Page 27 - holmag Special Music Edition

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E OF SOUND
Interviewed by Ryan Daoust
House of Lafrance Magazine | Special Music Edition
Your production company states that it is a place where melody meets all forms of art. Could you explain a little deeper on what that means?
The goal of Ja.Eri Production LLC opens the masses’
eyes to realizing music, fashion, and all forms of art are cohesive, living in unity. Music (audio) is one of the five senses that we use as humans, and, as we all know, it goes hand in hand with visual!
In production, you push the artist to “dig deep” in finding their own path and voice. Could you give us an example of an artist you helped?
I have worked with several artists in my past, but the one that sticks out to me the most is my client, co-producer, and friend, Civil. I would challenge him why, as well, is him challenging mine. What we say and do as musicians have meaning. It shows us what our state of mind is and how we can perform and perfect the musical craft. Otherwise, the audience won’t know the individual within the music. How can we sell an idea if we can’t stand by it? Are we just here to talk about the talk?
Music is spiritual. It shows who you are in that time and place. As I worked with Civil, he learned many things from me as well as I did from him. It’s to the point that everyone will know who he is through his music.
With that being said, all of my clients know my love for music theory and harmonics and how it relates to our lives and artistry. I am big
on voices and big choir-like sounds! That is one of the most challenging things for most clients, especially with recording with me, for I don’t take anything less than their best. If not, we will sit down and get it done no matter what, until it is right.
As an R&B music producer, when/where did you start, and why did you choose R&B?
I started to become a producer in my freshman year of high school, attending Dillard School of the Arts in Fort Lauderdale. Truth be told, I never wanted to make music as a career then, but my old music teacher, Guy Shepherd, saw something in me that I never saw in myself. Shepherd convinced my family and me that music was
the right thing for me. I fought hard against it, but God kept leading me in the musical direction.
I chose R&B because I loved the vibe and essence of it all. From the voicing
in the chords to the soul
in the performance. I grew up on this, and that’s what I’m sticking to while still branching out into more genres.
On your website, you also mention that you’re a fashion stylist. How does fashion play into the role of your music production?
Everything, even the way you look, is just a mirrored reflection of who you are in your soul. I feel like I’m a top in my life, so I dress as such. Like I said before, music and fashion go hand and hand. Visual and audible art have had the strongest bond since the beginning of time. I firmly believe we are created in God’s image. I feel as if audio and visually depict the true beauty of God’s creation!
Who would you say has been your most significant influence as an R&B producer?
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