Q&A with Prince J+R
ALBUM: Project X/Real Pop Star Sh*t
Could you share with us your artistic background and how you got started in your chosen medium?
I have been creating and performing music since I was in the second grade. My early training was in classical and more theatrical music, as a concert pianist and vocalist. I was fortunate enough to perform at prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in NYC. However, I eventually merged into the Pop, Rap, and Hip Hop genre. I vividly remember seeing 50 Cent's "Wanksta" and "In Da Club" music videos in fifth or sixth grade and feeling the urge to start rapping and singing. The rest, as they say, is history!
What themes or concepts inspire your work?
I like to describe my music and brand as "POP MUSIC WITH SUBSTANCE." Although I am passionate about pop culture and entertainment and draw inspiration from iconic pop music and culture, I believe that popular music can be meaningful and carry depth. If something is popular, it is likely because it is relatable and has substance.
Could you walk us through your creative process, from idea to finished piece?
I am a visionary and a very visual person. The first step in my creative process almost always involves having a vision. I don't just "hear" music; I "see" it. Once I see the vision, everything else falls into place. It's almost as if only then can I hear the actual song, the lyrics, the instruments, and the entire piece coming together.
Are there any particular artists or art movements that have influenced your work?
Many artists have had a significant impact on my work, but one artist whose DNA is deeply embedded in my artistry is the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson's diversity and inclusivity in his music catalog are unmatched, and my nickname "Prince of Popp" pays homage to him. Like MJ, I create diverse music that covers all genres and appeals to all types of people worldwide.
Can you describe a particularly challenging project you've worked on, and how you overcame any obstacles?
As an independent artist, I have not found any of my projects to be particularly challenging. The freedom to create art on my terms and in my own way is what it's all about for me. The process is enjoyable, and many of my projects have turned out better than I had planned.
How has your art evolved over time, and where do you see it going in the future?
My art evolves and reflects my personal experiences as I grow as an individual. For example, I recently experienced sexual liberation, which has made me comfortable and open about expressing my sexuality. As a result, you can hear more sexual freedom, language, and openness in my music.
Can you speak to any recurring motifs or symbols that appear in your work?
As a highly conceptual and thematic artist, my music often contains symbols, themes, or motifs. Sometimes, they are overt, and other times, they are subtle. I encourage you to check out my music video for "Time/Mayflower" on my YouTube channel. It is one of my most symbolic works and has sparked debates about its meaning.
How do you balance maintaining your artistic vision with client demands or project constraints?
Being an independent artist allows me to call all the shots, so finding a balance between maintaining my artistic vision and any project demands or constraints is not a problem. I create the art I want to create and answer to nobody.
What do you hope viewers take away from experiencing your art?
I just simply want viewers to be entertained and inspired by my art the same way I am entertained and inspired by the music, films and art that my favorite entertainers and artists create. That’s what it is all about for me. I want to make people dance, cry, laugh, think, wonder and just simply FEEL something when they experience my art.
Can you share any upcoming projects or exhibitions that you're excited about?
Yes! My brand new collab EP with my boy Nick Walker called “Project X/Real Pop Star Sh*t" will be released this month! Hands down it's about to be the HOTTEST project of the year and we are officially putting NEW JERSEY back on the music map! NO SKIPS at all on this project!
