Jin Shin ft: Nolan Barthel - Grateful (Single) + 10 Questions

Jin Shin is a South West London born rapper, from Kingston Upon Thames, now living in the South East, with experience writing and performing rap stretching back to 2014. Being surrounded by rapper friends at University studying in Southampton, he came to realise his passion for wordplay. Later developing his skill within rhythm and poetry over the course of close to ten years before releasing his first single 'Grateful'.

'Grateful' is a beautiful blend of soulful vocals, lyrics depicting his real life experience of struggle with an overall theme of optimism, and a jazzy saxophone heavy instrumental. The song carries with it a timeless message that touches upon themes such as hope, strength and glory. He has brought together talent from all over the world from places such as Jamaica, France and Italy to produce an explosive first single to announce his entrance into the rap game.

Jin Shin told us about the process of writing and recording his first song 'Grateful', describing its lyrics formation as "effortless" and "as if the lyrics were wanting to be heard for some time". He detailed how he was sitting on a balcony in West Norwood, South London, on a warm and peaceful summers evening, listening to Tom Bailey, when the first song lyrics "Grateful to God, for living this life" appeared in his psyche.

He then described recording the song with friend and collaborative artist "Nolan" in a home studio "less than perfect" because at times when the microphone attached to the desk kept slipping, he was on his knees recording the song. "A tribute to the most high God's contribution to the track." he positively added.

Working with Cyzmik Music, Nolan Barthel, and Teo Marangon from the Doctor Gosso collective, 'Grateful' has had an array of diverse talent behind its production. The song has been described by Ant Agurs, a talent scout working for Bentley Records in NY as "A song without an expiry date". Jin Shin has produced a classic for his portfolio with his very first step into the music scene. 'Grateful' is a song with a positive message expressed with a style and conviction that is promising great things to come for Jin Shin's career.

Jin Shin 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?

I was big into rap as a youngster. One of my first ever CDs was bought for me by my Aunty Sian for Christmas and was called ‘WESTWOOD THE BIG DAWG’ featuring the likes of Terror squad, Ying Yang twins, Vybz Kartel, Lil John and the East Side Boyz and so many more absolute hype beasts. I had to beg my mum not to confiscate it!

Then at University in Southampton Solent (Big up the dirty south!) I was surrounded by a number of rapper friends which encouraged me to start writing my first raps back in 2013/14.

In the summer of 2015 we moved into a house and spent most of the time in writing sessions, spitting bars and that was so much fun that I think it’s where my obsession began.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Certainly in the UK scene my biggest influence has been Loyle Carner, as I really developed my flow listening to his.

I just love the way he can bounce off of words and manipulate syllable sequences. He would be my #1 collaboration just for the fact that he was mainly responsible for inspiring my flow.

I also listened to Grime, with artists such as Kano, Stormzy, Ghetts and Devlin being some of my go to hero’s. I’m aspiring to work with Stormzy one day as well.

Working with Loyle and Stormz, that’s when you know you’ve made it.

On the way there, there are lots of amazing artists I would snap your hand off for the chance of working with, and to name a few I would say Lord Apex, Coops and The Four Owls as my top three. 

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

My first single Grateful! Which anyone that enjoys soulful vocals, lyrics depicting real life experience of struggle with overall themes of optimism, and jazzy saxophone should definitely check. It’s just been released on all streaming platforms.

Search Grateful - Jin Shin

My second single ‘Tears of Joy’ is dropping for the start of summer which is going to be a really uplifting summer anthem about feeling inspired to reach for your dreams.

Then we’ll see. I’m sitting on an EP called ‘Flow Biz’ which is a 4 track EP with more of a grime vibe to show a different side to my brand and showcase a darker side to my rap.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I would say there are two elements of Jin Shin Music that will always remain consistent: 1) Fast Flow 2) Real Lyrics.

I’ve been working with dancehall producers so far, which has meant my sound up until right now combines energetic melodies with a light bounce, and deep dark heavy bass lines you want to get lost in.

As I progress to work with different producers and artists, musically that can change, but ultimately if you enjoy catchy melodies accompanied by swift moving flows you’re in for a treat.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

Performing a song I wrote for my mum at her 60th birthday party. It’s moments like that where I can use my artistic nature to indulge in human connection that makes me really proud to have developed this skill.

For me, music is most importantly about the joy and emotion it can bring to others, and the connections it can strengthen between people.

Of course, that’s not to say I don’t want accolades or to achieve big things in my career because I do.

So far though, I’m just most proud of how I’ve created a memory for me and my mum to share that we will both never forget.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Do it selfishly. Do it for you. Don’t think about being like anyone else. Don’t even listen to much at the start of creating.

Have such tunnel vision to focus on you that you ghost your old patterns of behaviour for creating.

Don’t base your art on impressing other people. Spend enough time doing it that you really get to love it.

Love it enough that you would do it for free forever and set and achieve very high standards for yourself.

Then PERFECT a level of performance that is impressive to people before starting your journey with superior confidence.

Having said that... Figure out what is best for you on your own. Don’t listen to me and take advice from anyone that hasn’t achieved what you aspire to be.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

100%. People in my network are super talented.

Nolan Barthel (Nolan) (Pop / Soul / Indie Rock).

Teo Marangon (Doctor Gosso) (Jazz / Hip Hop).

Alex Larsson (Kofe Bux) (Hip Hop / Lo Fi).

Courtney Wallis (Velysia) (Jazz / Soul).

Katie Smith (KX) (R&B).

Peter Panayi (Snoopa) (Grime).

Christian King (Cking Peace) (Hip Hop / Underground Rap).

Jacob Powlett (Slowking) (R&B / Soul Funk).

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

To be honest with you I do more listening to mixes and radios than I do albums. So it’s not a question I can answer very well.

Most recently I’ve listened to Children of Zeus ‘Balance’ Album which I really enjoyed. Especially the tracks ‘No Love Song’ and ‘I Need You’.

Ezra Collective’s ‘Where I’m Meant To Be’ Album, on which my favourite tracks were ‘Life Goes On’, ‘Welcome To My World’ and ‘Togetherness’.

Fliptrix Mantra No.9 Album is one I really enjoyed because a lot of his themes and inspirations for writing are similar to my own. He goes deep into his heart and mind for the creation, of which my favourite tracks were ‘Eden’, ‘Wanna Tell You’ and ‘Get Free’.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I like to keep active. Push myself physically. Discipline myself in various ways. I sacrifice a lot for this journey. I’m not one to let my standards slip.

But I also like to have decent conversations with friends in nice places over a meal and wine, as well as spend time with my family where possible.

I’m building a streetwear brand called INGENEUS which is inspired by two things key to forming everyone’s individuality; consciousness and genetics.

I spend time visualising brand concepts connected to messages of conscious awareness, writing stories relating to those design concepts, and designing the features and benefits for what will become a very unique social media platform for future INGENEUS community members.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Human connection, Water and Mary J.