Beyond the Music: J Line

After forcing me to miss my ex with the latest release entitled ‘If I Don’t Have You,’ J Line afforded me the opportunity to go beyond the track and get the story behind it along with getting into his business. LoL! Join me as I go Beyond the Music with J Line.

• Where are you from?

I’m from a small town in upstate NY and have been in Manhattan since college

• What was it like growing up there?

I do feel a connection to nature and small-town living because that’s where I was brought up, but the lack of “thinking outside the box” and rigid social conforms were mainly the reason I felt I needed to leave and find my own path.

• When did you first fall in love with music?

Around 10 years old was when I realized being a performer who made their own music, went on tour, etc was an actual job. From then on, I’ve been fixated by pop stars from the 90s/2000s who put on elaborate stage shows, made feel-good pop music, and created a mood with their music

• How long have you been in the industry?

Honestly, I don’t know if I’ve ever felt “in the industry” I’ve just always done my own thin, kept my eye on the goals I personally want to achieve, and if I ever get recognized for that by my peers, that’s just icing on the cake. I see myself as my own industry lol

• Tell me the story behind “If I Don’t Have You?”

The song is about being haunted by an ex-lover and how that affects your day-to-day life. What streets you walk on, what shops you go in, what bars you go to because you know you may run into that person. Your life completely changes when you have an ex like that and it can feel suffocating in a way.

• What do you think of the state of the industry in 2022?

I think it’s the best thing that has happened is indie artists like myself have such a great way of expressing ourselves and finding an audience all on our own. Without needing a major label, I’m free to be who I am and say what I want to say. It’s difficult without anyone helping me but I think artists now are able to be more genuine and show our flaws, so I like that.

• What’s your favorite track from Beyonce’s latest release and why?

Church girl. It just makes me move no matter where I am.

• If you could Collab with ANY Artist, Dead or Alive, who would it be and why?

I always wanted to work with Stephen Sondheim. He’s a prolific Broadway composer but I always thought it would be amazing to see what his style would look like on a pop song like mine. That would have been epic for me.

• With a sound that has infusions of 80’s rock, how did you decide on this signature for your artistry?

I write music that makes me feel something and this song called for a big chorus and big instruments to accompany that. And what better era to pull influence from for big pop music than the 80s?

• Take us back to young J-LINE. What was the first album you purchased?  (was it vinyl, cd, tape, etc) 

I think my first CD was either Janet or Britney. I am a huge fan of both still and will always love pop music that makes me move and smile. I was obsessed.

• What’s your dating life like at the moment between tour dates and being in the studio?

I have a great partner who understands my crazy life and allows me to be me. When he can come to shows with me he does and when we can’t, he understands because he knows I’ve gotta do what I gotta do to get my music out there and express myself.

• What is your favorite saying or Mantra?

The greatest prize can often lie at the end of the thorniest path (Sondheim)

• What other hobbies or interests do you have?

I love sketching/ drawing and some of my work feels like a hobby to me, like editing my own music videos. I love doing that. 

• Tell us what the fans can expect from you in the coming months.

Definitely more new music and my Dirty Pop Party tour this Fall. We’re going to about 9 cities in the US and I’m so excited. Tickets can be purchased here: https://music2.jlinemusic.com/Dirtypoppartytour

• For others embarking on their artistic journey, what are some words of advice or encouragement you would give them as they take their early steps?

It’s about expressing yourself, not receiving praise or adoration. If you’re in it for fame or wealth, you will be out so quickly. Do it because you must do it and find your little niche: what makes you different from everyone else and make that 10 times bigger. 

• What are your social media handles?

All my socials are @jlinemusic

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