In this interview spotlight, I chat with Bobby J about this 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 Rockaway Beach, Queens, NY. My music is a reflection of who I am – just a regular guy from a middle class, blue collar neighborhood making my version of authentic hip hop. My sound is a mixture classic rock & classic hip hop with sprinkles of everything in between. What you see is what you get.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
My initial motivation was just falling in love with hip hop artists like jay z, biggie, nas, Eminem, big pun, big l, etc and wanting to challenge myself to see if I could do what they were doing. Eventually what started as emulation evolved into my own style and I’ve never looked back. My motivation to keep going is fueled entirely by the love and feedback I get from everyday people who are fans of my work. Also – fear of falling off, haha.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
I feel like it’s my most cohesive project thus far and that I have finally realized who I am as an artist. Sometimes the hardest thing an artist will ever have to do is find their voice. I spent a long time searching for who I was, and the types of records I wanted to make, just to realize all I had to do was look in the mirror and stop running away from what makes me unique.
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)?
Simple – getting eyes and ears on my music. Technology helps because it does just that. Platforms like YouTube and Instagram allow me to leapfrog the “gatekeepers” and put my music out directly to the fans. It’s an amazing tool but there’s so much music/artists out there that it can be very challenging just cutting through all the noise.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
- “Bobby” (Produced by Kwame): smarturl.it/bobbyj
- YouTube
- AudioMack
- SoundCloud
- Official Website
Anything else before we sign off?
Go check out my new single “Bobby” avail on all digital streaming platforms and subscribe to my YouTube channel to see my weekly video series called ”Breakfast bars.” New album dropping this Summer produced entirely by Kwamé
