JMSN Comes Drinkin’ in Asia (2017)
American all-round musician, JMSN (pronounced Jameson), has returned from a six-month hiatus with his latest album, Whatever Makes U Happy. Taking half the year off is a considerable break for any job, but considering how JMSN has already released five studio albums in six years, the pace of his musical output is exemplary – and uncommon, by industry standards today. We speak with JMSN on what keeps him making music, and his philosophy of happiness.
What inspired the trip to come Drinkin' in Asia? What’s your favourite thing about touring?
I love playing live and finding good food! I love Asia! We toured China in 2015, so [we’re] really excited to come back [to] Asia and make new fans in new places.
What's your most memorable personal memory that made it into a song?
That’s a good question…. I'm really not sure actually. I try to always look forward, so [it’s] hard for me to recall exactly what inspired. Life, in general, is where I find inspiration and it’s always happening and changing.
How are things different ever since you've gone independent? What are the pros and cons of making music on your own? Are you happier with your own record label?
They're different in many ways. Pros would be artistic freedom. Cons would be not having as much money to help with that artistic vision. I am happy how it is right now, and I don’t know if I'd be happier another way.
Are there plans to expand your label, White Room Records?
Yes for sure. I’ve signed an artist from Toronto named Alcordo that we're trying to get out very soon! We’ve released one single called “No Good.” It’s on Spotify and YouTube.
We now know that fellow labelmate Pearl is actually your alternate alias, but how is Pearl different from JMSN?
It's different singers than just me and we collaborate. It’s a good home for songs that I like, but they don’t quite fit into JMSN.
And having worked with Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, The Game, J. Cole, and Tyga, what do you enjoy most from collaborating with other artists? Who would be in your own dream team?
I enjoy seeing other people work hard and getting inspired by them. Prince, Whitney Houston, Burt Bacharach and Quincy Jones with Phil Collins on drums.
You've had a musical childhood and have spent over a decade in the business, how has the JMSN sound evolved after all these years? What genre do you consider your music to fall under (if it can be neatly compartmentalised by labels)? What genre would you like to attempt next?
It’s evolved with my life. I've grown as a person, a singer, a producer and an artist. I fall under the JMSN genre. I don’t like "neatly compartmentalized.” I'm just gonna continue to explore and see what happens.
Is there a connection between naming your latest album Whatever Makes U Happy and the world we live in, in 2017?
Yea it's how I felt in my life. The message applies to any time, not just 2017. I think you should always do whatever makes you happy.
JMSN – Live in Singapore is happening at EBX Live Space, Friday 10 November, 8pm. Tickets available online.
