Resident B3 scientist Erin Feathers recently connected with rising indie R&B producer, and all around creative-type (best watch out for those), JMSN for a brief one-on-one about the musician’s story, music, and what the future holds. Take a look at their conversation below.
B3SCI: A little background on yourself for our readers, after several attempts to be happy making music on major labels, you fashioned your own label for the release of your 2012 album †Priscilla†. Can you tell us more about your label White Room Records and how it has affected you most as an artist?
JMSN: I think that its affected me in the fact that I finally have artistic freedom. No politics. No bullshit. Just Music. Thats what it’s all about. White Room is my canvas.
B3SCI: †Priscilla† attracted a good deal of attention this past year and helped spur on a few big-name collaborations. You sang accompanying vocals for Kendrick Lamar’s Good Kid M.A.A.D City, which was one of the best albums of 2012. Has working with other artists tempered any of your darker perspectives and musical intuitions?
JMSN: Not at all. I think that life decides where I go with my music. Sure these experiences are a part of my life, but more emotional situations decide the shape my music takes from here.
B3SCI: We’re fans of your videos from †Priscilla†. Is there a particular director or film maker who inspires you most? How important are visual cues to you and your music?
JMSN: I wouldn’t say I look at particular film makers as much as I look at particular films. I love when film makers can make things move like a song. Flowing with the energy of the shots is important. It takes different approaching to think of video in a different way then just watching it.
B3SCI: Unit 6 is your latest collaboration with Ab-Soul. The lead single “You’re Gone” is a catchy club stinger with racy lyrics and a playful swagger. Did cough syrup have anything to do with it? Kind of joking, but seriously.. was there something behind the vibe on this track?
JMSN: I don’t know, honestly. This was originally gonna be a JMSN song, but the verses we’re too hip hop. So I actually had the chorus on there before Ab got on it. I was kind of making a post †Priscilla† song about closer. Ab came in and flipped it to how he saw fit him.
B3SCI: If you were ever given the choice do a project with Usher, would you be on your best soft-and-sensual-R&B-behavior, or would you try to talk him into going all out with a dark and more experimental style?
JMSN: If we’re talking about me as a producer, I cater to the artist. I would see where his minds at. Where he wants to take things. I would help him do that to the best of my ability. I mean don’t get me wrong, you’re gonna hear JMSN influences in my production no matter what, but I will never tell an artist what to write about or what kind of song to make. That’s just not something I would want to hear Usher release if it’s not him you know.
B3SCI: What was your first impression of Los Angeles after growing up in Detroit?
JMSN: Hahaha. Great question. I hated it at first. The whole “Hollywood” bullshit. I’ve found good people out here now though. When you can separate yourself from that, you’re good. I also love the weather.
B3SCI: Name a proud moment in your life that is also embarrassing as hell.
JMSN: I have no idea how to answer that question. Ha.
B3SCI: What appeals to you most about producing your own music?
JMSN: You know exactly what you want and you make it happen. As well as learning on the way.
B3SCI: You recently collaborated with Tyga on his new LP Hotel California. Can you tell us something first-hand about the experience?
JMSN: Tyga is an awesome dude. It’s all about the music with him, so we got on good. It was great to collaborate with him. I’m very proud of the song too. Came out great.
B3SCI: Can you elaborate on your plans for a solo project?
JMSN: I’m working on it as we speak. Pretty far into it. The Blue album. Just making sure the story is right for this one. I wanna make sense of all the ideas and experiences I’ve had in this amount of time, to make a good body of work. I can’t wait for people to hear the evolution of JMSN.
Ab-Soul & JMSN – You’re GoneJMSN 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.1
