23 year old electronic DJ/Producer ‘NEPTUNE’ (Jhakari Holloway), is an independent artist. Jhakari Holloway was born and raised in the bay area of California by a single mother of 4 kids. By the age of 18 he then resided in central Texas to live with his father. Growing up he’s always had a powerful passion for creating and learning, new & old music. Playing the alto and tenor saxophone since the age of 13, was what really sparked his ego to go further. Gaining interest into production came only a few years later. The branding of ‘NEPTUNE’ is Inspired by astrology & Greek mythology; Jhakari Holloway produces Bass and synth heavy music with a unique style of melodies. Although the music is heavily set with the feel of floating through space, The name would come as no surprise from deriving from the greek god ‘Poseidon’.
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
NEPTUNE: Simple social networking, but I was also followed on my soundcloud (https://soundcloud.com/neptune-261944836). Once I contacted EV through email they were very prompt on instructions.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
NEPTUNE: From the age 1-18 I lived the majority of my life in the bay area of California. Playing saxophone by the age of 13 was what really struck my interest for all music; whether it be classical or modern. By the age of 18 I then moved to reside in central Texas where I began getting a lot more serious with the production side of music. I’ve always been a fan of techno and trance along with a number of other sub-genres. I knew the sound I was looking for, it was just a matter of perfecting it in my own style. Once I found my sound I stuck to it, and just kept persistent.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
NEPTUNE: Astrology and Greek mythology is all a part of my personal and musical branding. “NEPTUNE” or (Poseidon) is where my name derived from.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
NEPTUNE: In today’s generation everything is digital. Most independent artists “thinking” local play is only enough haven’t yet caught up with the “now”. Everyone’s attention span is a lot shorter and I clogged by numerous ads, television/films, and other media. So, keeping your music easily findable on sources like Soundcloud, Itunes, Spotify, Tidal, google music, etc. is a must. People will listen once they have the chance if you stay constant with pushing yourself through multiple social sites. Going out on the road the old school way like rock band or handing out CDs is one thing…but in today’s generation even people are first to look for the hottest music digitally before looking at you as a “serious artist” vs someone fresh off the road. It gives you a bigger reach that’s easily available to you or helps keep a balance between ‘work & maximum promotion’. My music is for sale as well as for free, I want my fans to be happy. I have no problem coming up with new work or rely on any past releases. Payment to me would be a form of donation if anything. I create music for the art of it.
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?
NEPTUNE: If I can give any advice, it would be to stay easily searchable digitally; also licensed and distributed through multiple sources. Make sure their assigned UPC and IRSC codes so they can be monetized. Keep up to date with your media pages, and focus 2/3 of your time promoting your music. It’s a challenge but is a lot better payed in the long run. You never know where someone could find you.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
NEPTUNE: I’m sure everyone has made mistakes during their performances, but I would stay focused and not choke. Find a way to bounce back to continue satisfying your fans. I haven’t performed yet live but will soon be booking small gigs here and there at raves and festivals. I’m more on the production side. They way money is now, getting DJ equipment is on hold for a little bit…
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
NEPTUNE: No, I haven’t. That would be a dream.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
NEPTUNE: All of my music is created from anything I may be going through at the time in my life; or from hearing certain new and interesting sounds I may come across.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
NEPTUNE: Currently I have a website under production soon to be available early February. You can find me through digital sites like Amazon, Itunes, Tidal, google music, Spotify, Deezer, soundcloud, youtube, and mulptiple other sources.
Here is the link to my soundcloud with tracks available for download (https://soundcloud.com/neptune-261944836)
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
NEPTUNE: Not too many others but my sister really enjoy classical or big band music like me. It’s nothing I would be playing out loud with the windows rolled down or anything. It’s more of something I listen to from home or a nice cruise on the highway.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
NEPTUNE: It would be invested into upgraded equipment and a rebuilt home studio. The time off would be to utilize what I just purchased to continue working on the newest tracks for my fans and I to enjoy. After all, there’d be logical reason why I was handed a half a million dollars. It would only be the beginning…
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
NEPTUNE: Right now I have a keyboard and multiple plugins available to acquire the sounds I look for. The DAW I use is Logic, soon I will invest into added mixers and vocal recording equipment to extend my creativity.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
NEPTUNE: Tons and tons of research, you can never have too much promotion regardless of your status. Social networking, music distribution, and film/ad submission has been doing alright for me. Once I’m stage ready I can then start expanding my reach.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
NEPTUNE: It may sound farfetched, but it would be a performance at the Red Rocks in Colorado. Other performances the same night would be names such as “Deadmau5, Armin Van Buuren, and Martin Garrix”.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
NEPTUNE: I have a single in the works, that’s not yet named. But you can listen to my most recent release here (https://soundcloud.com/neptune-261944836), and stay tuned for the upcoming release February 2016.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
NEPTUNE: Continuing to work both my full-time and part-time jobs to make a living. Even if it doesn’t become a career; I do not see myself “not” making music. It’s what I love to do, and will always be. I create the sounds no one else has had hit me with.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
NEPTUNE: The very first album I’ve owned for my boom box was the “Grand Champ” by DMX. Of course my mother didn’t fully approve of the lyrics but she felt it was useless listening to a censored version of this artist. I head a strong head on my shoulders and didn’t imitate everything said. I loved to hear his flow and beats he was rapping over.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
NEPTUNE: Challenging, but I get no “real sleep”, it’s all a hustle. But at the same time I’m not going to give up what I’m extremely passionate about. Even if I were to not accomplish my goals, I’d be happy 10-15 years from now saying “All of what I’ve done trying” rather than “what if…”
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
A number of new releases and upcoming performances, stay tuned!