Hi Guys, I had the opportunity of interviewing an aspiring music artist, Justin aka Jvoqalz.
Justin is filipino music artist that moved to the U.S when he was 15 and currently reside in Hayward, CA
Hi Justin, Welcome to YHP, how are you doing?
Hello there. I’m good and thank you for having me.
Before we jump straight into the interview, can you quickly give the YHP readers some background information about yourself?
Sure. Hi my name is Justin aka JVoqalz. That’s my alter-ego when I’m on stage. I am an aspiring singer coming out of the Bay Area. I am Filipino. Lived in the Philippines for 15 years, so I guess you can say I was born and raised there. Move to the U.S. when I was 15. And now I currently reside in Hayward, CA.
When did you get involved with music?
Been in love with music since I was 2 years old. My Mom (I LOVE YOU MOM!) showed me a picture of me when I was 2 years old, holding a mic and already singing. And pretty everyone in family are musically affiliated so it wasn’t a surprise that I would be involved with music.
When did you began doing covers of other artist's songs and how do you pick which songs to do cover's of?
I began doing it just this year’s summer. And I like to do covers of songs that suit’s my voice. And that’s pretty much any kind of song as long as you can sing it because I try to versatile.
Who would you said influenced you to become a music artist?
My auntie Lerma dela Cruz. I remember when I first heard her sing, I got goosebumps and I told myself I want to make people feel the same way she makes me feel everytime she sings. And from then on I wanted to be an artist. To show and make people feel the music that I bring and the songs that I make.
Being a artist, you must face different opinions, both good and bad. What are some of the things that help you motivate yourself to do better when someone criticizes you?
I LOVE MY HATERS!! Seriously though, without them it would be boring because I have no one to please anymore. So yah haters, do your thing!
After doing so many cover's of songs, can fans expect an album from you in the future?
Yes I am currently working on album as we speak that hopefully will drop this winter.
What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
I rehearse and warm my vocals up everyday after I work out.
What has been your biggest challenge as an artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge?
The biggest challenge have been TIME!! I wish I have more of those. Its hard to juggle a lot of things: music, social, school and work.
You recently shot your latest music video "One night". Describe how it was working on that video and the response so far?
The experience was fun. I love making music videos. It brings a whole another aspect to the song. It brings my own opinion about what the song really is about. The responses were great. The people seem to like it.
Out of all the covers you've done so far, which one is your favorite?
I would have to say “Just the way you are” by Bruno Mars.
All good artists evolve musically. How do you feel that you've improved since the first time you started doing covers?
I think ive improved on my range and control and song choices. But there’s always room for improvement.
Being so young, what do you believe are your individual strengths that will allow you to outweigh your musical competition?
That I am VERSATILE. Give me any kind of genre in music. Country, R&B, Ballad, Rock, Hip Hop doesn’t matter. I will write something on it.
Out of the songs that you released publicly, which of those songs can you relate to the most? Why?
All of them actually. Because all of my songs came from my own experience so I would say I can relate to all of them.
You're still young, so where do you see yourself progressing in the next 5 years?
“I just wanna be SUCCESSFUL” – Trey Songz
what tips do you have for upcoming artists such as yourself?
Keep doing what you LOVE!! Do not let anything stop you. If you think you got and they don’t then prove them wrong.
Thanks for your time justin.
It was a pleasure.
Dont forget to check justin out on:
