My name is Jan Toffolutti, or as most of the people know me on the internet, just Jan. I’m 17 and started producing at an age of 14. Since then i developed a vision and a reason to make music and just to be creative in general. Now i’m 17 and my latest project just came out. It’s called “MADEINBALI” aka my debut EP and it was made on vacation in Bali, Indonesia. The mission was to incubate as much as possible those Bali-vibes in it. Some people say i did it, now it’s your turn to judge.
1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?
Curiosity, for want of expressing myself and an unconditional love and passion for music were the key factors that made me decide to start producing music. I’ve got so many influences and role models when it comes to music. I try to extract something from each artist, each song I hear. But if I gotta choose a few I’d definitely say Flume, San Holo and maybe XXXtentacion. I don’t like being stuck on all time artists, I like evolution in music.
2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?
It’s really hard to compare yourself to other artists because everyone is unique in it’s own way, but maybe you could get a similar vibe listening to Medasin and Mura Masa when you listen to my tracks.
3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?
I’d say my personal demons, depression and anxiety. As a lot of artists though. But this is normal, we are people and we are allowed to have flaws. In a way music helped me go through some stuff and to express that numbness that explaining it wouldn’t really explain much.
4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?
Most of the time I get inspired by something and if that thing gets stuck in my head I run to the studio and lay down an idea. If it’s good I finish it, if not I scratch it.
5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?
Continue my path how I did until now. Release a ton of music, gain connections and slowly things will fall into place. It’s a journey.
6.) Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?
Being on a major label or not nowadays doesn’t change much a part from the fact that a major label promotes your music without the need for you to do anything. If you are independent and you know how to market yourself and how to attract people you will make it either way.
7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves? Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?
In the past they did so why not. But social media is bringing out so much potential from artists all around the world that’s incredible. Music nowadays has become a place for creative entrepreneurs of themselves.
8.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?
Music is a business and sometimes you gotta stay on the wave to remain relevant. But my plan is to continue to produce what is true to myself, do shows and enjoy life.
9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I see myself doing the same stuff as now but on a bigger level.
MADEINBALI EP on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/1RrMA55UCCzRvuu4shXqgu?si=xBGi5ZfoQV-O1vI9NIy4GA
MADEINBALI EP on SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/musicbyjan/sets/madeinbali
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