar with your music how would you describe your sound?
If we’re using labels, it’s definitely in the pocket of alternative R&B. My friends jokingly refer to me as a Brandy and Frank Ocean’s love child, which is overwhelmingly kind - ha! But I’d describe it as raw, melodic, and descriptive. I’m all about what feels good, so I’m hoping that’s the takeaway after the listening experience.
Who are some artists that help shape your sound and how you listen and approach music?
Oh man, so many. I grew up on a lot of 90s and 2000s R&B, so there’s a whole list there. I’d say top five are Amel Larrieux, James Fauntleroy, Frank Ocean, Brandy, and Solange. I’ve learned something from each of these artists.
What’s the key behind balancing your work life and devoting time to your craft?
I haven’t perfected it, but I’m learning to focus on what’s in front of me at the moment. I try to be as present as possible with whatever I’m working on, and when that thing is done, I let it go and focus on what needs my attention next.
Last year you released your debut single “Broken,” and followed with your second single “Cool” earlier this year. Can you speak on the concept of the songs and the inspiration behind them?
“Broken” is about recognizing your flaws, or trauma, and the role they can play in a relationship. It was written in an hour-long train ride after this argument I had. I realized that what we were arguing about had nothing to do with the actual problem. We were just triggering each other—things we were both sensitive to without the other knowing. I kept running this line, “Hurt people, hurt people” over in my head, but then I flipped it to “Broken people break shit.” And that’s what we were doing in that moment.
Cool, however, is a different story. In this song, I’m basically asking if we can remain cool after things have broken off. I think I’m a pretty understanding person, but in this one situation, I wanted nothing to do with someone who wanted to remain friends. So, in an effort to be more empathetic I guess, I wrote this song from their perspective as a way of putting myself in their shoes. I still ain’t want to be cool after, but a good song came out of it - ha!
Your new single "Everything" released today. It's definitely a vibe, I noticed that you showcased your range more so than on your previous singles. Was that an intentional decision to show your versatility or did it just happen naturally?
You know, it actually was intentional. By this point in the recording process, my producer Yonatan Watts was like, "So they know you can go low, but try to give as many peaks as you do valleys." So "Everything" was an opportunity to use a bit of my falsetto, which is something I don't often show when I sing. I had a lot of fun making this record for that reason. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I think the final product turned out pretty cool.
You’re currently working on your debut album. How does that feel?
Well, I’m releasing an EP in the coming weeks. It’s been a really fun, sometimes draining, but always a spiritual process. I’m learning so much about myself, about music and recording, and, really, just my overall sound. Figuring out my place in the music scene has been a really dope ass experience.
What type of sounds, lyrics, and vibe can we expect to hear on this project?
Good vibes. Expect good vibes and some really relatable lyrics. I speak for myself in my songs, but I know I’m not the only one feeling this way. I think a lot of people will connect with what I’ve got to say on this project.
Do you have a title and release date in mind?
Release date before the end of the year. The title, along with the pre-order and a new song, will all be out very soon.
What do you enjoy most about the creating process? (Writing, recording, backgrounds, the finished product, etc.?)
I really like getting into the flow. That hum when you’re centered and the words and melodies are just spilling out—sometimes so fast you’re not sure you can catch it all. That’s an amazing ass feeling. I really like doing background vocals, too. One day I want to do a song where there’s no real lead, just BGVs—ha!
Where can our followers find your music and how can you be reached on social media?
My music can be found on all platforms-you name it, and it’s there. And I can be followed at @jawan.mp3 on all social media platforms.
Our next #IndieArtistSpotlight is a Baltimore, Maryland native, Kendall Joyner, who goes by the stage name Kendall Jay. With dreams of breaking into the music industry to become a successful artist, this triple threat is finding the balance of chasing his dream while pursuing an education. 'RnB Junkie Official' had the pleasure of interviewing Kendall Jay. We discussed his passion for music, being a triple threat, influences, new music, and more. Check out our interview with our #IndieArtistSpotlight Kendall Jay below.
When did you first develop a passion for music and realized that it was something you wanted to pursue professionally?
Okay, so you know how you usually have some people who say that they have been singing since they were like four? I always knew that I could sing, but it became apparent to me like it was really something that I wanted to pursue when I was about twelve because my mother talked to me. She said, “you’re not doing anything with your gift. We know you can sing we're trying to pull it out of you, but you know the same way God gave you the talent he can take it away. You don’t want your talent go to waste!” So you know, I think it was around when I was twelve years old, and I knew. For those who aren’t familiar with you musically, how would you describe your sound?
For those who aren’t familiar with you musically, how would you describe your sound?
My sound I believe is a mixture of course of R&B, but as I said before, I listen to all genres of music. I love Country, Rock, everything Alternative, but of course, R&B is more at the forefront. So, I would describe it as smooth. Like a smooth sound of R&B and more urban than the music coming out now, as far as my music. It’s a lot of 8o8’s like heavy bass, kind of like that trap sound but more smooth. It’s not that talk/ rap type of thing, so yeah, it’s more of a smooth sound.
