Jai Musiq talks about his new single “Patience”

Today on our Hot Seat we have Joshua Johnson with us, an artist from Memphis, TN, who goes by the name of Jai Musiq. On this Valentine’s Day he has released his new single “Patience”. Let’s have a chat with him about this single and his music life.

Twist Online : First of all tell us about the start of your professional career?
Jai Musiq : Well, it all started back in the summer of 2015. My friend Cortez played me this beat (which turned out to be the beat from “Don’t” by Bryson Tiller), and I liked it, so I wanted to record over it. Cortez’s stepdad happens to be an engineer and has a studio in his house, so I was directed to him. After recording with him, we talked for a minute, and he said that was I pretty talented and that I could take it seriously. I didn’t have any plans before that, but that summer I recorded 7 more songs and dropped The Josh Johnson EP in August 2015. Based on the reception from that, I saw that this was something that I could do. So I went with it and dropped another project in July of 2016 called Dolan Drive Dreams, which in my opinion, was better than my first project. I took a break to focus on school and the business side of things, and now we’re here.

Twist Online : Who or what inspired you to get into music industry?
Jai Musiq : I would say that Ty Boyland, my first engineer that I mentioned before. He was a big inspiration, and I recorded my first 2 projects with him. Other inspirations would have to be my brothers Chris and Cortez (AKA DJ Chris Cross and That Boy Cortez).

Twist Online : Tell us about your recent release “Patience”?
Jai Musiq : Patience is basically a song about being new to relationships. I released it on Valentine’s Day because I felt like that was the perfect day for a love song. In the song, I talk about how I’ve never been in a relationship, but at this point in time, I’ve found a girl that I think is worth it. Whenever I find myself in these situations, they always go south. Of course, I’m hoping that doesn’t happen this time, so I’m doing everything in my power to make things happen. At the same time, though, there are certain things about relationships that only people that have been in them. And since I haven’t, there are things I don’t necessarily know how to do. Being obligated to put someone over myself the majority of the time and being committed to only one person are things I’ve never done. So while I’m adjusting in order to love her properly, I’m just asking can she be patient with me while I’m going through this transition. I feel like it’s something that a lot of people can relate to. Trying to love and be loved, but not necessarily knowing how.

Twist Online : What kind of response you have received from the release?
Jai Musiq : Since I dropped the song, I’ve pretty much received positive feedback. Some said that I have a “hit on my hands”, but me being the humble person I am, I don’t want to jinx anything. I’m just happy that a lot of people enjoy the song and find the message relatable. I gotten some complaints about me using autotune, though. I can’t please everyone, but maybe I’ll record an acoustic version of the song. Who knows?

Twist Online : What attracts you more, performing on stage or working in studios?
Jai Musiq : To be honest, I rather be in a studio than on stage. I love the creative process. I love being stuck when I’m writing a song, but feeling that sense of triumph when I get past it. I love sending my friends the songs right after I finish them. Those are great feelings to me. I’ve only done like two shows, though. So maybe the more I do them, the more I’ll be attracted to them.

Twist Online : What’s your favorite music genre?
Jai Musiq : My favorite genre would have to be R&B. Especially old school R&B. There was so much passion and emotion in it. They gave you something to relate to as far as interactions with people are concerned. But I’m very attracted to a good melody, and hopefully that can be heard in my music. R&B supplies those melodies time and time again, so I’m always listening to that.

Twist Online : Have you set some target to achieve as a music artist?
Jai Musiq : The main goal that I have to be able to make a living solely off of my music. I’m not really interested in much else. Most people I want to make good music and make people feel good when they listen to it. I want to be in a position where I can reach back and put people on.

Twist Online : Are you currently working on any other project?
Jai Musiq : I am actually. I’m not sure when it’s dropping or what the concept will be. I’m just making whatever songs come to mind at this point. Before “Patience”, it had been so long since I released or even made anything. So now, I’m just excited to be back in the groove of things. And I’m glad that I’m being well-received.