Jōviky tells stories with his music. His music expresses not-so-quiet truths despite his reputation as a soft-spoken person. The music falls at an intersection between dark alternative pop and alternative hip hop as he discovers his truths. Even in the most obscure lyrics, Jviky is able to convey a message to listeners who are patient, open-minded, and willing to listen as well as occasionally read between the lines and the chords.
The newest single from Jōviky, “Intervention,” is a subtly conscious call to action for those who are pursuing their dreams despite overwhelming odds and negativity. The catchy, upbeat, flute-driven beat MaxxWell Q created is a welcome contrast to Jōviky’s sharp lyrics, which vividly describe the mental gymnastics artists engage in as they attempt to combine commerce with their creativity. The song serves as a prompt for independent thought and a reminder to stay true to yourself rather than follow the crowd. Check out the song and the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you all come from and how it all got started?
JŌVIKY: I reside in Los Angeles, and this all got started with my life-long dream of becoming a musician and recording artist. In 2020, I decided to start making that dream a reality.
2. Do you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
JŌVIKY: I was in choir and played trumpet when I was in junior high school. That’s the extent of my formal music training. So I guess you can say I’m somewhat self-taught.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences?
JŌVIKY: My first musical influence was probably Prince. He’s one of the most innovative, influential and iconic artists to ever walk the planet. My goal is to be as prolific as Prince and to create my own unique sound that cuts through all the noise and truly resonates with people.
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
JŌVIKY: The music I make is all about emotional expression and creativity. I think that is what resonates with people. I don’t know how to describe my sound but whatever it is, I don’t want to be boxed or labeled by any specific genre or style.
JŌVIKY:
I honestly never tried to emulate other artists. When I first started making music, I was solely focused on finding ways to fully express my musical ideas. My first attempts at producing and songwriting probably would have been a lot better and more successful had I tried to copy other artists. This process of finding my own sound has been slow and steady and a true learning experience and stepping into my artistry has been one the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.
6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative and entertainment?
JŌVIKY:
Music is meant to make people feel something. Music itself doesn’t have a political agenda but musicians often do. I believe that artists should express what they feel and if that happens to be a strong social message, then so be it. My music is mostly about my own life experiences and by fully expressing myself I often take on themes that some might consider spiritual, cultural and/or political.
7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfilment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
JŌVIKY:
100% yes. But I’m always striving to grow and expand my knowledge, creativity and freedom of expression when it comes to my music.
8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
JŌVIKY:
I can’t really describe my creative process because it’s different every time. The one thing I can share is that I always start by exploring an idea or form of inspiration and seeing where that takes me musically.
9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
JŌVIKY: I’ve gone through a lot of hardships in my life. And I choose to express and share those things through my music. I encourage anyone that’s curious about me to listen closely to my lyrics.
10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far? JŌVIKY: I’m proud that I’m actually making this dream come true and everyday I get to wake up and pursue my passion for music is another beautiful day in my book.
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