Meet the Jack of all Trades: JaQ
JaQ is a jack of all trades artist able to pull from all types of different genres into his artwork. Born in Gary, Indiana, his creativity stems from his inspirations of Prince, Tupac, Jay-Z, and Micheal Jackson and how the dark and light sides of ourselves should be embraced more than seen as a negative. From starting his music in 2017 and taking full pursue this past year, he has recently released his EP “DJaQ Unchained” which included songs like “Summer” and “Hot Boy” which music video is out now(check it out below!). From a recent interview, we met JaQ and learned about all of his goals and his journey through creating his art.
How long have you been in the industry? And describe the moment when you decided you were going to fully pursue music.
I have been involved with music since 2017. This past year 2021, I decided to fully pursue what I was born to do. My cousin invited me to a music video shoot in ATL for an artist he represents And I witnessed people coming together to make a vision happen. I was in awe. I realized I had wasted time and that my goals can be tangible if I put in the work. My cousin gave me some keys to get going in this game and to remain humble.
Do you write, produce, and engineer your own music? If you don’t, who do you collaborate with?
I write all my songs. My beats are produced by various artists but I have worked closely with ML Tyler to hone my sound and his beats are lit. We have wonderful chemistry. He can create a beat in front of me, then I go home and next session we have a song to record.
What are you currently working on? Do you have any future projects or collaborations you can tease?
Currently, I am working on a new project, some singles, and getting my foot in the door with the music scene in England. I will not tease any right now because the DJaQ Unchained project was just released so I rather that be the focus. Quality is a value for me. We will be looking into more venues to perform and interviews to share more about myself and the music.
What are some of your favorite highlights/memories/accomplishments that you have from being in the industry?
I remember opening for Keith Sweat, Ginuwine, and Mya. Due to unforeseen circumstances, my set was cut short before my best performance song. I was salt at the time but it taught me a valuable lesson so I cherish that moment.
Why should people listen to your music?
Listen to my music if you want to be entertained, if you challenge social norms if you wish to be inspired by something bigger than you. Most of the true activists have passed on from this world. Listen to my music if you wanna support something that is larger than me or you. I feel the music industry and world need leaders not afraid to talk about something different. I speak about love, lust, power, partying, chakras, plants, and more. When it comes to my music, we can be as serious as we want or playful. Listen to me for balance.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t be like me. Be you. There is already a Drake, Adele, Andre 300, Dua Lipa, or whoever you admire. But there is only one you. The only thing you can master or control is you so start there.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
To the fans, I want to say thank you for acknowledging my existence and appreciating the hard work it takes to make your own music. Thank you for streaming and sharing my work. I hope you continue to listen because the search has only begun. Peace and love to you all.
Check him out on his socials!
Instagram: 0h_jaq
YouTube:
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCby0QM99cQk3xiyFQypXVBg/videos
Other: