Exclusive Interview with J57

J57 
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Mikhail Stukov 
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Mikhail Stukov: So J57, tell us a little about yourself, where your from? How you incorporated the name J57?

J57: My name is J57. I'm an emcee/producer from Brooklyn, NYC, by way of Long Island. I'm in the groups Brown Bag AllStars, Koncept & J57 and Tigereye.  My homie Audible Doctor (also from Brown Bag AllStars) gave me the name J57 because my first name is James and my last name is Heinz.  I went by JLOG1C for ten years then decided it was time for a change/a new a little more suiting. 

Mikhail Stukov: When did you first become interested in music?

J57: I've been a fan of music my entire life but didn't start making music until I was in high school.  My good friends Ports & Hi-Q taught me how to rhyme and I haven't been able to stop since.  We used to cipher all day and night with another good friend named Vein.  

Mikhail Stukov: What has been the key to your success?

J57: Disgusting work ethic. Grueling hours.  No sleep - even when I really, really need it.    

Mikhail Stukov: When it comes to your beats, what motivates/inspires you?

J57: I'm motivated by my love of creating music / being a musician.  I wake up early every day, feeling like it's Christmas morning - I just love to create.  I'm inspired by all times of different genres of music.  Anything from a Gang Starr joint to a CHVRCHES joint to a Demi Lovato joint to a random, obscure jazz song that I hear on the radio can inspire me.  Any of them can make me want to get in the studio work. I kid you not.

Mikhail Stukov: Who are your favorite producers of all time?

J57: DJ Premier, J Dilla, Dangermouse, DJ Khalil, Timbaland, Exile.

Mikhail Stukov: Whats the best piece of advice that has been ever given to you?

J57: "You only get one first impression." One of my best friends; Ports who passed away 2 yrs ago, gave me that advice back in 2002 and it changed the way I think forever.  I make each beat and write each verse knowing that it will be my first impression for someone, so it has to be as good as possible. 

Mikhail Stukov: What are your thoughts on how things are going in the music industry right now?

J57: The industry is pretty bizarre right now, as we all know, but I like it.  I love the fact that 50 Cent can not be on a major label and still be able to compete because of the internet.  I also know that because of the internet, the industry is in shambles, but at the end of the day it's a big catch22. 

Mikhail Stukov: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment ?

J57: Having DJ Premier tell me that he likes my music. Period. The end. I can die happy haha.

Mikhail Stukov: Please tell me about your typical day

J57: If I don't have any meetings or day time studio sessions, a typical day for me goes like this:

• I wake up at 8am.
• Check email as quick as possible so I won't be distracted.
• I make a beat or two.
• Take a short break around noon and work out.
• Write a verse.
• Make more beats.
• Take a short break around 4ish.
• Maybe write another verse again if I feel inspired to.
• Work on beats til approx 8:30pm.

Mikhail Stukov: What’s one artist you would want to work with and why ?

J57: Bruno Mars. I think he's an incredibly talented song-writer and producer. I think I could learn a lot about song making from someone like him. I really think he and I could make some insane shit together. 

Mikhail Stukov: Any new projects coming out soon ? what can we expect from this projects?

J57: I have a ton of stuff coming out this year but the next release is more than likely going to be Koncept & J57 "The Fuel" EP. I can't wait for that to drop!

Mikhail Stukov: Thank you very much for your time J57. Anything else you want to add?

J57: Thank YOU for interviewing me!  I'd like to add that I can't wait for 2015. That's going to be THE year. Quote me on it.