Exclusive Interview with 'JOZIE_RAMONE'

Because he recognizes that each of us in this collective universe is the ruler of our own world, JOZIE_RAMONE, aka Lord jozie, calls himself that. His main artistic interests are rap, production, and guitar. At the age of 3 to 4 it started. He was tinkering with his dad’s broken old vinyl receiver when he asked him to stop because it was broken. He then asked him, “Will it work if I make my own music one day?” and now here we are, years later! His music is based on the idea of experience. No matter if the song is humorous or serious, it will always be based on personal experience and something the singer can relate to the listener about right now. Being a human, he had some not-so-great experiences, and he used his art as a way to express himself. He thinks that people should make things or do things regardless of criticism and should embrace aloofness. That’s the beauty of it, even though it might not be for everyone.

This is his dream, but he is aware that the people who listen to him are what enable him to realize it. Some people “want” this as a way of life, but he needs it for therapy, so it’s a plus if other people like it. In the end, he hopes to encourage others to follow their passions. You guys, life is short. Don’t care so much; it will hinder us and damage our mindset. He was miserable and suicidal, but when he stopped caring and started acting on his dreams, everything changed! Check out the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how you got started?

JOZIE_RAMONE: For starters I’m born and raised in los angeles California. Pretty diverse place if you’ve ever been to it. I got started in music technically when I was 3-5 years old. This is also one of my first memories surprisingly. I was messing with a broken stereo receiver that we had in our living room and my dad asked me to leave it alone because it was broken. I Asked him if it would work if I made my own music and he kinda just laughed about it and now here we are.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
JOZIE_RAMONE: When I first picked up the guitar around 12 I took about maybe a year in lessons then I quit because my teacher was leaving the state. Naturally I took things into my own hands and taught myself from there. So a bit of both.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘JOZIE_RAMONE’?

JOZIE_RAMONE: First one off the bat is Ozzy no pun intended. He literally invented a whole genre of music just by wanting to do something different. The name Jozie Ramone just came to me one day. I had other names but they didn’t feel like me. There’s no magical story other than its a play on my actual name.

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?
JOZIE_RAMONE: My music is very emotion driven. From happy to sad or deep to surface level music it all has to do with how I feel. Its very grey, aggressive, gritty and at times somber. I don’t make music to be popular or the most liked I do it to get things off my chest or to get rid of emotions in the moment. Somehow I’m here!

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as HIPHOP?

**JOZIE_RAMONE**:
Like everyone I had my phases where you could tell who was the inspiration behind the song by the flow or the choice of beat but there comes a time where you break away from that. One day I just wanted to make what I felt based off what I knew how to do instead of trying to sound like my favorites. I stopped caring about how I should do it and focused on doing it more. I know what people like and what’s popular but even those that set the standard had to create their own thing or at bare minimum put their own twist on it.

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?
JOZIE_RAMONE:

I believe those are all ways to create music. There’s no rules. Music always has some sort of message regardless of where its from and the message is up to the writer but I don’t believe one HAS to use his or her platform a certain way. That defeats the purpose of art and expression. It should always come from the purest intentions of the heart.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
JOZIE_RAMONE:

It gives me more than what I ask for because I’ve let go of all expectations.

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?

JOZIE_RAMONE:

I used to have a process where Id build a beat etc. Now honestly whatever comes first. Sometimes its the lyrics sometimes it a baseline. I stress starting somewhere instead of not starting at all. I have collaborated with others but its rare when I do. I only work with those I develop relationships with.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
JOZIE_RAMONE:

Staying consistent against all odds. Most people quit too early because they’re scared of going 10+ years without seeing any results. That used to be me too but I had to lose that belief. If you believe you have to blow up a certain way or by a certain age then this is not for you unless you shake those beliefs. Thick skin and having the right or no people around you is the key.

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

JOZIE_RAMONE: Everyday is a significant point, its apart of the journey.Not quitting is a success in itself because most people tap out after receiving enough negativity. Some think not seeing success means to fail so they quit which actually equates to failure. You gotta lose its how you learn, all of that is significant. I wouldn’t be writing this if it wasn’t because I would’ve quit and failed.