How did you get started with your music?
I guess I started taking music really seriously at the age of 15 when I wrote and sung a hook for a local rapper that took off in the clubs and at radio in the Louisiana area.
What are you currently working on?
Right now I’m currently working on finishing up my album tentatively entitled, GET READY. Also I’ve been collaborating with other artists like Latin Universal Artist, Don Omar for his single, “Beautiful” that comes out soon and I’m scheduled to do a song with T-Pain, Pleasure from Pretty Rick and Slim from 112. In addition to music I’m currently working on my acting career as well. I just signed with a major talent agency so look out for ya boy on the big and small screen real soon.
What kind of music do you listen to and how does it influence your music?
I listen to an assortment of music from hip-hop & R&B to go-go, pop, alternative, bounce and club music. I think having an open mind when it comes to music allows me to be more creative when it comes down to producing and writing songs for me and for others. When you hear my album you will hear a go-go influence song, a southern marching band song as well as heavy hip-hop track driven songs.
What’s your opinion on mainstream music today? What do you like or not like?
I like some of the mainstream music that’s out. KEY WORD is SOME. I think it’s sad though that you can hear artists like Fergie and Akon 300x a day on radio but talented artist like Drake, Ya Boy, Tarralyn Ramsey and myself struggle at radio because there is no outlet for us to get our music heard on a major level. Don’t get me wrong I like T-Pain’s single and the new joint from T.I. but there are some HORRIBLE songs at radio like Rihanna’s, UMBRELLA that get played over and over again to the point where you ready to go crazy.
Who do you admire?
I admire people like Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, R.Kelly, Jill Scott, Ne-Yo, artist that really write their own music.
Why would people want to listen to your music over someone else’s?
The reason why people should listen to my music is because I’m a real artist who can write his own songs and actual sing them live. Also because my music is edgy and different and is not the typical stuff you hear on the radio or in the club. People want something new and hip and I hope that I’m that artist that is breath of fresh air.
Who have you worked with and how have they affected your work?
I’ve been fortunate to work with some talented local producers like Paulus, U.P., Dappa as well as producers like J.R. Rotem (Rihanna & 50 Cent), The Underdogs (Omarion & Beyonce) & Nisan Stewart (Missy & Diddy). They all have taught me how to be a better artist and songwriter.
What is your local music scene like?
The local music scene in Louisiana is off the chain. There are a lot of talented artists and places to hear good music in the boot. However there haven’t been any successful R&B artists that have come out the Louisiana area in the last couple of years. When people think of Louisiana they automatically think of Lil Wayne or Juvie and it’s time to showcase that Louisiana has more to offer than just talented hip-hop artists.
What suggestions do you have for other artists in the music industry?
My advice to other artists is to know the business side of the music industry. When I first started all I cared about was writing and singing, I didn’t want to know the business side. But in order to be a successful artist you need to know how the business operates. Especially since talent is 40% of you making it in the business. The other 20% is who you know, another is 20% is having a marketable image and lastly 20% is you grinding and hitting the streets making noise and creating a buzz.
Where do you see yourself in a year from now?
A year from now I will be on tour with a major artist promoting my single and album, GET READY. I will have 2 national commercials running on TV. In addition my album will be nominated for a B.E.T. Award and Grammy and I will be dating Ciara.
Any additional information you would like us to know?
If people want to holla at me they can hit me up at www.myspace.com/jw. It might take a couple of days for me to get back to you but I do answer all my messages. If that doesn’t work people can call me directly at 225-HELL-NAW.
