Rapper Jaxx Talks New “Alive For Now” Music Video

"Jaxx New Music Video Alive For Now"

Long Island rapper Jaxx is on his way to the top musically. Coming fresh off of the release of his new “Alive For Now” music video, he is on top of the world. Enlisting the help of rising pop star JT Keeffe, the two have created a one of a kind visual for viewers worldwide to indulge in. I had the pleasure of chatting with Jaxx for a candid conversation about his new music video, working with JT and his plans for the future.

Check it out below.

Who is Jaxx? 

Jaxx is an artist and songwriter who loves making complex, versatile music, with transformations, intriguing mood changes that keep a listener engaged. I want to take the listener on an emotional roller coaster as they progress through the song. I started with hip-hop, but was never stuck on one sound. I went from aggressive trap sounding rap songs, to slow ballads. Today I’m doing some trap mixed in with more relaxed hip-hop and pop style tracks, but who knows? I love to be creative! My style today might sound different tomorrow, but in the end, the music has all the same meanings. I want to bring a visual to the listeners head as they hear the words and they understand the pain I’m going through, or the joy I received. I want them to also be able to relate to the complexities of everyday life. In my opinion, the best music someone can make is authentic music. My goal in this journey is to allow the listeners to connect so strongly with what they’re hearing that they say “wow, I feel that!” To sum it up, Jaxx is a hard working creator, musician, vocalist, visualizer, leader, and dreamer. 

How did I get started in the music business?

From the beginning I was playing piano, trumpet, singing, and composing smaller piano pieces. When I was about 13 or 14, I began writing raps. Before that, I listened to a few hip-hop artists but was mainly listening to alternative, pop, or classical rock music. When I found my love for hip-hop in particular, I became obsessed. I remember going through a hip-hop splurge and diving into every hip-hop movie I could get my hands on. I also began to dive into the popular hip-hop artists discographies and anything that was connected to rap in general. I started filling up notebooks full of raps and recorded samples on my flip phone. When I turned 18, one of my close friends at the time offered me a chance to come to the studio with him. At the time, my life was falling apart. I was getting into some trouble  struggling in school, and had no goals for anything. Going to the studio for the first time was a moment I’ll never forget. The engineer that day was this guy named Unkle Grizzli. I didn’t go there expecting to make a track but they had an open verse so I said why not? What do I have to lose? 

I remember the feeling of being behind the mic for the first time like it was yesterday. You are the man, you are the captain of this ship, and everyone in the room is listening to you, and is interested to see what kind of creations you have in store. After recording that verse, Unkle Grizzli looked at me and said “you must’ve practiced that a hundred times before you came.” I had just written it in the car on the way there. After that session, I wanted it. My mind was set. There was no other option. At the time I had no idea what I was up against but it didn’t matter to me. I loved doing it and being the person I am, I don’t give up. No matter what circumstance I’m in or no matter how hard it gets, I will always shoot for what I want. Music was the thing that made me feel special so I took it and ran. 

What inspires me to create at such a high level?

I have always been different. I have different expectations that defy the norm, and different intentions than the norm. I think taking the “different” approach and using that as an advantage is what helped inspire me to create at a high level. I want a different sound in my music. I want my own genre with my own techniques, that no one else has. I want my own sound that is tough to recreate. Once I begin a new project, I think about these things. My main producer, DIANZU beats, helps to bring my ideas to life. After creating a 15 song project with him recently, I finally found someone who has the same mindset as me with music. I often wonder what we can do differently than what is being pushed in the industry. I believe that we can shake up the music industry in a positive way. By bringing a bunch of different inspirations from totally different songs into one I believe I can be influential. Being around different types of music my entire life has helped inspire me to set no limits and try new things. This is when the highest level of creation comes out. 

What was the Inspiration behind your “Alive for Now” video?

“Alive For Now” was really interesting in my opinion. After finishing the song and really understanding what the meaning is behind it all, I started to realize that there was a change not only musically but lyrically. In my first verse, I have a more ignorant style of rap. In the second verse, I have a more panicked style where I’m questioning myself but at the same time, I know I will be good because I can learn. In the video we portrayed a similar idea. In the beginning, you will see me walk in with an ignorant type of attitude. I literally ignore the waiter and walk right past him like we don’t care who he is or what he has to say. I am showing myself living in the moment and only living for my pleasure without thought on how it could affect someone else. The waiter drops the drink on me and you see me freak out, with absolutely no patience. I storm out of the diner and eventually get shot dead in the parking lot. This is supposed to raise questions for the audience. Did the waiter set me up? Why did I get shot? Then you see me fall in a purgatory type of portal for the entire first verse.  

The club scene is showing the fun times and the more flashy parts of life. By the middle chorus, everything slows up. The club scenes become a little blurry. My mind is telling me that something is wrong and I’m going about life in a bad way. When the second verse comes in, my vocals are panicked and I’m stuck in a coffin. The idea here was to show the worst place I could be. Attempting to prove to myself that I should never take my times for granted. By the end of the second verse, I say “my patience up like the hospital.” The video shows me reaching my hand up to a light which symbolizes me realizing who I am. I am finally reaching up for help. It’s a moment of clarity in my mind that we are just alive for now and we cannot take our moments for granted so why treat others the way you wouldn’t want to be treated with a limited time on earth. The video flips back to the original scene and it’s me getting another chance at being a better person. I reply with the spill of the drink with a much more sympathetic tone and patience.  

What was it like working with JT?

JT is great. Me and him go way back, and being able to work together on this project was awesome. Not only is he a phenomenal artist, but he understands the ideas I was throwing out there. He recorded this chorus off the top of his head. It was perfect for the idea and what we were trying to get across.

Can we expect a full project? 

Yes. 14 songs. In the works. Let’s leave it there.

Who do I want to work with? 

One of my favorite artists is Kanye West. I would absolutely love to work with him. I feel like with his creativity and my versatility, we could create amazing music together. That is a dream! I would also love to work with artists like Russ, The Weeknd, Ed Sheeran, Polo G, and The Kid Laroi. As far as producers, I’ve always wanted to work with Timbaland or Scott Storch. 

What’s next?

Next is bringing this music to the mass public. I have so many awesome tunes in the works that I cannot wait to show to the world. I will be there soon, and I have no doubts. So with that being said, next up is more hard work and bigger victories! As far as professionally, I want to connect this music to my motivational movement I push on social media. I want people to be able to listen to this music and feel better, and feel like they’re not alone when they are emotional. Next is greater brand awareness internationally. 

How can readers stay in contact with you?

Readers can contact me via email or social media. My email is [email protected] for business and inquiries. You can find my website at www.realjaxxmusic.com. Or, just send me a DM on instagram @realjaxxmusic. Hope to hear from you guys soon! 

Press play below to stream Jaxx’s new “Alive For Now” music video.

 

About Doc Herbalist 299 Articles
Hey, I'm Doc Herbalist and I'm the Online Editor-in-Chief as well as the web developer and designer here at One West Magazine. I hope you enjoy the online magazine articles and website that I've put together for your reading pleasure. Peace and Love. ~DoC

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