J-Racks - 10 Questions
Born and raised in the South East area of London, J-Racks has continued to strive forward through the years as he attempts to live up to his aspirations of being renowned as a musical genius. His journey of getting into music began with free-styling alongside friends at an early age in his school classroom and realising he would always get the best reaction out of the people he was rapping with, which eventually lead to him creating music himself.
This year, we can expect plenty of singles from J-Racks as he has stated he wants to showcase his talent by releasing multiple hard hitting tracks and creative music videos, in which he directs himself. He’s currently working with CZR Beats (A producer who has worked with the likes of the late Pop Smoke as well as UK drill legends such as Headie One) on new tracks which he plans to release in his musical surge over the next few months.
J-Racks sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
It’s definitely the emotions that are born once you hear a song. I love the power of music. The fact that I can listen to a sad song and it can ultimately bring my mood down, whereas on the other hand I can listen to a turn up song and it makes me wanna get lit! It relates to how I first began enjoying making music. It all started with the reaction I was getting from people by just free-styling. It was a good feeling seeing that I’ve given them a moment to enjoy simply by doing what I enjoyed.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
I’m a very big fan of the UK music scene. I’d say any artist who releases a track or video I enjoy inspires me as it always encourages me to want to go harder, regardless of whether they are a big artist or not. I don’t want to speak about any potential features at this point, as I’m still stuck in my own world trying to develop my sound, but one day I’ll be happy to have that conversation.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?
With making music it was a bit difficult at first because my studio wasn’t open, but since then I bought some equipment and got my own little set up at home so that isn’t a problem anymore. The only struggle is music videos, because we are in lockdown it’s a bit harder to organise and I still want to get proper videos done, not just a quick ting that I know I can easily produce so I’m trying to find a way around it so the quality of my videos and concepts aren’t affected.
4. How would you describe your sound?
I’d say they’re different sides to it. Right now we are in the middle of exploring my playful lyrics and punchline side of my musical abilities. I feel it’s important to show people that I actually have hard hitting bars. I can also get more musical and conceptual than I am at the moment and there will be a time where I decide to start hitting them with more real rap and real life stories, but there’s time for everything and I’m okay with what I’m putting out right now, but I’m more happy with what I’ve got coming.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
It may sound silly because it’s nothing big but when I hit 1,000 subscribers on my own YouTube channel. This is because I’ve received a lot of rejection from the major platforms and there was a stage where it seemed like that was the only way to get my videos out, so it’s good to see progression in something which I first thought wasn’t possible for myself. Also getting played on BBC Radio, big up Snoochie for that one, I actually like her show so it was good to hear myself on there.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Yea for sure, I’d say just keep going! Regardless of whatever is stopping you from progressing, one thing you should never do is stop because that’s when you really have no chance of becoming successful in this mad game of music or with anything in life.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
NIXXX. She’s someone I’ve heard quite a lot from but she hasn’t released any singles yet, but when she does, I’m sure a lot of people will be drawn towards her music.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I still play Dave Psychodrama, I think it’s a well constructed project. They’re quite a few other UK projects I enjoy listening to as well.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I’m usually watching Football or eating something. I do like to try and learn something new but that’s usually related to music.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
If I had to say something then probably just Water or a drink, but I’m usually good. As long as I have my microphone and instrumentals in the studio then I’m always good regardless of what may be missing.