Q. What inspired the title of your EP, Trivial Truths?
A. The absolute chaos and mayhem of the world beneath our feet, not knowing what’s artificial intelligence, what’s the truth? I don’t think we’ve experienced times like these with technology rapidly evolving— and it’s causing Trivial Truths to become more common, and as it does, I’d rather see my music surfaced online and published than to see it just get lost on a hard drive I was using, but also just to do it.
Q. How did the idea for this project come together from old samples and folders?
A. It came together from just a series of many months and tribulations of many nights in my basement on my Korg, and my DrumBrute electronic drum machine, all these bits and pieces stockpiled into what “Trivial Truths” ended up becoming today. A lot of influence from artists in the electronic music world— from house to straight-up bass and drums. I enjoy it all.
Q. What message were you hoping to send with this release in today’s uncertain world?
A. I was trying to just send the message to embrace what you have now, and not only embrace it but to show pride in something you’ve taken time and dedication into. I notice a lot of artists don’t take the appreciation for themselves. I’m unsure if that’s a major label problem or if the ego gets in the way.
Q. Why did you decide to self-release the EP under your own label?
A. Well, I publish it through DistroKid, but furthering along the time of me being able to distribute, I did grab the LLC for “JMREMIX RECORDINGS” because I see a future for myself within the music industry— it’s been with me and has resonated with me from childhood until as I type this message. I would see other artists who would get signed and have the absolute worst experience or some that have had the best— and I’d rather play it safe in my own lane than to have to be ripped from my artistic rights for a paycheck.
Q. How did promoting your EP with local billboards impact its reception?
A. I think it really just proved to people to take me seriously. Locally, or not, but also wanted to show a standpoint to big major labels that us independent artists can do this ourselves and, quite frankly, we know more so what’s relevant than somebody who’s older in such a placement of power that can shatter these newer artists’ dreams with a single email.
Q. What challenges did you face in handling everything from production to promotion yourself?
A. Believing in myself and making sure that it all processed and delivered to roll out smoothly. It showed me that it takes time, mindset, and skill. You need a set time of when you run press and when you start to drop hints, keeping the audience intrigued without scaring them away whilst having it set by a certain release date. Amongst having those moments, I learned that it’s possible and you can do it alone, without a label or with a label – it really just showed me how to play it smart and do research about the studies of music releases and music marketing.
Q. What was your reaction to seeing Trivial Truths chart next to Charli XCX on iTunes?
A. Gagged. Almost as gagged from when I partied with her when she wasn’t the big star she is now and she could throw out an address in NYC after a show and have the real die-hard angels show out and party with her. She’s kind. Seeing my name next to her name for about a week on the charts still just feels surreal. It’s never a battle for the #1 spot or to surpass somebody I know is better than me and has been at this way longer, but it was the experience of “ woah, this is real” and the coolness that came with being able to tell people yes, I was side by side on charts with one of the world’s biggest pop stars at the moment. It was very full circle.
Q. How does your EP reflect the current state of the world or society?
A. I’m unsure. I hope it just leaves a small imprint because there is more to come, and I hope it inspires others to go out and do what you want and achieve what you dream of. And if you don’t try, how will you know? I know that’s what I at least pulled away from it.
Q. What does it mean to you to have the support of your family throughout this journey?
A. It means the world to me. Most people don’t have that luxury I do to just pick up the phone and have them there – especially in the queer community. You notice a lot of people have to adapt and find their own way of life without having the backup or support from family. And I forever will be grateful for them – even if they were forced to listen to horrible demos or samples for some time. The support they showed when it was release day was overwhelmingly positive.
Q. What do you hope listeners take away from Trivial Truths?
A. Freedom, and defeat getting away from whatever is stopping you from achieving the goals in life that you feel are worth the defeat to get to where you’d never think you’d see yourself.
