Sometimes one introduction turns into life long admiration and support. Rhythm, Blues, & You (RB&Y) makes its mission to provide its honest with authentic features from individuals who deserve their flowers and may interest our readers.
I am so excited to share a soft launch of a mini Q&A interview segment that I will feature here on RB&Y. When I first created RB&Y I pitched my content to involve feature pieces/blog of people I believe are worth sharing. I came up with a list of questions and a good friend from high school, Jamar Nelson (also known as Djaquafina) made time to fulfill a goal of mine. This is the first interview in my series "Introducing".
MEET DJAQUAFINA
"DjAquafina Make the Beat Splash!"
Q: Hi, Jamar! First I just want to say, thank you so much for letting me interview here at RB&Y! You’re my first industry professional that I’ve interviewed for my blog. As a long time friend, I just want to say thank you.
Courtesy of DjAquafina's personal Instagram page.
A: No! I want to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to express myself.
Q: It’s been a long time. How are you?
A: I am well. Trying to complete one chapter at a time.
Q: I’m glad to hear it. Before we get into the nitty gritty questions surrounding R&B and the influence R&B/music has for the type of work you create, do you mind telling the RB&Y community a bit about yourself?
A: Sure thing, I am currently a student pursuing my degree in Information Science at the University of South Carolina. My passion outside of the knowledge field is music. I enjoy everything from the mood that it gives to the sounds that create that feeling. In particular, I love making beats and recording artists on those beats.
Q: Myself and the community here at RB&Y are very excited to talk with you today and I appreciate you giving us a little insight to who you are and what you do in regard to music and outside of that. I know you’ve been making beats for quite some time. When did this start and what got you into this?
A: Honestly, I started making beats back in high school (2016) out of boredom.
Q: What term fits you best? Producer, Sound Engineer, “someone who makes beats” and why?
A: I don’t like to confine myself to one role. I am the guy that’s recording the session. I’m the guy that’s making unheard sounds together. “My producer” works fine as well.
Q: What is your stage name? Where did this come from?
A: Djaquafina. We all know where half the word came from. Other than that I used to Dj.
Courtesy of Unsplash. I do not own rights to this image and the rights belong to their rightful owners.
Fun Fact: Djaquafina was the DJ at my 16th birthday party.
Q: Haha. What about R&B sticks out to you?
A: The feels. It’s something that can’t really be explained, you have to feel it.
Q: What is the hardest part about creating beats?
A: There are always preferences when it comes to making beats and recording people. The hardest part is finding that sound.
Q: What is your favorite beat that you have created and why? Feel free to share it with us…don’t be shy!
A: Im working on a new tape with a current artist. One beat I made really re-sparked my passion for music. Don’t want to spoil her album either.
Q: I completely understand and am glad to hear that your passion for music has been re-sparked. Thank you for giving us a little teaser on what you’re currently working on as well. Can you share what type of beats you specialize in?
A: I make those “bangers”. If my beats don’t make you want to move your body, it ain’t it.
Q: Drop your top 3 artist/producers and provide insight as to why it’s essential for RB&Y to know this. Go!
A: Not to sound selfish or anything, I don’t really have a top 3. I appreciate everyone that’s out there creating with positive outlook.
Q: What is your process for creating beats? Do you find that the process changes depending on the genre?
A: I start off by saving the project to a file. After that I start to work with different sounds. As you get closer to the goal, the process is always changing.
Q: Have you had any experiences working with artists that changed your view on how you create or that have influenced you, whether it be positive or negative? If so, can you go into this a bit more?
A: I have plenty examples of both. The ultimate goal is to perfect that artist's sound.
Q: What would be your favorite part about producing? Besides pretty much being “that guy” when it comes to making some pretty fire beats.
A: Being able to create compositions that are often unheard of. Blending sounds.
Q: What does the year 2023 hold for you in regard to your personal life and music?
A: I’m finally graduating from my university come May. Other than that, it’s giving me more time to create. .
Q: If you could go back in time and give your entry level producer self advice, what would it be?
A: Buy a bigger keyboard. The small one you think you need, you don’t.
Q: Do you have any advice for someone wanting to start producing or that may have a general interest?
A: Do your research. Get a passion for it. You have to really want to learn.
Q: Plug yourself. Where can we hear and see more of you? You deserve your flowers!
A: Follow me on Instagram @Djaquafina. New music on the wave.
Q: Thank you, Jamar! I greatly appreciate your time and this opportunity to interview you in a different light!
A: No problem, thank you for the opportunity!
Courtesy of Wix.com
With Jamar's subtle plug, I decided to dive deeper so you can have a bit more insight to who he is and what he does. Here is his direct site which can be found in his LinkTree via his Instagram. Thank you for reading! Who should I "Introduce" next? Let me know in the comments!
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