Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/jcswagga
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jcswagga
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ITSYABOYJC
JC is one of many of the great performers performing tonight at the 1Love1heart Haiti Benefit & Concerts. Get up close & personal with JC before the show tonight with this exclusive interview.
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Jake: So who is JC, what does he like and dislike, what does he do, who does he want to be?
JC: JC is a humble artist that does music because of his love for music, not for the money. My only goal in the music industry has always been to showcase my music on a major platform and consistently be able to provide quality music to my fans. What do I do?….I breath, think, eat, sleep, music 24/7. lol
Jake: Growing up and now, who were/are your musical influences?
JC: I had a lot of family influences because my family LOVES to sing. Anytime our family is together, we find room to sing….and fyi, I have a huge family. I’ve also had a wide-range of influences from several gospel artists to a lot of the soft rock/pop artists from the 70s to the 90s. I’m a huge Sam Cooke fan and Babyface fan more so because of their writing skills and the way they did “business” as far as having their own labels and only such a large portion of their publishing.
Jake: How do you feel you bring that “swagg” to the performances and your music?
JC: Well, I feel that Swagg is just something you either have or you don’t. Its just the way you “naturally” talk, walk, interact, etc. I think it just replaced the word “cool”. So I feel like I bring the Swagg into my performances and music just by whatever it is that I do that makes say “that guys kinda cool.” ha ha
Jake: Does your music set you apart from other R&B artist? As if to say your music is not the typical R&B music being played today. If yes, why?
JC: Yes because all of my music is “clean”. You have to listen to all of my music to know that I don’t even sing about sex. Not saying that its right or wrong….I just try to challenge myself to write about something other than the obvious. So instead of writing about stepping into the bedroom, I may just write about how “Shocked” I am that this woman really has me settling down or just hearing this girl talk to me is like “Earcandy”. Even in the real world, girls like guys that are more indirect anyway. Thats why I think so many woman are attracted to my music. Substance…thats what Stevie, Michael, Smokie, Lionel, etc were all about.
Jake: You stated that even women want a variety; do you feel you are the artist that will deliver more than just a man behind the piano belting out songs?
JC: Oh yea….girls like a little umph sometimes so you gotta make them move and give them something to bounce to every now and them. Staying at the piano is too 1 dimensional. Even John Legend had to go “Green Light” on em. lol
Jake: How is the music scene in Nashville, TN and how did it influence what type of music you write and sing?
JC: Well my music was kind of influenced by having a minister as a father who told me it was either “clean it up or sing gospel”. Nashville has a church on EVERY corner…literally so that definitely influenced my writing style. But just being in a city that is responsible for so much Country and Gospel I naturally have a love for music in general. The Urban scene is simple…A LOT of talent, no outlet to take it to the next level. Thats what brought me to the ATL.
Jake: How did you become in contact with Yung Joc and how did being signed to his label become a reality?
JC: Well, I met Yung Joc while we were both artists at Block Ent/Bad Boy South. We’ve both experienced a lot of the same industry issues but we’ve always been cool even at a distance. So now, we basically have an affiliation with one another. He respects the fact that I’m doing a lot of stuff independently and so he just opened up his resources to me as needed….which of course VERY FEW artists would do. So I have a lot of respect for Joc. He’s also featured on my next single “Vote 4 Me” which I’ll be pushing around the end of March/April.
Jake: Do you ever get nervous before hitting the stage with other performers or even solo?
JC: Yes….I think everybody does but once I open my mouth, I’m good.
Jake: Are there any people you would like to work with that you haven’t yet?
JC: Yes, but its too many to name. I would love to do a record with Kayne West though. I love the consistency of his strong records. I also would love to do something with Lincoln Park.
Jake: Are you currently working on an album of your own?
JC: Yes, I’m working on an album called “Voicemail”. The album is basically done, but I plan to continue working on it until it makes the most sense from a business stand point to release it. I’m really focusing more on releasing at least 2 singles “Internationally” this year and building up my company No.2 Pencil Muzik, LLC.
Jake: Have you written songs for other artists?
JC: Yes, I’ve written for major artists, indie artists, new artists, local artists, international artists….a pretty good mix of different artists….i’ve even done some ghostwriting to keep the bills paid. ; )
Jake: Can you tell us about your upcoming projects?
JC: Well like I said before, as of now I’m strictly focusing on the release of these to singles on a major label which of course includes touring, videos, single sells, promo, etc etc. Thats really the only thing i’m dedicated to for this year. All of my energy is there.
Jake: How do you feel about the One Love One Heart Organization’s mission and how does it coexist with your own humanitarian doings?
JC: Well, I made it a point not to mention this but since you asked….I always do things for different missions, churches, and other organizations. I do simple things like take food to the homeless on the corner of MLK downtown and deliver it right out of my car….to the point the police officers don’t even bother me anymore. I take 100s of lbs of clothes to different missions and shelters. There’s a LONG list of things that I can mention but the thing is….I don’t think people should make it a point to mention ALL that they do. God will bless you for it and those people will be grateful. Thats all I need to know. but to answer the 1st part of your question, I love what the One Love One Heart Organization is doing! Anything legitimately positive is alright with me and I want to be a part of as much as I possibly can.
1LOVE1HEART TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR $10 UNTIL 4PM TODAY AT http://www.ticketalternative.com/Events/10607.aspx. ADMISSION AT THE DOOR IS $20