You’re a triple threat! You sing, write, and act. Is it hard to balance all three?
Yes, it is. It really is hard to balance all three, but it’s like when you’re passionate about something you just do it. That’s how I look at it, and I just try to stay on top of all of my gigs and look for more gigs at the same time. It’s hard though, but I just do it.
Out of the three, does one come more natural?
I think the one that comes more natural believe it or not would be the acting. Once I am in my element like as far as whatever opportunity that I have. Like the last one with TvOne, they asked me when I was on set, “did you go to school for this?” I’m like no, I just love to do it. So, yeah I think it would be acting.
You are from the DMV, where GoGo and Bmore Club music is prevalent. Do you incorporate these styles of music into your sound?
Definitely! I am so interested in doing a Baltimore Club music track. Like something of the “Dance My Pain Away.” Something similar to that, but more modern sound. Yeah, I am definitely down to make one of those tracks. Who are some of your musical influences?
Who are some of your musical influences?
Oh, you know the answer to this! [Laughs] I absolutely love, adore, completely inspired by since I was little Brandy! She is! Like, she just is. She’s pretty much the reason why I go so hard when it comes to as far as my motivation behind the music. I stay up all night listening to her live arrangements. I know them all by heart when I go to her shows. I know all of her leaked/ unreleased music, all of her albums everything. I’m sure you can relate too. It’s that serious, so everybody who knows me knows that Brandy is my favorite artist hands down.
You’ve had the opportunity to open for big artists such as Lil Uzi Vert. What was that experience like for you?
It was amazing! We got to meet him backstage. Of course, he gave us that peep-talk to everyone that helped open up, telling us to keep going. One thing that really stuck with me when we talked to him he said, “everyone has a story, and your story is what helps you make it.” Like, I just went through something in April, and that story stuck with me, what he said, and I’m like wow this is going to be my testimony. This will be how I can help people when I make it. So, yeah it was amazing, and I think that’s the one thing I took from that opportunity.
Can you tell us a little about the new music your working on?
The new music, as I said before about the situation that I went through April, the biggest thing I’ve done to get through it was to write. The track is called ‘Open Letter.’ It’s just basically me journaling everything I’ve been through, how my friends left me, just how I was treated and everything. It’s a really powerful record. I love it. I’ll actually send it to you after this. I’m working on about five other tracks, as well. I’m starting small.
As you know being in college money don’t be being right and I want it to be as professional as possible. I don’t want it to be something that’s… I’m going through ASCAP. I’m getting my publishing source through ASCAP. I want to do it the right way so that it can be on all streaming platforms. It’s definitely coming up. I just thank God because it didn’t seem like it was possible, but now it’s so clear.
[Here’s a fun question...] If you could only listen to three albums for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
Okay, three albums… It would be… Hmm… Well, I don’t really have the urge to listen to anybody else… Like, if I could only listen to three albums for the rest of my life, it would definitely be three Brandy albums. Of course, it would be the first one ‘Brandy.' That’s a classic, the self-titled album. Then, hmm… It gets hard after this. (Oh, my god. Jesus. ‘Never Say Never’) Okay, it would be the self-titled album ‘Brandy,’ then it would be ‘Full Moon,’ and ‘Afrodisiac.’ It would be those three. ‘Brandy,’ that album is because I was introduced to Brandy during that album. I was born in 96’, but my mother played ‘Always On My Mind’ all of the time, ‘Best Friend,’ and ‘I Dedicate.’ Those [songs] were kind of where I was introduced. For the second one, ‘Full Moon’ that's just like her at the center of her evolving. Just the magic that was made with her, Rodney Jerkins, and Lashawn Daniels. That whole sound was just magical, and people are trying to imitate it still to this day. ‘Afrodisiac’ because it’s just ‘Afrodisiac.’ [Laughs]. All the tracks on there ‘Finally’ and ‘Focus,’ like those songs they mean something really special. My bad, I don’t want to keep rambling, but that’s how I do.
How can you be reached on social media and where can your music be heard?
On social media is Kendall Joyner. It’s just my name K-e-n-d-a-l-l-J-oy-n-e-r (@KendallJoyner). I have music on SoundCloud, as well as featured on about three to four songs on Apple Music and all streaming platforms. On YouTube, I have some videos up. One where I covered Russ' ‘Losin Control,’ that’s like my favorite video. Within the next four months I will have all my EPK done, (Electronic Press Kit) and everything, I will have music on all streaming platforms. I am really excited about that.
Thank you again for this interview.
Thank you. Thank you so much for having me and considering me.
This week's #IndieArtistSpotlight is Robbie Russell.
