J3TSKI is a multifaceted artist born and raised in Paterson, NJ. He has been deeply immersed in music from a young age. A true musician at heart, he began his journey playing instruments like the drums, piano, clarinet, and trumpet, laying a strong foundation for his musical talents. Now, as a rapper and singer, J3tski is seamlessly blending his instrumental skills with his vocal artistry, bringing a unique and seasoned perspective to the music scene. Far from a newcomer, his years of experience and passion for music shine through in every beat and lyric.
Learn more on J3TSKI as he speaks with V-Henny on his journey.
V-Henny: Growing up in Paterson, NJ, how did your environment shape your musical journey and influence your artistry?
J3TSKI: Growing up in Paterson, NJ, many of the youth are encouraged to play sports as an outlet for emotions and growth but having been raised in a church, my outlet became music because it allowed me to vent my emotions and i enjoyed seeing the audiences’ face when performing an amazing set.
V-Henny: You started playing multiple instruments at a young age. How did learning the drums, piano, clarinet, and trumpet contribute to your development as a musician?
J3TSKI: Learning to play multiple instruments at a young age was initially my mother’s idea to broaden my musical reach after she saw how obsessed i was with music. And in turn, this has allowed me to be apart of the full creative process that comes with making music. I’m able to hear an instrumental and immediately figure out which sound should be added or removed to reach the quality of song that I’m looking for.
V-Henny: Can you describe the transition from being an instrumentalist to becoming a rapper and singer? What prompted that shift in your musical focus?
J3TSKI: For me personally, my transition from instrumentalist to rapper/singer happened in high school while on the band. Growing into my personality and accepting my abilities was the catalyst that turned me into J3TSKI. At the time, I was shy and not too outspoken. This actually caused me to fade into that background and just become another musician. It wasn’t until our lead drummer missed our performance due to a sickness that I had to break out of my shell and get acclimated to being a star. Since then I’ve loved the spotlight and it can be seen every time I’m on stage.
V-Henny: How do you incorporate your instrumental skills into your rap and singing? Can you give an example of how this blend enhances your music?
J3TSKI: My instrumental and rap/singing abilities work hand in hand when it comes to my creative process. When I’m in the studio, I utilize my instrumental ability to find unrefined melodies & new sounds for my audience. This then gets my songwriting ability started to turn those “sounds” into lyrics.
V-Henny: With years of experience under your belt, what key lessons have you learned throughout your musical journey that you would like to share with aspiring artists?
J3TSKI: Having been doing music for a few years now, one of the most important pieces of information that I’ve learned is that YOU NEED to be YOUR biggest fan! If you don’t support your own dreams and see yourself at the finish line then regardless of how many people tell you they support your music, you’ll never believe them because BELIEF STARTS WITHIN YOURSELF!
V-Henny: Your bio mentions that you bring a “unique and seasoned perspective” to the music scene. What do you believe sets your artistry apart from others?
J3TSKI: The sound that I bring as an artist can be set part by my style of music. My sound isn’t boxed in by genres but instead is inspired by them. As an artist it’s important for us to evolve and grow as individuals and in my music I give the audience insight into said growth. Allowing my style of music to be fluid yet consistent to my personality & sound is how I’d best describe it. Being versatile enough to tap into my caribbean roots on a song like “Mi Casa” then switch it up & give the audience a dance anthem like “5 am in Delray”.
V-Henny: How do you approach the songwriting process, and what themes or messages do you typically explore in your lyrics?
J3TSKI: My process for songwriting is pretty simple. I like to feel the beat & let a melody that I think of determine my direction for the song. From there, my brain and I go back and forth on lyrics until we reach a compromise. My main theme and message in my music is simply “Stay Focused, Stay Winning”.
V-Henny: As a multifaceted artist, how do you balance your skills in both rapping and singing? Do you find one more challenging than the other?
J3TSKI: Being an artist who has the ability to rap and sing, balancing the two can be work but not when you rehearse. It may seem like a minor detail to focus on but it really does have the biggest impact on an artist’s development. I personally don’t find one harder than the other as long as you maintain a balance and remain true to your sound. Sometimes, as artists, it can be easy to over saturate your work with the latest trends at the moment. This isn’t always a bad thing but when it causes you to drift from the sound that gained you an audience, things can go south quickly.
V-Henny: What has been your most memorable performance or musical experience so far, and what made it stand out to you?
J3TSKI: Over the years I have been blessed to perform at multiple venues and in multiple states, but I can say that my most recent performance for The Art of Music Show at SOB’s has definitely been one for the books. From the professionalism I received from everyone involved in making the show happen to the love that all the artist showed each other, this event has definitely been one of my favorites so far.
V-Henny: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future, both in terms of your music career and your personal growth as an artist?
J3TSKI: Looking ahead, my plans for my music career are simply to be ready to receive all the blessings that God has for me & to be prepared to walk through any door He opens for me. On a personal level, it’s to start both of my non-profit charities … advancing the music curriculum in schools and bringing golf to inner city youth. My focus over the next few years alongside music is using my resources to build my community up.
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