JAMusic: How would you describe your music to someone who's never heard it?JM: This is always difficult for me and I usually end up just playing it for whoever asks me but my aim with my music was always to mix my musical culture with other genres of the world and create new sounds to come out of Jamaica.
JAMusic: Apart from them being timeless, what drew you to all the artistes that influence your sound?JM: Bob Marley's writing is what I really admire, the way he said things so straightforward without saying it literally is just amazing and will influence my music till the end of time. Etta James, because of the soul and tone she sings with and she was one of the Jazz artiste's that had an edge, an attitude, a likkle bad gyal swag but still maintaining that she was a hopeless romantic.
JAMusic: How do you think your childhood characteristics are reflected in your current status in the industry today?JM: I definitely just have a natural musical ear that learning about music professionally at such a young age has taught me. It helps now because I have a high standard when it comes on to how my music should sound and appreciating classical music allowed me to realize you can compose anything you want.
JAMusic: It is said that artistes communicate best through their songs, it's really the language for them; could you talk a bit on why this is noted as such.JM: This is true. For me, as a human you can be guarded with your emotions at times or really play down how passionately you feel about a situation but music gives you a level of creativity and a freedom to really express yourself, not just through the words but through mood you can create through the production.
JAMusic: Let’s talk a bit about your single Too Late, what’s the story behind the single?JM: So, one phase in my life and a lot of women too, you like the bad guys and the thrill you get is exhilarating and blah blah. Sometimes you get caught up in that not realizing you deserve better, other guys are offering better and it takes a few mistakes to realize that and when you realize, you wonder is it too late to find love with the kind of guys who are willing to try and think you do deserve better. So this song is just a passionate plea to try with the good guys, a plea for wanting stability, for wanting something nourishing.
JAMusic: Where are you emotionally right now in your life that is aligning your creativity in this direction? The direction of Too Late?JM: After recording Babylon, I part ways with having a 9 to 5 and I became free. Free to be myself as just a creative, exploring my potential and taking control of my life. I am now chasing my dream I have time to know the songs I want to listen to, what I want people to find in me that I get excited about when I find a new artiste. I want people to relate. So with that you develop your writing your sound your persona and its still a work in progress but I'm a much better person doing music. Being corporate really changes your personality as a creative. The truth is I crack jokes all the time, I love to dance, I love having fun, I love creating, I'm a little crazy and loud when I'm ready. I'm having more fun with my music because I'm having more fun with my life.
JAMusic: With Too Late inevitably getting rotation on local and international radio stations what insight can you give on the power of music and its ability to communicate certain messages verbally and non-verbally? And what do you think your music represent?JM: Music is so powerful, I've met a couple of fans in the past few months, and it's really just a heartwarming experience to see how you can make people happy without knowing them personally. To pass on your emotions that can reach someone in a different country, or speaking a different language is just beautiful. Music is a feeling and once I can give a feeling, I have done my job as an artiste.
JAMusic: A lot of new artistes, especially ones big into the SoundCloud world, keep their profiles relatively low-key. But on Instagram and Twitter you're really active and open. Is that natural for you or a choice you've made to connect with fans?JM: I don't think bout it, especially twitter. I like having an opinion, it's liberating and twitter has always just been my place to express it. Instagram, I actually wish I was better at Instagram but overall, initially social media has been just another place to express myself. I still try to create feeling in my posts. But as it pertains to me being open, i think I could be way more open because people always say i'm mysterious but really I love living in the moment, it's hard for me to remember to take a picture of it. BUT i want to become more open so my fans can really connect with me and hopefully gain new fans but I'm a bit of an introvert but I'm getting better.
JAMusic: What elements do you hold that’ll define you as an entertainer as oppose to just another artiste?JM: I think my artistry is a whole creative experience and the certain level of passion for it as an art. I think that makes my music a brand.
JAMusic: Any final words?JM: Thank you so much to Jamaicansmusic.com for premiering my song and showing me continuous support as well as my fans. I'm asking you to no longer be a fan in secret, get out there and spread the vibes because I can't keep doing it without you!
You can purchaseToo Late by clicking the link below!