Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist? Â
Juwan Rohan: I grew up in Berkeley, California and have been rapping since I was young. I remember the first time I heard the song by Air Force Ones by Nelly. That was my jam, so something in me decided to make my own remix to this, mind you, I was only about 8 years old. So I wrote a remix to that and then heard the song Basketball by Bow Wow and instantly made a remix to that because at that time, basketball was life. From there on out, I started really writing music a lot. It become a hobby on the side of playing basketball.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Juwan Rohan: Well, Jrock was a name given to my by my brothers dad when I was younger. It derived from my name being Juwan and me always having a basketball in my hand which is also called a rock. Put two and two together and that’s how I got the name but then as I started to take music more seriously, I realized that their was already a Jay Rock in the game who is coming up in the industry so I decided to just go by Juwan Rohan. I think it’s more unique, but people can and still do call me Jrock, It’s more of a middle name now.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Juwan Rohan:
I think platforms such as Youtube, SoundCloud, and Spotify have given artist a great way to share their music with the world. It’s opened up so many more opportunities than the old fashion handing out CD’s way, because let’s face it, who is going to take the time to pop in a CD if they can even find a CD player.I always give my music away for free. Right now I am more focused on gaining fans and spreading my voice before worrying about making money. Who is going to by an album from someone they’ve never heard of…
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?
Juwan Rohan: Market as much as you can, but don’t be annoying with it! Make everything professional; Instagram, Twitter, Facebook. The more professional you look, the more people will want to follow you.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Juwan Rohan: Oh most definitely! When you make a mistake, don’t worry about it, move on!Everyone makes mistakes, even the greatest artists in the world, it’s inevitable!
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?Â
Juwan Rohan: Haven’t toured just yet, but hopefully that day comes.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process? Â
Juwan Rohan: Honestly, it’s random. It’s a in-the-moment type of thing. I write my lyrics in my notes on my phone so I can be on the go and think of something and just type it in. I can see something and be like that’s a good topic to write about and then just start.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
 Juwan Rohan
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Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Juwan Rohan: Tori Kelly forsure! I think that woman is amazing and absolutely beautiful! If given the opportunity, I would definitely ask her on a date.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it? Â
Juwan Rohan: Support my family, save, invest and work on music and travel the world!
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now? Â
Juwan Rohan: Right now, I am going to start recording at All Bay Music which is a great studio and very professional.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Juwan Rohan: Mainly by the internet or social media platforms. Sometimes, I’ll go around the city and post banners or hand out CD’s but like I said who is really listening to CD’s.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?Â
Juwan Rohan: I would perform at The Garden with Tupac, J.Cole, Logic, Phora, and Kendrick Lamar.Honestly, I feel like those artists and myself relate in so many ways, I think we could get that place rocking!
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Juwan Rohan: Planning on working on an album fairly soon, so stay tuned!
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing? Â
Juwan Rohan: Honestly, No idea!
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head? Â
Juwan Rohan: Really, the only people I buy albums from are J.Cole, Logic and Phora. Those artists are the only musicians I can relate to and support 100%
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life? Â
Juwan Rohan: Honestly, it’s probably the hardest thing. I just graduated college and now my basketball career is over so hopefully this music takes me above and beyond because it’s something that used to be a hobby but it’s all I think about now. Performing in front of people is the best feeling in the world to me now.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016? Â
Juwan Rohan: Fans or anybody should just look forward to hearing my name a lot more! I just ask that you give my music a chance and listen to my story.
