10 Questions: J Payne

Earlier this month, South London producer and independent artist J Payne dropped his debut Single, Two Four. It offers up a humble celebration of the many the ups and downs that are part of the package of life. The track flows out as a reflective and emotional experiment, bringing the chilled out neo-soul vibes mixed with some lo-fi R&B beats. It’s attention to detail and snippets of whimsical lyrics ring through strong. J Payne hails from a scene of young talent emerging from Croydon, South London. The single poises him in a position to take off with lots of creative potential for a follow up LP later this year.

J Payne sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions.

1. Contestant, what’s your name, chosen craft and where are you based?

My name is J Payne, I’m a bedroom producer and independent artist from South London

2. How would you describe your sound?

I find it hard to narrow my sound down to a specific genre or style, but if I had to then I would say hip/hop and R&B. I like the smaller details in music and I hope those that listen carefully can hear these things and describe my sound as “distinctive”.

3. Who/what do you consider to be the biggest influence on your music?

Most definitely my pops, just for always blaring out his sound system with music like soul, hip hop and other timeless music. I think artists like Erykah Badu, Lauren Hill, A Tribe Called Quest were drilled into my brain from a young age. Hearing these sounds and then branching out into my own tastes like Odd Future, Joey Badass etc etc. My influences have been growing and changing from the starts. It's hard to pin point the main ones. The biggest influence in music for me, is most probably authenticity and innocence. I think I when artists and musicians stay true to themselves it inspires me. Everything becomes a little more real.

4. What’s the proudest moment to date for you as an artist?

Probably releasing my first single, just jumping over that first hurdle. Which for me, was a HUGE one. Not caring what people think, not trying to meet the same targets as many others. Keeping it real. Seeing my parents proud of me, makes me proud of myself. 100%.

5. Do you have any advice for our readers who maybe trying to play the mad game of music?

Yeah, don’t worry about what all these people think. Just do what you gotta do, what you wanna do. And the rest will follow. If it feels good to you and no-one else, then you’re probably just ahead of your time. :)

6. Name 3 people you would love to work with and why?

169, Knucks and Robert Glasper. I just think it would be nuts to make music with these guys. Thats a room full of talent and no doubt the music we would make would be crazy.

7. What have you got planned for the not so distant future?

I have loads of ideas spinning in my head. I’m just gonna keep creating that feel good music. Test my ability, push myself and share the journey with who ever wants to share it with me.

8. What’s the album you’ve played more than any other?

Oh my days, this question is evil. But most definitely Kendrick Lamar ‘Good. Kid. Maad. City.’

10. Name three things you can’t live without?

Family, Music and a bottle of Baileys all year round.

Check out Two Four below, like share and support good British music.

Words by Callum Ritchie