Born in Buffalo, New York, singer-songwriter J4 has always had a passion for music. He discovered his talent while singing in church as a kid before moving to Nashville, Tennessee for high school.
“Music has always been a way in which I express myself,” J4 explains. “I love telling stories we can all relate to so that for just a moment, we can all feel more connected and experience those stories together.”
J4 is currently attending Belmont University. He is studying Commercial Music with an emphasis in vocal performance at the College of Music and Performing Arts.
Getting to know J4
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Oh of course! I usually either do warm ups or sing worship songs in the shower!
You are a new addition to a crayon box. What colour would you be and why?
I would probably be a new shade of black because my aesthetic and wardrobe primarily consists of different shades of black.
What was the last TV series you watched on TV?
I actually rewatched Total Drama Island with my girlfriend last — we both loved that show when we were kids, and it was very interesting to rewatch that show! I also finally watched the office at 23 years old and I must say — I was missing out big time.
Which are cooler? Dinosaurs or Dragons?
Dragons all the way. Hands down no competition — they are essentially T-Rex’s that fly and breath fire! Plus its Dungeons and Dragons, not Dungeons and Dinosaurs.
What’s your favourite board game?
Risk 100%. I finally got my girlfriend and my best friend into the game with me, and it is so much fun to absolutely conquer the world and play politics with everyone.
What first got you into music?
My dad! He is a front line medical worker who has always loved the piano, and he always inspired me musically. He is a brilliant classical piano player, and he first taught me how to play the piano at 3. He was the one who pushed me throughout my childhood, and even to this day to make my dreams in music come true.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I would describe my music as both distinctly pop and country, with a production and sound similar to the artists of Rascal Flatts, Dan and Shay, Shawn Mendes, Calum Scott, and John Mayer.. I always liked to ride the line between country-influenced lyrics mixed with pop productions and instrumentals.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I would probably say JP Saxe! He is a big inspiration of mine, and his song “If the World Was Ending” has been a huge inspiration for me!
What would you be doing right now if it weren’t for your music career?
I would say probably chemistry! Chemistry has always been a big interest of mine, and it was something my dad and I bonded over many times, especially doing cool experiments with him as a kid!
What is your favourite song to perform?
I would say it’s a tie between Iridescent and Bigger! I say Iridescent because that is one of my most powerful songs that people seem to love, and I say Bigger because this song is very near and dear to my heart. I was bullied in middle school and high school, so Bigger became my anthem to let the world know that it may be tough right now, but you can always develop and become something Bigger than the negative things people tell you.
In your opinion, how do artists in this industry stay on top of the game when faced with so much competition? What’s the secret to making yourself noticed?
The secret is that I truly love everything about being in the industry. Everyone says that the industry is full of hardship and rejection, and especially deep competition. I see this industry as a sign of opportunity; a chance to show the world who J4 is.
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