Growing up as a youngster in the tough streets of North Memphis Tennessee, JoaQuin (Joaquin Collins) had a love for music at the age of eight. Being inspired by legendary artist like David Ruffin, The Temptations, Sam Cooke, The O jays Al Green, it was a love for soul Music at first sight. Joaquin’s mother would often play a lot of old school songs, at home or in the car this is where it all started. Joaquin would often perform at middle school and local talent shows, and would get positive responses. At the age of fourteen he entered a talent contest, local radio show WDIA hosted. He got a great response from the older crowed, but the younger crowed didn’t like it. JoaQuin soon realized he had to switch up his singing style to reach his younger generation. Before everything took place at the age of thirteen JoaQuin was taken away from his birth mother Katie Shelby, after an altercation with his older sister (Yolanda) that lead to him being in the hospital.
The state of Tennessee took him away into their custody to Jackson Tennessee, due to lack of family. Growing up in a single parent house as a youngster, his mom was barely present. By the age of eighteen Joaquin had been through eighteen different foster homes, including Dysfunctional family and friends. Remembering the physical, verbal, and mental abuse he and his siblings (2 sisters) went through at a young age. At the age of tweenty Joaquin rededicated his life to Jesus Christ after he was Baptized twelve years prior at the age of eight. Being involved in athletics, and having the natural gift of vocal skills. This keept JoaQuin’s focus away from gangs, drugs and the impoverish community he lived in. JoaQuin was a part of the Stax Music Academy In Memphis TN. He went on an all paid expense two week summer Soul tour in Australia, at the age of seventeen with fifteen others from the program. By The age of twenty four, JoaQuin had already tried out for American Idol four times and The Voice once.
JoaQuin was an extra in the box office Christian movie The Grace Card. He is also a featured character as himself in the Oscar winning documentary UNDEFEATED. (available on Netflix #55) During his time in College in four different states. JoaQuin was united with multiple Christian friends, and managed to gain three God families that treats him as their own son. During his 2 years at Harding University, JoaQuin was not eligible to continue his football career, due to a low GPA caused by stress and depression. During this time JoaQuin continued to focus on his writing skills, and his style of Music. Going back to his roots loving soul Music, and Gospel. JoaQuin decided to stick to neo soul. With his musical style he decided to stay true to who he is in God. JoaQuin focused on writing music that has positive messages, he decided to use his life story while honoring God. As an upcoming R&B Artist
Exclusive Interview
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Randy Morano actually sent me a personal message on twitter, to inform me about exposed vocals.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I grew up in Memphis Tennessee, my negative surroundings love for music, and natural singing ability is only a few of many things that inspired me.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
My name is already very unique, in its origin it means God is Judge. My full name is (Joaquin Collins) I only go by my first name because of its uniqueness. It’s different than any other artist in the music business. I only capitalize the Q in my name, to make it even more different and unique.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
I know online music sharing in this generation is very essential. The reason being is that with all of the social networks, you can do so much marketing and networking yourself. I always allow people to be able to listen to my music for free only on my social networks. Downloading my music isn’t free I love my fans but I still have to make a living ha!
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?
I would first say to them as independent artist, you must first have a strong fan base. As your fan base grows you would also need a strong team of supporters for your band. People to help promote, market and build a buzz. It’s hard to do all of these things on your own when you’re busy making music all the time. Once you have the right team of people a nice buzz in your city and good networking you’ll be on someone’s radio. It just takes a lot of consistency, determination and hard work. people have to realize the music business is %10 talent and %90 business.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Yes sometimes I make mistake singing the wrong word, or coming in to fast while my most popular song is playing. The audience never knows because I either talk to them in those moments, or quickly sing a note that covers my butt. It’s not professional to point out your own mistakes during performances. Unless it’s just obvious just laugh at yourself with the audience and keep it moving.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
I haven’t been on tour recently only small gigs if their available. At the age of seventeen, I went on an all paid expense tour in Australia with the Stax music Academy. It was one of the best tours I have ever been on, I was one of the lead singers. We did radio shows, T.V shows this one woman was like Oprah Winfrey. Her show was awesome they enjoyed our soul music the people were lovely, and I ate Kangaroo meat.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
All of my music comes from what I have been through, the reality of life and my faith in Jesus Christ. My songwriting process is fairly simple, I gather thoughts from my life the Bible Situations we face in the world and simply pray about it.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
I am working on creating my own domain as we speak, it will be here in due time. I use social media sites like Facebook, Sound Cloud, Facebook Fan Page, Reverb Nation and twitter. I am currently #1 for my city Memphis TN on Reverb Nation. Here are my direct social media links to my music.
https://www.reverbnation.com/joaquin5?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav
https://soundcloud.com/useroauin
https://www.facebook.com/joaquincollinsfanbase?ref=hl
https://www.facebook.com/joaquin.collins
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
I don’t currently have any embarrassing songs on my Mp3 player never have never will. God and the fans deserve my best, and nothing less on every song.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
If I was given half a million dollars and a year off. I would simply get what I need for me and my close family. Work on my craft and give the rest to people in need.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Currently I am working on my E P It’s called never give up.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Promotion for my music is real simple social media for now
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
That’s a hard one, I would say David Ruffin from The Temptations in Madison Square Garden. Even though David is no longer with us, he was a big reason why I was inspired to sing. I blame my birth mom, she got me hooked on the movie The Temptations when I was only Eight years old.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
I am done writing most of my Album entitled (MY STORY) I don’t have a set date for either one. I am working on good investors to get world wide distribution.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
I would be playing football in the NFL, trust me I am pretty good to at least make a roster. I would also only be a full time actor If I couldn’t sing.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
My first Album would be David Ruffin that I bought, I told you I loved his solo work.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Just simple balance between work and music.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
A lot of great singles from my upcoming Album (My Story)