Robbie Russell is a singer-songwriter from Newport News, Virginia. This past
week, RnB Junkie Official had the delight of interviewing this passionate
emerging artist. Robbie Russell talked his first start, inspirations, his
sound, his recent EP 'The Bad Guy,' and more. Check out our interview with our
#IndieArtistSpotlight Robbie Russell below.
Can you tell us a little about where you’re from
and when you first started to get into music?
Well, I am
from the 757. For those that don’t know where that is it’s Newport News,
Virginia. I’ve always been into music. I always had a pair of headphones glued
to my head, but I started taking it seriously around high school. That’s when I
really started to write and when I actually started to perform live. That’s
when it really came to life.
You‘ve previously cited Chris Brown as being one of your
biggest inspirations. What is it about him that inspired you?
Just how pure his talent is. I mean he can sing,
rap, dance, and act. He’s like a quadruple threat. He can really do whatever he
puts his mind to. In my opinion, he consistently puts out good music. He has an
incredible work ethic. As I said, he’s incredibly talented.
For those who aren’t familiar with your music how would you describe your
sound?
I'd say my sound is like dark Contemporary
R&B with Hip-Hop roots.
Not
to be offensive, do you find it hard being accepted as a white R&B
artist?
Personally I never really tried to think about it
like that. There are so many other factors that play into it. Just the fact
it’s an oversaturated genre of music, but yeah, it’s a little tough. Of course,
people tell me that I can sing and that I am talented at what I do, but getting
that acceptance and recognition for what I do has been pretty difficult. I mean
I’m not going to switch up what I do and go like an easier path. [R&B] is
the style of music I enjoy doing and I am going to continue to do it.
Listening to some of your tracks from your most recent EP ‘The Bad Guy,’ the
vibe and some of the lyrics were very dark. Can you explain what inspired the
project?
Depression! [Laughs]. No, it’s all inspired about a
relationship that I recently got out of before I started writing this. I don’t
want to bash it too much, but it was a toxic relationship. There were a lot of
insecurities, and I fell into a really dark space after that. In that time I
decided rather than taking these emotions and pushing them down inside deeper
and deeper, I just decided why not write some great emotional and raw songs and
let everybody else experience what I am going through to kind of vent and
flush that all out.
You have some great visuals, especially for the ‘The Bad Guy’ short film and
‘Warning.’ How much are you involved in the creation of the visuals?
I am 100% involved. Every video I’ve done I created
the concept for it. I've picked out the locations and everything. I basically
write the shot list, come up with the concept, and then present it to my
videographer. His name is Spencer Sease, and the two of us have very similar
mindsets and visions. He basically helps me bring it to life. I write the
scripts, and I write the storyline, I come up with everything for it.
What
is one thing you would want someone to walk away with after listening to your
projects?
That I am only human and that I am
passionate about what I do. Like I want people to listen to music and know that
I put everything I have into every song I make. That every song is real because
every song I write is about something that I’ve been through and experienced
myself. I want people to understand that I am an ordinary human being, just
like everybody else. I feel. I have my ups and downs, and music is how I
express that.
What
do you have coming up next?
I have actually been trying to plan everything out
strategically for the releases coming up. I think I have a single or two that I
am planning to release before the end of the year. Maybe a visual for one or
two of them. I’ve been working on a lot of collaborations with a couple of
different artists. I am not really sure when those will come out, but I am
pretty sure that it’ll happen soon.
Where can our followers find your music, as well as reach you on social
media?
You can find my music on all streaming platforms (Apple Music,
Spotify,
Tidal,
SoundCloud,
etc.) anywhere as Robbie Russell. You can reach me on social media
@ImRobbieRussell. That’s @-I-m-R-o-b-b-i-e-R-u-s-s-e-l-l.
Thank
you so much for the opportunity to interview you today.
Thank you very much for putting the
time aside to interview me. I really appreciate it.
RnB Junkie Official is in full support of independent artistry. That’s right! We’re introducing a new feature to our blog. Starting next Monday, ‘RnB Junkie Official’ will be introducing ‘#IndieArtistSpotlight.’ #IndieArtistSpotlight will shed light on independent artists who are seeking more exposure.
As part of #IndieArtistSpotlight, we will be premiering music videos, breaking new singles, and conducting reviews and interviews.
If you would like to be featured as part of #IndieArtistSpotlight, email us at theofficialrnbjunkie@gmail.com.
The wait is officially over, today singer-songwriter Bridget Kelly released her long-awaited debut album 'Reality Bites.' Fans have been anticipating this moment since 2008 when she signed with Roc Nation. Kelly parted ways with Roc Nation back in 2014 and has released several EP's over the past few years. However, there's nothing that can top the freedom that Kelly now has as an independent artist and the releasing of her 13-track debut album. On 'Reality Bites' listeners can find guest appearances from Ro James, Chazz French, and Jordan Bratton
