interview with jvck--new single charleston
Where are you from?
I am from Lexington, South Carolina, United States.
How long have you been making music?
I began writing songs almost five years ago and have been producing for a year now. I’ve been singing my whole life and was trained to sing musical theater
and classical art songs for two years while I was in high school.
How many songs /albums have you released to date?
I have released three singles to date. The first one was called “Medusa’s Lover,” which was a collaboration with producer duo Cube Box. The second single, “Velvet Underground,” was my first solo single, and it was followed by my second solo single, “mARTyr.”
Can you tell us about your latest release and the background and inspirations behind it?
My upcoming release, “Charleston,” was inspired by the women in my life that have had a major impact on me. The majority of my influences are female, so this song is about uplifting women from all walks life, as a way of thanking them for all of the strength, confidence, and inspiration they’ve brought me throughout my life. Also, the beat has this electronic, hip-hop, jazzy vibe that makes me think of what a 1920s flapper would dance to if they were brought to today’s world.
How have you ended up in the music industry?
My purpose in life is to be creative, write songs, make music, and make art that will bring joy to people, so I’ve known for quite some time I was meant to work in the music industry. Putting a lot of time and effort into my music, as well as releasing music with a few indie labels, is ultimately how I’ve gotten to where I am.
What do you think of the music industry in 2018?
I think it’s an exciting time for the music industry. It’s very interesting to witness the new technologies coming into play and how we consume music and media related to it. At the same time, there’s also a lot of unknowns and instability because there’s so much that is changing, but I think the key to surviving the industry and lasting for years to come is to be very adaptable and accepting of inevitable changes.
Who do you think the most influential artist is?
The two artists that come to mind, whom I love, are Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. They both have an unprecedented work ethic and attention to detail, and their messages of empowerment and loving yourself are so relatable for women AND men. The music they make is constantly pushing boundaries, and their aesthetics are always evolving, which I think makes them even more interesting and influential.
Who have you collaborated with so far in your career?
My only collaboration has been with Cube Box on the single “Medusa’s Lover.” They handled the production, while I wrote and performed on the song.
How do you think you differ from other artists?
I think the main difference between myself and some artists is that I don’t care about being rich and famous. I make music because I want to, I love to, and I have to, because without it I am completely compromised as an artist and human being.
Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaboration?
I’d give anything to work with Amy Winehouse. I miss her so much.
What was the first album you bought?
I honestly can’t remember, but The Emancipation of Mimi by Mariah Carey was one of the first albums I fell in love with when it first came out.
What’s your favourite song at the moment?
“Stopwatch” by Dawn Richard is one song I’ve had on repeat since it came out.
If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your drawer?
Born This Way by Lady Gaga.
What is your favourite saying?
“With our thoughts, we create our world.”
What other hobbies or interests do you have?
I love to write poetry and prose, and I’ve also just started writing short stories. I’d love to publish a book with some of my work someday.
Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
I have neither.
Tell us more about your upcoming project or this new project?
I’d love to shoot a black and white video of dancers doing choreography to my upcoming song, “Charleston,” since it’s very danceable and upbeat, so I’ll see if I can make that happen!
What’s in the pipeline after this project?
I know what my first EP/album is going to be, so I’m going to continue working on it with the hope of releasing it in the not too distant future!
Thank you for your time and may you carry on making great, fresh music.
I am from Lexington, South Carolina, United States.
How long have you been making music?
I began writing songs almost five years ago and have been producing for a year now. I’ve been singing my whole life and was trained to sing musical theater
and classical art songs for two years while I was in high school.
How many songs /albums have you released to date?
I have released three singles to date. The first one was called “Medusa’s Lover,” which was a collaboration with producer duo Cube Box. The second single, “Velvet Underground,” was my first solo single, and it was followed by my second solo single, “mARTyr.”
Can you tell us about your latest release and the background and inspirations behind it?
My upcoming release, “Charleston,” was inspired by the women in my life that have had a major impact on me. The majority of my influences are female, so this song is about uplifting women from all walks life, as a way of thanking them for all of the strength, confidence, and inspiration they’ve brought me throughout my life. Also, the beat has this electronic, hip-hop, jazzy vibe that makes me think of what a 1920s flapper would dance to if they were brought to today’s world.
How have you ended up in the music industry?
My purpose in life is to be creative, write songs, make music, and make art that will bring joy to people, so I’ve known for quite some time I was meant to work in the music industry. Putting a lot of time and effort into my music, as well as releasing music with a few indie labels, is ultimately how I’ve gotten to where I am.
What do you think of the music industry in 2018?
I think it’s an exciting time for the music industry. It’s very interesting to witness the new technologies coming into play and how we consume music and media related to it. At the same time, there’s also a lot of unknowns and instability because there’s so much that is changing, but I think the key to surviving the industry and lasting for years to come is to be very adaptable and accepting of inevitable changes.
Who do you think the most influential artist is?
The two artists that come to mind, whom I love, are Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. They both have an unprecedented work ethic and attention to detail, and their messages of empowerment and loving yourself are so relatable for women AND men. The music they make is constantly pushing boundaries, and their aesthetics are always evolving, which I think makes them even more interesting and influential.
Who have you collaborated with so far in your career?
My only collaboration has been with Cube Box on the single “Medusa’s Lover.” They handled the production, while I wrote and performed on the song.
How do you think you differ from other artists?
I think the main difference between myself and some artists is that I don’t care about being rich and famous. I make music because I want to, I love to, and I have to, because without it I am completely compromised as an artist and human being.
Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaboration?
I’d give anything to work with Amy Winehouse. I miss her so much.
What was the first album you bought?
I honestly can’t remember, but The Emancipation of Mimi by Mariah Carey was one of the first albums I fell in love with when it first came out.
What’s your favourite song at the moment?
“Stopwatch” by Dawn Richard is one song I’ve had on repeat since it came out.
If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your drawer?
Born This Way by Lady Gaga.
What is your favourite saying?
“With our thoughts, we create our world.”
What other hobbies or interests do you have?
I love to write poetry and prose, and I’ve also just started writing short stories. I’d love to publish a book with some of my work someday.
Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
I have neither.
Tell us more about your upcoming project or this new project?
I’d love to shoot a black and white video of dancers doing choreography to my upcoming song, “Charleston,” since it’s very danceable and upbeat, so I’ll see if I can make that happen!
What’s in the pipeline after this project?
I know what my first EP/album is going to be, so I’m going to continue working on it with the hope of releasing it in the not too distant future!
Thank you for your time and may you carry on making great, fresh music.