[THE J.R. INTERVIEW]

HERE IT IS! THE J.R. INTERVIEW!

What’s good man? First off, we would like to thank you for doing this interview.

Now, this is a question that we begin all of our interviews with. Many people wonder about our site’s title. Well, I came to a point one day where I realized that music is my addiction. [laughs] I know that sounds crazy but, it’s like you always want the newest and best music and there is rarely a moment where music is not involved in what we are doing. So, my question is, would you consider music an addiction for you? And why or why not?

I don't know. I've never had to live without music so it's hard to tell if I'm really addicted. I am however addicted to life, and melody and song are very important fibers of life.

How would you define or introduce yourself to a complete stranger?

I would give my name, background, etc. and let them know I was a man of faith and that life is found in Jesus Christ.

[addicted.] features mostly Hip Hop, R&B, & Gospel artists. Me personally, I listen to all types of music. But being raised in the church, my foundation will always be gospel. What kind[s] of music inspired you when you were younger? What are you bumpin in you ride or on your iPod right now?

As a young buck I was inspired by all things hip hop and soulful—like Jodeci, Biggie, Pac, NAS, Mary J, Sade—and the sounds of Gospel artists John P. Kee and the late James Moore. But as I got older I was drawn to rock and pop music like: Aerosmith, Lenny Kravitz, Duran Duran and Backstreet Boys [yes…the Backstreet Boys] [laughs]Right now, the albums that have heavy rotation in my iPod include Leeland's "Sound of Melodies," Kennas "Make Sure They See My Face," Radio Head’s "In Rainbows," One Republic ’s "Dreaming Out Loud" and Lupe Fiasco’s "The Cool." But generally, you can also find me listening to the music of artists such as: FLAME, Hillsongs United, Da’ T.R.U.T.H., Kirk Franklin and Lecrae. I’m very selective about the music I listen to. You will note that it’s an eclectic mix of both Christian and mainstream Rock, Pop and Hip Hop albums. The common thread is music that is at the very least positive and at its best God glorifying.

When did you get to the age of understanding? Like…when was that moment when you said to yourself, “Okay, I am destined for greatness. If I just abide by God’s word and draw nearer, everything will fall into place!”?

I felt like I was destined to do great things before I knew God, but it was when I found him [around 18], I knew that if I was going to be something great it would be by his hand in his plan and by his grace.

Now, Life By Stereo, wasn't your first project! How long have you been in the game?

I’ve been in the “game” for about 11 or 12 years, half of which was spent doing secular music. Before cats heard of J.R. the artist, they heard of J.R. the producer from my work with The Cross Movement and various artists.

Explain Life By Stereo; the title, the cover, the process, as well as the inspirations.

The title came from an attempt to make a statement about what my music is all about—communicating life rather than death through my music. The cover came when I saw this old stereo my homeboy had that belonged to his grandfather. It is from the 80's and I loved the vintage look. I figured since I was calling it Life By Stereo this stereo coupled with my look as a modern rocker [faded jeans, chucks and all] would set it off! The process was scary but beautiful. I say this because writing for this project was totally different than Metamorphosis. I was completely thinking out-of-the-box and was taking a big risk by unleashing this melting pot of creativity in my head. At the same time, it was beautiful because God was pushing me past my comfort zone and challenging me to trust Him. As far as inspiration goes, life and all its components inspired me—from my walk, to the trials of others—they all played a part in creating this record. And of course you can hear different genres of music throughout the album, ranging from Rock to Pop to Hip Hop and Soul.

Not A Slave! That song right there is…BANANAS! How did that song come about?

I was in the studio writing music and I did this pop/rock sounding track. I started free-styling to it and my homie was like "that's bangin!" After that I started vibing to the track and began reminiscing about my fight with sexual sin as a bachelor, how God rescued me from myself. After about a half an hour the song was done and I knew it was crazy.

Another one of my favorite tracks from on the album is We Need You. The first time I listened to it, I had to just put it on repeat for a minute. [laughs] It just gave me this feeling like…WOW! Sometimes, we get wrapped up in the world and forget how much we really need him! Talk about that track a little bit.

“We Need You” came at a time when things were crazy in the life of so many around me and how their situations reminded me of how important it is to cling to the joy of knowing God when everything around us seems to be falling apart. No matter whats going on we have to remember that salvation lies in God.

What is your favorite track on the album?

Hmm, that's a tough one. My favorite track would have to be... “Not A Slave.”

What would be your dream collaboration, like who is the one artist that you would really love to work with?

I really don’t have a dream collab but if I had to choose one it would be with the Neptunes—if they were redeemed of course!

Finally, leave us with one fact about you that no one else knows.

I know this is hard to see but I am a devout hunter. I love the outdoors and have enjoyed hunting since I was 13 years old. As a young buck I spent a lot of my weekends in the country with my grandfather.

Thanks again man. We really appreciate you coming through and doing this interview. You are truly blessed and we pray that God continues to bless you in 2008!

LIFE BY STEREO IN STORES NOW! CHECK OUT OUR BOY J.R.!