Exposed Vocals Interviews JOTS

Originally from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, JOTS is an up and coming artist based out of Phoenix, Arizona. On the rise in the pop scene, JOTS’s music encompasses a variety of genres, cleverly blending hip-hop and alternative undertones. Rocking clean guitars and electronica-style synths, JOTS is a unique sound, standing out from the crowd.

Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?

JOTS: I’ve actually never heard of Exposed Vocals until I signed up for Twitter. After reaching out, I can see myself working with them a lot in the near future.

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

JOTS: For starters I am 23 years old. I grew up in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which is a pretty small town. You know how the story goes. Small town kid with big dreams of becoming a rock star. Well I did exactly that, just on a smaller scale. I’ve been a musician before I even knew what the word musician was and by the time I was 10, I was writing original songs alongside my band. The story just takes off from there. By 16 my band had released our studio album and we had a big local following. From that point on is was when I was sure that music was my purpose in life.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

JOTS: The real meaning behind what JOTS stands for is kept a secret, and if I told ya… Well you know… How the name came about though was years ago if I had an educated guess I’d say 15 years old? My brother, a family friend, and myself had a rap group and whenever someone had an idea, I always told them to jot it down. Basically, that’s about it. JOTS it became and it just sort of stuck.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

JOTS: In past projects I have given music out for free. I think it’s important to not get caught up in the “corporate” side of things. While as musicians, we need to make a living, I feel it’s necessary to engage fans on a level that shares the meaning of music, whatever meaning that may be to them. To me, it’s that music brings us together. Some level of free online music sharing should always be done no matter the celebrity status someone has. I’m not saying it should be done all the time, but it can be in a positive way that caters to both parties, being that of fans and and the artist themselves. In the end, we’re all fans to someone, so why not share the love?

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

JOTS: Keep on keeping on. The industry is tough and I’ve only treaded water in the kiddie pool. You have to put in work and eventually it’ll all pay off. Set goals and stick to them. Don’t cut corners and overall be the best you can be. The biggest obstacle is yourself.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

JOTS: Oh man I’ve made a ton. As entertainers, thats the core part of our careers is performing and I’m sorry to say, but sometimes if not most, one thing or another goes wrong. What makes you a great performer is being able to get back on the horse after you’ve fallen off, without anyone know you fell off in the first place. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. Learn from it.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

JOTS: I am currently not on tour. I’m still in the beginning stage of this journey, and I’ve only just released my first single “Let Down” which can be heard on my Soundcloud page. https://soundcloud.com/jotsmusic

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

JOTS: I’m inspired by the world and all the people who give it life. I consider myself a storyteller so the majority of my songs are not necessarily from personal experiences, but from situations experienced by other people. I write all of my music from the drums to the vocals and everything in between so when I sit down, or stand up, my music is captivated by the mood I’m feeling at that exact time. The lyrics come after.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

JOTS: I’m currently working on an official website, so for now I strictly use social media. Twitter: @jotsmusic Instagram: @jotsmusic Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jotsmusic I’m in the beginning stages of a Reverbnation page, and as for Facebook, maybe someday.

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

JOTS: Do mp3 players still exist? If it’s guilty pleasure songs you’re speaking of boy do I have a whole playlist dedicated to it. From “My Heart Will Go On” (I love that song), to the entire self titled *Nsync album. Oh, and “If You’re Not The One” by Daniel Bedingfield is pretty gnarly too.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

JOTS: Well I’d totally pay off my student loans, those things suck. Creating a music festival would be tight. I’m not really sure man half a million dollars is a lot of money. I’d travel the world, make sure my family is ok, buy a homeless dude a Toyota Prius…

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

JOTS: I’m totally due for a studio upgrade that’s for sure. I’m currently working with my broken Mac book (it’s pretty old), a Nady microphone, and my Yamaha HS 80M’s that are sitting on the boxes they came in. I at least put pillow cases over the boxes so they look a little neater, ya dig? I also use Logic 9.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

JOTS: I think I can speak for everyone when I say social media. The internet has become a beautiful tool when it’s used in a positive way. I try to find any outlet I can to post my song on. If you’re willing to listen, I’m willing to share. I’ve found that Twitter is great way to connect to people. I’m not that old, I know, but I’m pretty brand new to the Twitter world and I’m starting to see what the fuss is all about. The old Myspace was pretty nice also. Social media promotion is good stuff. *Cough* *Cough* https://soundcloud.com/jotsmusic

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

JOTS: I would love to tour with Michael Jackson. If I could perform a show at Red Rock Amphitheater that would be a dream come true. I think touring with Snoop Dogg would be rad (for reasons undisclosed), and also Justin Bieber.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

JOTS: Well, I just released my first single a few days ago. My new single “Survive” will be released next month! By the end of March/April my EP will be out. Oh, and it will all be available on a variety of services like Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, Etc.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

JOTS: That’s a funny question because I have no ********* clue. I change my mind every 10 minutes. I’ve come to the conclusion that music is the only thing that makes sense to me. However, I am currently working at Trader Joe’s and I LOVE it! So either way I’m a happy camper. Maybe I’d go back to school? I don’t know, I’m not very good at math.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

JOTS: From what I can remember, I discovered that Amazon sells used crap for mega cheap. I used to buy a lot of albums to create my “collection”. If I remember correctly, the first album I bought was Dope’s 2001 album “Life” for roughly 35 cents with free shipping. All of those cd’s don’t exist anymore obviously. Hello Spotify.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

JOTS: I’m not very good at “adulting” so I’m very glad to have my lady by my side. I think I manage well for the most part, though I’m all business by day and musician by night. When it comes to writing music I always find time to jot things down whether it be melodies in a voice recorder or lyrics.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

JOTS: 2016 is a big year for me since I just started. I have a new song coming out next month, an EP coming in the following months, and shows that will be booked soon. Time to grind! Time to get to work! Follow me on social media @jotsmusic and on Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/jotsmusic