Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Kemp.
Hi Joshua, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Music has always been my life. From an early age, it was like I learned how to walk then I was thrown in front of music. My family was heavily involved in the music scene. So, I was blessed and fortunate enough to see a lot from an early age. Growing up in a gospel legacy family, “The Hawkins family, “you had to be nice at your craft! Can you imagine the anxiety… lol. They taught with discipline but also with love. I learned how not to only value and appreciate the gifts God has given to me but also how to be prepared and professional. In earlier years in studied jazz in school which is where I learned how to read music. I also learned how to read by doing drum core durning the summers. When I wasn’t in jazz band or in Drum core, I would spend my time in the studio perfecting my production & engineering skills. Early on, I saw the way music moved people. How a simple song or groove could make people dance. Music is simply another language. It can heal, restore, and even make you happy or sad. I knew music was how I wanted to leave my mark on the earth.
How I got to where I am today?
1. God
2. Hard work
3. Remaining humble
4. Patience
My uncles: Edwin & Walter Hawkins
Huge influences on my sound and career. Before I could walk, I would travel with them to different rehearsals, shows, and concerts. This was my season of honestly soaking it all up. From the age of 3-13, I was in Musician training camp you could say.
Cousin Joel smith
Some weeks or weekends I would be with my uncles, and if I wasn’t with them, I was with my older cousin Joel smith. Now Joel was my guy. I would sit behind him and watch him play any chance I could. I remember the feeling of the first time I saw him playing in a concert. I always knew he was dope but when I got to see him in his element, my god … “GAME CHANGER. “
He was one of the most dominant & influential players I knew. As big as he was, he always remained Humble & and kept God first. Two of the biggest things he taught me.
Jason wright
Another cousin of mine who is Joel smiths younger Brother. Now Jason was the cousin you wanted to be around because he always knew what was fresh & new as far as the sound of drumming, and if you hung around him, he was go get you right. I would try to be around Jason as much as I could when he was home. He and a couple of his musician friends had a house I would go to and stay the whole summer. We called it “The spot.“ They had a drum room, studio space & hang-out area. Why would you want to leave! He was usually out on the road with our other cousin “Jamie Hawkins “who was the MD for en vogue, Jodeci & Lauren hill.
1-O.a. k
My brother Brandon
He is an amazing r&b artist who took the time out to allow me to play for him. I started working with B At age 13- til now. He put me in so many opportunities. From playing with artists like
Kehlani, Ying Yang twins, Miguel, & many more.
He never asked questions or doubted he just believed in me.
My mom and family for allowing me to make countless hours of noise and to getting me where I needed to be before I could drive.
My uncle Dale
for always keeping me up to speed on what records to play and what to check out! He was like my own personal Rasputin; He knew about everything before it dropped and had everything before it dropped!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road definitely wasn’t smooth, but I wouldn’t say it was that hard either. I had a made-up mind and knew this was what I wanted to do. I’m glad I grew up in a time where social media wasn’t really dominate. This was an era where practice was practice it wasn’t about making content for likes or posts. I genuinely loved to practice because I loved my gift. I would sit in the garage or studio for hours day after day trying to replicate the sounds or grooves I was hearing on many different records ranging from all genres.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What do I do?
I am an artist, Drummer, Producer, engineer
I specialize in all 4 things
I feel like what separates my sound rather I’m playing or producing is that I studied more than one sound. I grew up listening to things like Gospel, Smooth Jazz, R&B, Brazilian artist Sergio Mendez, Dori Caymmi & many more. I even threw myself in rock groups like Maroon 5, Paramore, job for a cowboy, and more.
I take all the music and sounds I grew up hearing with me into every musical opportunity or moment. Which I feel makes my sound so diverse.
What am I most proud of?
I think I’m most proud of the continuation of my family’s legacy. Not only the impact that it will have on our family but the world.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see the music industry striving even more within the next 5-10 years. Social media has changed the game a lot it is so easy to get access to people or to show the world your gifts now. You can take the opportunity of social media and grow followers and a movement I’ve seen so many guys get opportunities just because of a post. It’s way easier than ever before. This can be good because you get worldwide feedback but can also be a con if you become too worried about others’ opinions. ” You can be your own worse enemy.” You can use social media as a tool to grow your career, but don’t let it be what validates who you are!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avnno/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayKempp/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7bEBXIvtXpnEItVSx_88fg/videos
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/jaykempofficial
