Today, we sat down with our artist Joffery Hollsworth for an interview. Here is what he had to say:
1. How has your hometown shaped who you are as a musician today?
I come from a town that is mostly apathetic towards success or building something for yourself. Everyone is just sort of coasting through life and hoping to win the lottery. I didn’t want that life for myself and as time has gone on, I’ve grown to aspire to bigger and bigger things. A few years ago I’d realized that everything I had ever wanted up to that point, I had gotten or achieved. Now the goal is to get to that level through music, and beyond. So in short: my home town has kept me motivated not to be lazy or sit comfortably in mediocrity.
2. If you could single out one artist or band that has influenced you, who would that be and why?
Gorillaz has played a major role in my ever eclectic taste in music. The creator- Damon Albarn- has always said something real and important in the music, crafted a really unique style and sound, and inspires me constantly to do something different. Also my love of hiphop/rap.
3. If you won the lottery tomorrow, what is the first thing you would buy?
A living space in a tropical jungle that I’d eventually craft into an impenetrable music fortress, in the trees. There I would eat sleep and breathe my art- away from the constant voice of societal norms and in my ideal climate.
4. What is your advice to fellow underground musicians in regards to remaining discipline in your craft?
To stay motivated and inspired, you have to do this thing with the mindset that it’s going to take time. If you act as though it’s going to take you ten years, you’ll spend that ten years fine tuning your sound and image. If you think you’re going to blow up with one song right away, you’re just setting yourself up for failure.
5. Do you have any songwriting or recording tips you’d like to share?
Don’t listen to any music for a couple of days. Your inner voice will come out and you music will be more uniquely you. If you listen to too much outside music or opinions, it just becomes a rip off or an amalgamation of other peoples’ work.
6. How does your family and close friends feel about your music career? Have they always been supportive or have there been issues in the past?
Most friends and family do say supportive things, but have been worried about me not making it or that it’s all luck and there’s no way to ensure success. I’ve had to remind them many times that building a business in music is like building any business: a lawyer doesn’t walk out of law school and suddenly have a successful practice. It takes years of hard work and discipline. I’ve been lucky enough to have a few close people always believe in me though, and I focus on the energy that keeps me moving forward- also I’ve always been an independent thinker, so regardless of the noise, I’m going to do it the way I want to in the end.
7. If you could open up for one famous artist or band, who would that be and why?
It’s a really tough one because I look up to some amazing artists who all inspire me in different ways. Mariah Carey is such a special one to me because she’s always incorporated a lot of the elements into her music that I like and appreciate. She’s a trail blazer and super influential on most of what pop/hiphop/R&B music even is today. I’m in such awe of her. If I could accomplish even half of the legacy that she has, I’d count myself very lucky.
8. If you could have a dinner with one musician who is no longer living, who would that be and why?
Freddie Mercury- and not just because I saw the movie. He was such a brilliant, charismatic game changer, as an artist and a person. The way he liked to experiment with his band mates makes me want to do the same in my own music. Plus, he had such a wit and humor that I bet was infectious.
9. In your time with LiquidSound Records, what is the number one thing you have enjoyed the most? Also, what is your advice to those artists who would be interested in joining the roster in the future?
I like that the manager is very hands on and constantly keeps in contact when I have a question and presents me with different ideas/opportunities that I may not have otherwise considered.
10. In ten years, where do you see your music career?
Touring around the world, innovating, writing with and for my favourite artists and having an extensive catalogue that I’m proud of.