Hiya folks’ thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today, grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
Music has always been a part of me from when I was young. I don’t think there was a point in time that I decided that music was for me in general. I just always make the songs, send it to my guys and everyone is always telling me am talented that made me make that decision.
Introduce us you / all to the members and your musical history?
The guys call me Jmizz but my music name is J1up, I am part of a label called OutsideGrindin which is an independent label and a artist management company. There’s a few members: TTooly, Esswhy, AV and the man behind the scene Pj. I got into music from a very age, my pops always had a studio in the house. From age 11 years I started going in the studio and trying to work things out by age of 13 years I could record my own songs thanks to YouTube. I linked up with Pj in 2022 and in 2023 June I dropped my first single “Outside G’s”, then my second single “Late” and my new one “Run It up”.
What was life like for you before music?
Before music like any other black boys from the ends we were just trying to find ways to kill time, which a lot of the time got me in trouble with the police. So I decided to take music seriously. I believe music as always been a part of me, from going to church from when I was young. I use to play the drums. I was just drawn to musical instruments like piano, guitar and anything I could get my hands on.
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
I couldn’t say there was a song that took me in the music direction, like I said before music as always been a part of me. But I know a song I rated a lot when I was younger was Digdat’s “Airforce”.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
I’m new to the industry, right now I’m more focused on making good music and building my fan base. Right now we are focused on getting noticed and just building up the brand. Realistically I have only been putting out my music from June so we’re gradually getting noticed by the right people that will help push my music on a global level and eventually the right people will take me in.
What’s the biggest thing you have learned from someone else in the industry?
Someone told me you have to build your foundation first, which is building a solid fan base. The fans are the ones that stream your music, come to your shows. So I was told build a solid fan base by putting out good music from there sky is the limit.
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you?
Truth: I broke my arm when I was 4 years
I used to play tennis
Lie: I like mangos
If you could wish for one thing to aid your career what would it be?
I need my Tik Tok to bang, if guys know anyone one in there tell them help a brother out. I’m getting use to the new reality that social media is a big part of music now and a lot of labels want you to have big following on all social media. I’m terrible with social media but I’m getting better.
Do you ever worry about people taking things the wrong way or cancel culture? Discuss….
I’m a different type of guy, I say what is on my mind, I say how I feel in my music, if people don’t like it, that’s their business. I’m aware people get cancelled so quick these days. I guess at the end of it all you just have to be true to yourself and your principles.
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories? If no why not?
No I don’t, I believe is a waste of time. I focus on the things I can control and fix. Me worrying about things I can change is not productive for me.
What was the worst experience on stage?
I haven’t jumped on stage yet but am praying I don’t have a bad experience fingers crossed.
Tell us something about you / each member that you think people would be surprised about?
I have about 200 songs in the locker, some serious bangers. I’m a versatile artist. I do Drill, Rap, Wave, a bit of singing. I’m also a producer, engineer. I’m the full package! I feel like people are really going to be surprised with everyone in general. TTooly is a sick artist, Esswhy is cold, Av is hard. There’s a few other guys as well I just can’t wait for you guys to see all the projects we have in the pipeline.
What makes you stand out as a band/artist?
I have a very deep tone that captivates the listener. I’m versatile in a sense that I can do a lot of genres of music (drill, rap, wave, sing). And I’m very real, I speak about my experience so I guess I can paint pictures with words.
I hear you have a new music, what can you tell us about it.
My new music is called “Run It Up. It’s real rap season so I figured I give the fans something different. It’s my first real rap single. I wrote the song when I was going through stress with family, police , probation, all that stuff that can mess with your paper. I felt like at the time I had a lot on my mind and I hit the studio to put it down and I came out with “Run It Up”, straight away the guys were feeling it and have been getting a lot of good review.
What was the recording process like?
I first wrote this song on a different beat to the one that is on now, I like to hear a beat and then write over the beat usually. But with this single I had to change the original beat I wrote it on. We linked up with Sebzbeats who is already an established producer, he makes beats for people like SL, Russ Million and plenty more. I recorded this song in his studio, As soon as I heard that beat I knew it was the one. I did my thing on it and that’s how we have “Run It Up” produced by Sebzbeat.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
I started making a lot of drill songs, which as you know has a lot of negative press. My first two release were drill songs. We had problems promoting the videos on YouTube because YouTube don’t play with all that violet rap and aggressive stuff. The learning curve for me is if you trying to push a song out try and keep it PG. I still make drill songs but I try and make them as clean as possible.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
I wouldn’t change anything I think the song is perfect. Even though I say so myself.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
J1up is here to stay, watch this space and also “Run It Up” is out on all streaming platforms. Go run that up for me guys and follow me on socials to watch the progress. Thank you for this opportunity!
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