J Wess on set of 'Anything for you' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10O6LvMX978
18 months ago I was just a record producer. For some this would be enough. But I’m not wired that way”.
A leap far further down the line from vision that spawned two Top 20 ARIA singles, and a Top 10 national chart topper with gold sales status, J Wess’ self admission to being driven by talent over title, a principal recited like a daily mantra, is the symbol of an unwavering refusal to submit to a long list of disappearing names plaguing the music industry. Standing tall (6ft”4 precisely) it’s no survey, even though all boxes are evenly ticked, Record Producer, Artist, Songwriter, DJ and undeniable Entrepreneur.
“Today I can wear the hat of not only a record producer, but an executive with the know-how to really put my stamp on a project. Just being a record producer, was not enough. I’ve focussed more on the ability to resource individuals, sounds and styles that I feel help me achieve the best possible out come on any given project…what ever it might be.. the brief is open”.
The close of 2009 saw completion of a widely successful national tour with multi-platinum chart act Flo Rida, to support a teaser single debut ‘Anything For You’, signalling a return to our speakers and sealed inclusion on annual R&B anthem compilations, alongside industry’s finest urban releases for the year. J Wess’ newly affirmed philosophy, simply to focus on talent than title, has allowed his welcomed reinvention, and has placed innovation at the very forefront of the J Wess business plan.
“18 months ago I was a record producer, focusing only on finishing recording projects on time and budget, and hoping A&R would have a vision for the project to deliver to the public. For some this would be enough. But I’m not wired that way. I don’t believe in a pecking order. It’s about creating your turn. That’s why I jump on any chance to speak, to make this very point. My experiences in everyday life translate to anyone out there trying to hustle. I’m honest enough to share my path as a professional in this business. Hopefully my transparency will help another budding producer, entrepreneur or anyone trying to in crease there value”.
Early ambition that produced a successful career as a professional athlete, and growing up in a part of Los Angeles where success was necessitated by relentless drive and determination, has allowed J Wess to continue to ascend boundaries. Perhaps vintage and geography has resulted in being spoilt for choice? With so many of the biggest names in music emerging from Los Angeles and proceeding to own the game, these role models are the same recording artists that inspired the young athlete growing up in California to recognise that running an empire is achievable. Setting no limits has been the force behind an ambition to set sail on the path to success and unexpected worldwide travel.
“Travelling the world though has made me realise, music is fashion”
“Growing up on the west coast I was accustomed to a certain image going hand in hand with selling music in different regions. Travelling the world though has made me realise, music is fashion. Most successful artists push the envelope of pop culture, they aren’t afraid of reinventing themselves”.
Sharing West Coast heritage with NWA, who perhaps epitomise music’s reinvention of fashion and culture, J Wess strongly embraces the testament behind a vehicle that has allowed the same artist who started a career with ‘F*** Tha Police’ go forward to take the art of film production to the family section of your local Blockbuster store with ‘Are We There Yet?’.
“The first time I heard NWA was the first time I realised music could bring reality to the masses. It was the scariest, in your face, raw music I had ever heard. They tapped into something that was happening in black communities across America and the world. I’m sure those records still probably sell a million copies a year world wide. I respect that while those same records from the early 90’s are being downloaded, today those very artists are still relevant icons, who run their own companies, take risks and build their own empires”.
“Starting my own company and experimenting with the first single from my own label was the best learning experience. Rather than just chart success, I call it my learning success. Seeing a project through from conception was the hardest yet most exhilarating experience. I can understand for some how this might be to daunting . But in my case, the whole experience help me take ownership of the direction of Rendition Entertainment”.
This space is where I share my articles, music and documentaries, and the addiction to words, sounds and creative strategies that make my thoughts come to life
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All content © 2012 by Alemain Vozzo