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J.Santos
I was born in Long Island, New York and moved to Tampa Florida at a young age. Music has always been an influence in my life no matter where it came from. Genres such as Dancehall, Hip Hop, and RnB have influenced me heavily because of the artists those genres have produced. Andre 3000, Busta Rhymes, Jon Bellion, Common, Raphael Saadiq, Mali Music, Jah Cure, and many more artists have influenced my musical taste.
I am not only an artist/creative but I am also a producer, musician, writer and composer. I have always said that true art inspires artist to create better art and I use the tools given to me to help paint the picture for my audience to enjoy and go with me on my journey. I just want art to be art again.
I remember when art was something that you would go out of your way to enjoy (museums, galleries, concerts, theatre) and it made a lasting impression on not only your mind but your heart, well I want that same effect in my music. I dont want the fame and fortune although those things would be a blessing should they come about but my main focus for me is I just want to make an impact with my music.
What inspired you to begin creating music?
My parents put a drum in front of me at a young age and I would hear melodies and sounds in everyday things. Someone dropped a metal fork on the ground by accident that sound that it made would be stuck in my head for hours. So then I learned how to harness that and create music from what I hear.
How would you describe your sound?
My sound is a Jambalaya of Hiphop/ dancehall/ and Pop music
Has the music industry changed since you began your career?
When I started paying attention to the music industry I noticed how most artist were driven by passion for their art. Now it seems like everything is so cut throat and all about business and the focus on the art and creativity is gone in my opinion.
What are some of the challenges you have faced as an artist /entertainer?
One of the biggest things is gatekeepers. I grew up with the thought process if you had knowledge that you would share it so others and yourself can grow and become better. If iron sharpens Iron then that only makes sense.
I see people now a days use their nuggets of wisdom to monetize and halt the development of a lot of different artist for the sake of clout, money, power, and respect. Then they ask why the state of a genre like hiphop is having like an identity crisis and a lack of creativity.
What are your biggest accomplishments thus far?
I was the producer on an Emmy Award winning show for PBS. I also have had the pleasure of getting a sync with HBO for the tv show HARD KNOCKS.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
KEEP GRINDING….I have always been told when working for a company, you want to make yourself an asset for that company…that same mentality should be there for your brand and your company. Develop a great work ethic and start to look for others who you can bring in to be apart of your team. Once you have your team and your work ethic is there….start making UNDENIABLE MUSIC.
What is the most meaningful or impactful message in your music?
Dont give up and im saying that to any fans but also to myself. Dont give up, you have worked hard to get here and you are going to keep on grinding to get to where you desire to get to which for me is to be influential in my music enough that someone comes to me and says “ J your last record really moved me man…I needed that “ and its in moments like that …This grind is worth it.
Who are some of your musical influences?
JON BELLION JON BELLION JON BELLION….JON IF YOU HEAR OR SEE THIS I WANT TO BE A FLY ON THE WALL AND JUST WATCH YOU WORK SIR…YOU INSPIRE ME. I have to add Black Thought, Andre 3000, and Mali Music as influences as well.
How has your music evolved over time? Any new or previous albums you would like to tell us about.
I would say in the beginning I was more focused on letting people know that I can do rap gymnastics and command presence on a record.
At this point in my career Im more focused on taking people on a journey and creating an experience when you listen to my music.
How do you stay creative and motivated?
Im into a lot of different things such as sneakers, movies, anime, and traveling. So I tend to take a step back and watch a movie and gain some inspiration.
I might take a trip somewhere to just relax and come back to it. I might start creating in a different avenue such as cover arts. It also depends on my mood too, sometimes I might just play xbox and get involved in a game.
I guess what im saying is my formula is to retreat and then come back to it.
Artist- J.SANTOS
.Genre- HIP-HOP.
TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@iamj.santos.
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/j2thesantos.
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