Features : Exclusive Interview with Jerry T Funky

Artist Spotlight: Jerry T Funky

The track “Vogue” began as a small joke as Jerry dwelled on the classic track “Flashing Lights” and began to think about the other parts of the camera and the process of taking pictures.

Our conversation with Jerry T Funky takes us inside the mind of a creative powerhouse — and what continues to inspire them.

FreshMusicWorld: How do you typically move from an initial idea to a finished piece of work?

Jerry T Funky: It depends, but usually by a building around my initial idea. Most tracks come to me naturally, others take a little bit of experimentation - messing with a synthesizer, the composition, my other instruments.

FreshMusicWorld: What part of the creative process do you find most challenging?

Jerry T Funky: For a long time, most of my life, I found lyrics to be the most challenging aspect of writing music. I strictly used to write instrumentals from six years old because of that. This is why I sometimes choose to start with lyrics, getting the hard part out of the way for future smooth sailing. It gives me a chance to use lyrics more.

FreshMusicWorld: How do you maintain a connection with listeners as your work evolves?

Jerry T Funky: One way I hope to maintain a connection with my listeners is through my regular live streams as a DJ. That way, you may still be able to appreciate my artistry no matter where I am or what may come up. I also hope to maintain a connection with my listeners by uploading works in progress to my SoundCloud, so that way you can stay updated to my most current unreleased projects.

FreshMusicWorld: What role do listeners play in motivating you to continue creating?

Jerry T Funky: To be honest, I have always made music for me. That being said, I find it very special that other people relate to it and enjoy it. Because of this sense of community, I find myself inspired to make more and more music, rather than simply an emotional outlet for myself when necessary.

FreshMusicWorld: What aspects of your latest project feel most representative of where you are now?

Jerry T Funky: I think this song offers a unique perspective into where I am now by showing the evolution of Jerry T Funky to more than just funk and house music. I also like to rap, I also like techno. I am also non-binary, but more than that I am all of these things.

FreshMusicWorld: Were there any unexpected challenges that shaped the final outcome?

Jerry T Funky: An unexpected challenge I faced creating this would have been recording the overdubbed vocal “ad-libs”. I am very thankful to my recording engineer, Fil, who helped me solve that issue, capturing the idea I had in my head. This was one of those tracks that came naturally.

FreshMusicWorld: What skills have become more important to you as your career has progressed?

Jerry T Funky: I’d have to say my studying piano. As much as at the time, I may have disliked my stern teachers growing up, and through college, I have grown to appreciate them and the lessons they taught me.

FreshMusicWorld: How do you evaluate which opportunities are worth pursuing?

Jerry T Funky: Knowing your value is important. I learned this when playing my first sold-out show. Not every stage is worth one’s time.

FreshMusicWorld: Have there been any recent shifts in the way you think about your sound or style?

Jerry T Funky: Recently, I have begun to make more tech-house, like you hear in “Vogue”, but before this, I was making more ‘funk style’ house music. I know that I will always remain true to my funk roots, but I’m glad to expand upon the house genre at large.

FreshMusicWorld: What influences your decisions when experimenting with new musical ideas?

Jerry T Funky: I listen a lot. To the old stuff, the new stuff - everything. Sometimes after a listening session, I’ll be so inspired, and I’ll start right off creating. However, instead of trying to remake a song or melody, I’ll take one piece of what inspired me, focusing on what I can bring to the table.