Recently I caught up with TDE affiliate, JaVonte. The singer/producer graced us here at T.R.U. Music with an amazing interview. Read the following interview and pick up any of his projects from his bandcamp page which you can see after the jump.
T.R.U: Where are you from and what made you pursue a career in music?
JaVonte: I was born in Nebraska, raised in northern cali (bay area). I'm currently residing in Los Angeles. I chose to pursue music because of how music makes me feel. It was always my escape route. And I wanted to give that feeling to someone else, through my own music.
T.R.U: Around what age did you discover that you had this singing ability?
JaVonte: I started singing when I was 4. I used to run around the house singing and humming and my older sister would always tell me to shut up. haha. Then my mom put me in the kids choir at church. Then she bought me a karaoke machine and I would record over her gospel tapes. lol
T.R.U: Who were your inspirations growing up?
JaVonte: My dad played a lot of jazz and oldies when he was around. My mom played a lot of gospel… So with those mixes, I was most inspired by D'Angelo. He has a lot of those different elements. I also used to study Brandy. Her vocal control and tone are dope. Missy Elliott was another. She's a creative genius.
T.R.U: Were you surrounded by anyone else musically gifted like yourself growing up?
JaVonte: I grew up in a musical family. Uncles played guitar and bass, and my parents both sing. I used to have to go to my mom's church choir rehearsals when I was younger. So music came natural.
T.R.U: What was the first moment you experienced where you thought to yourself: "Wow, I can do this for a living, and I can be successful at it"?
JaVonte: I think that's developed over time. I was always confident that I'm just as good as anyone else that's already successful. But then when people show love, especially people you respect, it gives that confidence some validity. I'm humbled by the people who continue to show me love.
T.R.U: How did your affiliation come about with TDE?
JaVonte: Alori Joh and I were really great friends before TDE, so inevitably Ab-Soul and I became friends. Once Ab started working with TDE, he brought Alori and I both in to do some work. The rest is history.
T.R.U: We know that you work a lot with Black Hippy (Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, ScHoolBoy Q, Jay Rock), how did that relationship start?
JaVonte: The first collab I did was "Uncle Bobby & Jason Keaton" by Kendrick… Then it was "She Needs Me"… Then it was a lot of other songs with those guys
T.R.U: What is your mindset when you cross over into working with hip-hop artists? Do you have a different approach to hip-hop as opposed to working on your own R&B?
JaVonte: Hip-hop is a little more simplistic as far as melodies. I probably add more harmonies to my own music then to the hip-hop music I've been a part of. I can be a little more liberal with my own music.
T.R.U: On your twitter page you put in your bio "Artist/Writer/Arranger/Producer". Could you give us an example of people you have wrote and produced for?
JaVonte: I've written and/or produced for Xzbit, Terrace Martin, Jay Rock, Tristan Wilds, Alori Joh, ill Camille, and Zshatwa so far… More writing than production.
T.R.U: What was your feeling after hearing about Alori Joh's passing? Could you take us into the mindset of what was the general reaction to the news? What type of person was she, and how did you first meet her? How have you made strives to recover from this sad passing? (NOTE: We send our condolences to Ms. Joh's family and friends. Truly a sad passing)
JaVonte: Alori was one of my closest friends. My partner in crime… She was also my writing partner (PenHedz). We met about 8 years ago at a studio we were both working out of. I don't like to talk about her passing much… But she was a selfless person. She always gave. She was a dope friend. The kind of friend you call when you're stranded somewhere. She probably didn't know how to change a tire, but she'd still come and wait with you till the tow truck came. lol… I don't think anybody ever fully recovers from the passing of a friend. You just have to keep the good memories in the forefront of your mind and use that as fuel to keep going. That's what I'm doing.
T.R.U: What is next for JaVonte. After listening to "Originals" and "All in a Days Work", that left me hungry for more. Are you planning any future releases any time soon, or collabing with anyone as of yet?
JaVonte: I'm currently working on another body of music, called "Familiar Face", heavily produced by Tae Beast. Its an honest body of music. That's a good word for it. Hopefully it should be done by the top of 2013.
T.R.U: Is there anyone in particular that you want to collab with? Whether they be a hip hop artist or r&b artist?
JaVonte: I want to record some joints with Missy… And Pharrell… and Robert Glasper. Weird mix right? lol. But like, a full album. A record with Dwele would be dope too. A collab with Miguel would be cool.
T.R.U: Where can future fans find more of you (i.e. Twitter, Facebook etc)?
@jav0nte
http://javonte.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/iamjavonte
T.R.U: Thanks a lot for the interview and I pray for more success to be sent your way.
JaVonte: Yo man. Thanks a lot for reaching out. Its much appreciated! Much success and best wishes to you and your blog site!
