Artist: Just Jerick
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Bio: A southern California hip hop artist with a talent for delivering deeply authentic verses centering around Love, Motivation, and Introspection.

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?

I have always loved music, more specifically hip hop and R&B type of music. I have been writing and rapping for years in a more personal/private level. I have more recently had a change in my mindset to go beyond the personal level and pursue music as a career. I no longer wanted to live my life wondering what might have been.

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?

I don’t like to compare myself to anyone as I feel what I bring to my music is unique. However, if I had to give a name to help identify where my music might land in the hip hop world, I would say, “J – Cole” due to his ability to put a meaningful verse or song together.

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 can get inspiration for the music I create from almost anywhere. As far as personal adversity, I’ve been through my fair share of battles, from past relationships, to growing up in a household where we didn’t have much, to the challenging path of being the first one in my family to achieve academic success in college.

4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?

My song-writing process can vary depending on the song. I’ve had songs where I started with an idea and found the right beat for that idea. I’ve had songs where I’ve heard the beat first which sparks the idea for a song. Usually, the hardest part of writing a new song, for me at least, is simply getting started. Once I have my idea and write the first few bars, it starts to flow much easier.

5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or hard work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed? 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?

I agree that there are plenty of talented individuals that do not get the recognition they deserve. I can’t guarantee that I’ll be any different from them. I only know that I plan on using as many avenues as I can to stand out and get my music heard by those who would enjoy it. As far as the question of staying independent or signing with a label, I see benefits to both. As of right now, I’m ok with being independent, but as I grow, I think a major label might be more tempting to me as I can only wear so many hats myself.

6.) Are you able to make a living with your music? If so, how were you able to attain a career doing what you love? If not, what do you do in order to fund your music career? What advice would give to someone who’s interested in pursuing a career in music?

I’m not at the point where I can make a living with my music yet, however, the goal is to be there soon. The only advice I can offer, is if you truly believe in your music or your talent, then go after it as hard as you can.

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?

I think it has definitely changed the music industry. I feel it’s allowed many artists to be heard who would’ve otherwise never had the opportunity to be heard. It’s definitely beneficial to be social media savvy. However, I’m not here to say it’s impossible to survive in this industry if you’re not. I wouldn’t want to put a limit on someone else’s creativity.

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”?

I think you’re only a “sell out” if you stop making music that’s true to you. I have no problem with artists making money, but as soon as you stop making the type of music that you want to make or the type of music that you personally enjoy or respect, that’s when in my opinion you’ve “sold out”. I myself do try to make music that I think the general public would enjoy, however I will always remain myself in the content that I write.

9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

As a highly respected artist in the hip hop world.