INTERVIEW: Jep Roadie

How would you describe your music to those who have never listened to you before?
It is a direct representation of the random thoughts I have on a daily basis. I delve more in the realm of hip-hop, but I am in no way a hip-hop artist. I am simply a musician. There is real dialogue in my songs. There is a 70/30 split of ignorance and enlightenment found in my music – 70% enlightenment. I use a lot of melody and pride myself on insightful, clever and descriptive lyrics.
What made you want to get into music?
Hearing music of all different genres made me want to create music. I heard how most music was about feeling and dealing with those feelings – it’s very healing. Knowing that I could heal or help people with my music and that my voice could be heard by anyone who stumbled upon it is exciting. It’s also defined me in some way and the decision to create it for the masses came after I went to see a Jay-Z concert.
Who were your musical influences growing up and how would you say they’ve inspired the music you’re making now?
I was inspired less by people and more by sounds; any artist who made music about their feelings and made me think about where I wanted to be in life. It’s really hard for me to narrow it down because I literally listen to everything.
How would you say you differ from other rap artists?
The main reason I am different than other rap artists is because I would never refer to myself as [one]. I would never limit myself with a title like that. I listen to any song I like, no matter what genre, and I don’t scour the hip-hop blogs looking for new music. I spend a lot of time listening to older music and finding older artists, and [have] become a student of music. All I do is try to learn and I think I do a good job of diving into all the different areas pertaining to music.
Another reason I am so different is because I genuinely have a passion for creating. It takes me about three weeks to record a song I’ve [written]. I rehearse it a million times in my head before heading into the studio. If the song still doesn’t sound good to me after a short period of time, I can never expect it to be timeless. I go for the timeless feel. I make music for generations to come and you will see on my next project why I am different.
You’ll be releasing your new project, Regal, in the near future. Is there anything you can tell us about it?
It will be something sonically different. There are no rules followed. There will be nonsense said, [as well as] life-changing things. It was created as a depiction of everything I have been feeling and thinking over the last two years. It features Daniel Curtis Lee (from Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide), Jake Lambo (B.O.B’s no genre artist) and will be hosted by Jojo Simmons and DJ Elvis.
Where do you get the inspiration for your lyrics?
Simply, just living. I never plan on coming up with lyrics; lines just popup out of nowhere. Song concepts happen immediately upon hearing the instrumentation. I say what I think and whatever I feel. The more I travel and the more I hear, the more I create.
Is there a specific message you want to get across with your music?
It is okay to be a rebel, as long as it is for the right causes - starting a revolution does not have to be a controversial thing. Believing in something is essential. I want people to acknowledge [the] massive abilities of the human brain, the power of [their] soul.
Social media is a major tool for up-and-coming artists. How would you say it’s helped your growth as an artist?
Twitter has been an amazing platform for me. It opens you up to almost everybody. You can connect with people anywhere. [It] has made it possible for me to act as my own label. I can talk to me fans and interact in real time. I think social media allows people to see the real life characteristics of an artist, which allows them to relate on two different levels.
What is “The Wallflower Cult”?
It is a collective of misunderstood free spirits who want to get together and pool our talents, a group of true artists who literally dream of a stress free, peaceful and genuinely happy world. We pride ourselves on hard work, freedom and love. So basically, [it’s] the average, everyday person without a major voice in society. As a group, we can project that voice. I called it “The Wallflower Cult” so we could take the negative connotation out of the word “cult”. It is a group of empowerment and uplifting - we are just a little more raw and rebel-like.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself helping many more people. I see myself with a kid and with a Grammy. I see myself smoothing with members of the Marley family and employing hundreds. I see myself having meetings with the President.
Any last words?
Please, be yourself and show love. Look out for Regal - it might change your life.
You can find Jep’s music on SoundCloud, and make sure to stay up-to-date with him via Twitter.
By Clare Fitzgerald
