Driven by faith and a determination for change, J. Jamal is a young artist creating his own path. Cultivated by the California sunshine, his desire is to present a largely genre-less sound. Influenced by gospel greats such as Donnie McClurkin and Kirk Franklin, and soulful crooners like Luther Vandross, Jamal spreads a message of faith, hope, inspiration, and love, that he calls his “LoveStyle”.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with J.Jamal about his latest project, motivations, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m from Harbor City, CA. Left the city as a kid, but it never left me. So I’m back now. The music I create, I call it my LoveStyle. The idea in everything I write is to remind you of your worth and that you are worthwhile. That’s what it’s all about.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
Just feeling like there was a purpose for me to fulfill. Coming from the church, that’s a really major thing, a purpose, a calling. But eventually, I started feeling like I wasn’t fulfilling it to the extent that I should be. There are some things you don’t talk about in a pulpit, and some things some church folks will try their hardest not to address. So I feel this is my way of showing the LoveStyle to a “congregation” I wouldn’t be able to reach otherwise.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific? This is my first release, so really, all I was hoping to acknowledge here was following through. Getting the job done. I feel that iLikeMe is going to be memorable because it touches on some true emotion in each song, whether it’s the feeling of hurt in “Addiction”, strength in “Stand Still”, or triumph in “iLikeMe”, you feel SOMETHING.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
As an artist trying to develop and cultivate a fan base, the biggest struggle is going up against so many artists. We’re not all on the same playing field. I’ve found it difficult competing for real estate with some artists who may not have any substance behind a word that they say, but have a lot of money behind every word. So I don’t compete. I stay in my lane, just working til the door is open to me. Then I’ll work even harder.
What was the last song you listened to?
The Power of Love by Luther Vandross. The best from the best ever.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Since I only stream music these days, I guess I’ve gotta say MP3. But man, I’ve been fascinated by vinyls recently, I really want some. My first full length album, I want a copy of my own on vinyl, just for me. I think that’d be pretty great.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Apple Music, only because I’ve never really used the others. I figure I might as well get my money’s worth out of it.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
I recently created a ReverbNation page, under J. Jamal, so there’s that. Funny thing is, even though I just said I mainly use Apple Music, my music is available on all those other streaming sites you listed, so the music is everywhere. BUT the best way to stay in contact, the best way to stay current, the best way to get new music, and even unreleased music is my website, jjamalmusic.com. Head right over there, check out some music, go to the contact page, and hop on the mailing list. Everyone signed up for the mailing list gets everything first, and everything free, and some unreleased music no one else will ever hear. I think that’s worth the minute or so it takes to sign up, right?
Anything else before we sign off?
It’s worth a shot. Like I say on my website, come and grow with me. I don’t have much, but what I have, I give in every song that I write. I’m going places, and I wanna take you all with me. Signed, your next favorite artist, J. Jamal
