Interview with JBOZ

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

- I started off doing music at a very young age, I used to have piano recitals at about 9 years old and they were extremely competitive. I would love learning chords and progressions from my instructors and then making my own twist to the songs, it was a happy place for me. If I hadn’t got into music I would probably be doing acting or theater.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

- I love to spend time outdoors, meditating, and with friends at the beach. All of these activities tremendously influence my music. The world around me is constantly speaking to me in different ways, and I always try to channel that into the music. I believe it is our job as artists to do that.

How long have you been making music?

- I have been making music professionally for 6 years now, and it has been the most fulfilling journey for me.

Where are you based and how has that influenced your music?

- I am based in San Diego, California. This place has really influenced my current sound because I absolutely love the beach. This city is known for its great beaches, coastal chill vibes, and fun people.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

- My most memorable show was at Club Bahia earlier this year in Los Angeles, it was my first time getting back out to perform since COVID and all my friends came out! The love was really felt.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

- My favorite venue that I have played would have to be Chain Reacting in Orange County. My dream is to play at arena’s places like Crypto Arena, and Hollywood Bowl here in LA.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the line up?

- Wow. I would have to say Frank Ocean, 6lack, Giveon would be awesome! Along with some up-coming artists like: Tobi Lou, Teezo Touchdown, Chxrry22, Dwn2earth. I think that would be a culmination of so many vibes.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

- I would have to say that focusing on artist development and music education is very important. Don’t worry about all the numbers, and to just focus on becoming the artist that you want to be and not what others want you to be. Oftentimes coming up there were so many A&R’s that would tell me what type of sound I should make, and I think that just makes you overthink as an artist which is never good.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

- I would say to always trust in yourself, the world can make you lose sight of your own voice sometimes with all of the noise. Just focus on getting better each day and the rest will work itself out.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

- I think “Diamonds” means the most to me because it was the first song that I released this year after quitting my job to pursue music full-time. The entire song is about me basically saying that I'm going to bet on myself and not let anyone tell me how my story goes. People really love the song, and I think for me this was when the switch went off that I am going to make this dream happen.

What is your creative process for writing your music and what inspires you to write your music?

- My creative process can differ song to song, but I typically start off with either a story of what I want to convey or a melody/chord progression. I’m usually inspired by simple things like a conversation with my girlfriend, walking to the beach, or even just sitting outside enjoying the beautiful weather.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

- Transparency, I think in a world filled with comparison and people trying to be like others, I want to be the anomaly. Someone that goes against the mold of what traditional artists look like, present themselves, and create. I think it all speaks through my music.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

- I have my first full length album that I will be releasing this fall that I'm super excited about. It’s going to be called “Meet Me At The Beach House”. This is by far my best work yet, and I can't wait to show the world.