Exposed Vocals Interviews J-Rod

J-ROD: I’m 22 years old, born in West Covina, California. Moved all around Cali from LA To OC to the Bay. A true California kid, I currently live in Orange County so i guess you could say So-Cal is my stomping grounds. I’ve loved music ever since I could remember, I was always dancing or singing to something, it captivated me. But I didn’t start writing my own songs and writing poetry until I was about 15, it helped me escape from daily troubles, self-conflicts and the constant disfunction at home. Music has always been a way of venting for me.

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

J-ROD: well, my name is Josh Rodriguez and people already used J-ROD as a nickname so it was pretty much a given.

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

J-ROD: I think it’s great, music is life, and is a way of sharing who you are. Influence through music can be very powerful and that’s why I like that music is easily access as an artist I want to inspire and encourage as many people as I can, to touch their hearts and help them through tough times, just to give people some sort of inspiration is my goal.

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?

J-ROD: Keep Moving, don’t stop. No matter what anyone tells you. People will doubt, people will say you aren’t any good but that doesn’t matter. What matters is your mission and what you seek to accomplish. Use social media to your advantage, expand yourself and connect with people for growth within the industry.

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

J-ROD: I’ve stumbled before on some words, but nothing to bad. If it’s does happen I’ll laugh it off and give the crowd a lil smile but jump back into the verse where I left off. Mistakes happen, it’s ok. Don’t try to be a perfectionist, just focus on giving a good show and keeping the energy at a high consistent level.

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

J-ROD: just performing local gigs at the moment but when I do tour it’s going to be wild!

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

J-ROD: I try to gather inspiration from day to day life. My experiences and what I see in the world. My writing process is spontaneous I try to write with what I feel in the moment. Rather than forcing lyrics in to a piece of work to make the process faster. It’s like a puzzle, certain peices fit in certain places. Some songs take longer than others but that’s the beauty of it, to be able to write or freestyle a track in 30 minutes or write a song that takes a day or maybe a week or two.

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

Artist: I don’t have an official website. But I do use Soundcloud, twitter, YouTube and Facebook all that Jazz

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

J-ROD: because I’m fat by weird Al haha

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

J-ROD: Record non stop, invest in myself and my talents.

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

J-ROD: I want to invest in my own studio, I currently work with my cousin at his. I have a keyboard and mic so I guess that’s a start

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

J-ROD:Constantly putting stuff up on twitter and social media. Just be yourself and engage with the fan base or they will get bored of you.

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

J-ROD: that’s hard one… Hmmm I’d probably have to say Bob Marley or Jimi Hendrix because they have such great positive energy and they have great stage presence. And I would would like to perform at the verizon amphitheater in irvine because I grew up in OC

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

J-ROD: working on one right now called Shady People in Sunny Places, a project I started a few years back but had to put on hold because I had personal issues with drug abuse, but I feel like I’m a new person now and I’m on the right path. The project definitely gives you a Cali type of vibe. Definitely taking people on a journey in this one.

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

J-ROD: I feel like I could be a good actor… But is honestly would most likely head in the direction of a comic book writer because I’m a nerd at heart haha

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

J-ROD: I do I was about seven or eight years old and I convinced my mom to but Eminem’s Marshall Mathers LP. I loved it and my mom hated it haha but yeah it really did inspire me slit to this day alon with Dr.Dre, The Game and 50 Cent. Was basically raised listening to them.

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

J-ROD: it can be overwhelming at times, but I try to schedule it in orderly fashion. Set an hour or two aside a day to practice my songs,

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?

J-ROD: fans should expect to see me expanding in to different genres such as reggae, I’m widening my variety of skills and versatility. They should also expect to see me produce my own beats in the near future. And look out for Shady People in Sunny Places! Thank you, God Bless.