Podcast Summary: Something Wrong With The Podcast – SWWP #12

Title: SWWP #12 - Soft Spot, Producing For Kendrick, Staying Independent (feat. JMSN)
Host: Julian Delgado
Guest: JMSN
Release Date: April 8, 2025

Introduction

In the twelfth episode of Something Wrong With The Podcast, host Julian Delgado welcomes musician and producer JMSN to discuss his journey in the music industry, including producing for Kendrick Lamar, the creation of his album Soft Spot, and his strategies for maintaining independence in a changing cultural landscape.

Early Career and Influences

JMSN delves into his early experiences in music, highlighting his eclectic influences and the genre-fluid approach that defines his work.

• Genre Fluidity:
  "I want to keep it just drum space and guitar and, you know, make a bluesy type of record." [14:16]

He credits classic artists like Marvin Gaye, Isaac Hayes, and Led Zeppelin for shaping his musical foundation, emphasizing the importance of blending soul with rock elements.

Producing for Kendrick Lamar

A significant portion of the conversation centers around JMSN's collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, exploring how this opportunity arose and the creative process behind their work together.

• Collaboration Initiation:
  "Soundwave hit me up on... Because I didn't have time to like, full out mix this stuff right now..." [18:39]

JMSN explains meeting members of Kendrick's team through Soundwave and how their mutual respect led to working on tracks like "Don't Kill My Vibe" and "Sing About Me."

The Making of Soft Spot

JMSN provides an in-depth look at his album Soft Spot, discussing its conceptual origins, thematic elements, and the challenges he faced during production.

• Album Concept:
  "I was like, I just thought of Soft Spot. I'm like, how has nobody done a song called Soft Spot." [27:00]

He shares anecdotes about balancing comedic elements with serious themes, aiming to infuse humor into his music videos to complement the lyrical depth.

Challenges with the Music Industry and Staying Independent

The discussion shifts to the hurdles JMSN has encountered as an independent artist, including interactions with record labels and the evolving dynamics of the music business.

• Label Frustrations:
  "They wanted the smash. Until we have that, we're not going to release anything..." [40:19]

JMSN criticizes the traditional label approach, advocating for creative freedom and the importance of retaining ownership of his masters. He highlights the shifting focus towards legacy artists over social media-driven acts.

Personal Growth and Artistic Direction

JMSN reflects on his personal journey, the continuous strive for artistic excellence, and his methods for staying inspired amid industry pressures.

• Creative Drive:
  "My goal as an artist is to make the best possible song ever written." [52:08]

He discusses techniques like limiting album lengths to foster creativity and maintaining a relentless pursuit of self-improvement to keep his work fresh and meaningful.

Listener Voicemails and Advice

In the latter part of the episode, Julian and JMSN engage with listener voicemails, offering relationship advice grounded in personal experience and cultural observations.

• Advice Highlight:
  "If you can't love yourself, how are you going to love somebody else?" [67:40]
  "Shut the up. Make a better song." [39:55]

They address scenarios ranging from infatuation and commitment issues to balancing personal growth with relationship dynamics, providing candid and sometimes humorous insights.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, JMSN shares upcoming projects, including a new album slated for release in May and upcoming shows in Los Angeles and New York. The conversation underscores the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision and the value of genuine connections within the industry.

• Upcoming Projects:
  "New album is coming up. New single is going to be in May..." [73:18]

JMSN reiterates his commitment to independence and continuous evolution as an artist, leaving listeners with a sense of anticipation for his future endeavors.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "I want to keep it just drum space and guitar and, you know, make a bluesy type of record." – [14:16]
• "Soundwave hit me up on... Because I didn't have time to like, full out mix this stuff right now..." – [18:39]
• "I was like, I just thought of Soft Spot. I'm like, how has nobody done a song called Soft Spot." – [27:00]
• "They wanted the smash. Until we have that, we're not going to release anything..." – [40:19]
• "My goal as an artist is to make the best possible song ever written." – [52:08]
• "If you can't love yourself, how are you going to love somebody else?" – [67:40]
• "Shut the up. Make a better song." – [39:55]
• "New album is coming up. New single is going to be in May..." – [73:18]

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of JMSN's artistic journey, his interactions with industry giants like Kendrick Lamar, and his unwavering commitment to independence. Through candid discussions and engaging anecdotes, listeners gain valuable insights into the complexities of navigating a music career while striving for personal and creative fulfillment.