OK folks, yes I know it’s been a while since I last posted a “Who’s The Band” article, but I’m proud to say that I’ve had the opportunity to bring you a new artist interview, so lets not waste any more time and get on with it 😉
Q: So how did you come upon the name of your band? Is it the first name you chose?
A: Well When i first started rapping I used to call myself Jodi Da-Rookie. Jodi is my middle name. Or rather one of my middle names. Funny enough my initials are DJ Double R. But that didn’t hold. One day while in class my friend started tagging (writing graffiti) all ova my notebook, home room boredom. And what he wrote was DaReal. And i asked him why, and he said because you always keep it real and say whatever is on your mind. At the time it was funny until i truly started to develop my craft. The artist Jodi DaReal became a total other personality. Darielle (my first name) was shy and kept to her self. Jodi was REAL and wanted everyone to know that.
Q: Tell me a little more about yourself?
A: I moved to NYC from Trinidad when I was ten. I lived all over the city. From Harlem to Brooklyn and now I currently reside in Staten Island. I love my City. I’ve been all over it. High school in Manhattan, Basketball in Harlem, Swim team in the Bronx, Ballet (stopped when i was 13) in the Lower East Side, Swim competitions in Queens, just to name a few. I started writing when I was Ten mostly poetry and started writing lyrics when I was 16. I love having fun and getting lost in the word. I also love to draw every once in a while when im not using my pen for lyrics I’m sketching away.
Q: So what genre of music would you say you are in and who are your major influences?
A: I am devoted to Hip Hop. I love the changes in style and originality. One of my favorite decades of music would have to be the 90’s. I love any and every form of music. As long as it has a good rhythm its on my ipod. My major influences include Lauren Hill, Lil Wayne, Mos Def, Common, Nas, Fabolous. The list is so long lol. I can honestly say that lately Lil Wayne has been the main one in my ear. But i truly believe that though they influenced me my environment inspires me. I don’t really keep up with any of the new releases. Lately i find myself listening to more Jodi DaReal tracks than anything else. Practice makes prefect and with every song i improve.
Q: How long have you band been performing/producing music?
A: Honestly it wasn’t until the summer of 2010 that i decided to share my music with the world. Most of my friends are still surprised at my current interests/hobby. But music is my life. in 2008, when i started my first semester at Penn State Altoona, Spoken Word was my only focus. Each event they had I used as an opportunity to recite my poetry :). Two years later i left that University wanting more. People have said that performance poetry is passionate and full of emotion. This year I’ve been trying really hard to get more people interested in my music. I have not performed yet 🙁 but I’m hoping that will all change soon. I recently entered a Contest hosted my MIMS and the winner gets to open for one of his concerts 🙂 fingers crossed. i think I’m pass nervous because i’ve been anxious about performing for so long. All my songs are recorded on my laptop studio time is not something i can afford right now, so I use what i got. Currently I am enrolled at University at Buffalo and they have no idea what is in store for them. I just need one opportunity to prove that i truly deserve the spot light.
Q: What inspired to to produce your style of music?
A: When i started writing poetry i never even thought i would transition to Rap. I guess you can say I’m a product of my own environment. I embraced everything New York City throw at me and said bring it on. Two people are actually responsible for my lyrically addition. First person was a teacher in high school. I was in a class called Rapso. She encouraged me to think of word in a different way. The song i go to performed was actually a poem at first. It started off as just a class assignment and developed into a love for rap. The second person would have to be my friend Enoch Mars. I met him in the summer of 2010. One day while going through my music, he asked who is Jodi DaReal while playing my song in the background. After going through my playlist he began pushing me. ” you should push your music, it’s really good” if it wasn’t for his nagging lol id still be recording in shadows not letting anyone hear.
Q: Are you signed to a record label (Indie or major)?
A: As of right now, no I am not. I’m truly in the beginning stages. i haven’t made my mixtape yet though i have enough songs now to make maybe three. I feel when the time is right and i reach a level worth the attention ill push the mixtape. First I have to get the people to notice me.
Q: Where can people find your music? Do you have an official website?
A: You can find my music on ReverbNation, check it out. i’m currently working on some new material hoping to put that up soon.
Also if you want to contact me hit me up on twitter: @Jodidareal
Q: Have your ever performed live? If so where and to how many?
A: In High school i performed this song with an old friend of my mine. it was my first time ever performing and also my first time recording. It’s weird because i’m not afraid to be in front of the crowd but there’s still some shaking sounds in my voice. I’m getting better and better at hiding this. As i said in the previous question, I’ve done a number of poetry performances but I’m waiting for my chance to shine lyrically.
Q: Who writes/produces the music and/or lyrics to your tracks?
A: I write and record all the music on my page through my mac. I never use pen and paper. I feel pages constantly get lost that way. Some of my original beats are produced by Kid Stampede. Check him out on reverb as well he’s under my music recommendations. I am my editor, my promotion team, my writer, and stylist. Working hard on my own until I have a larger support class.
Q: How would you describe your music-making process?
A: Some of my routines i will keep secret 😉 but for the most part I like to listen to the instrumental all the way through to hear when the ups and downs of the beat come in. Once that’s finish i’ll hum how i want the flow of words to sound on the track. Easy parts done, then the writing beginnings
Q: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
A: My biggest challenge right now is trying to get noticed and also trying to get performances. I haven’t overcome it yet but i know soon opportunity will be knocking on my door 🙂
Q: What’s your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
A: Money, who doesn’t want it. i mostly just want to bring back that quality of music Hip Hop used to be known for. I feel like things have become so commercial, where its mostly about what you’re wearing or how crazy you can make your voice sound. When at the end of the day only the words matter.
Q: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
A: my only advice is be yourself. Some people will like you and some wont. You want to be able to look yourself in the mirror and say i didn’t sell out. And don’t be afraid to be real.
Q: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
A: Fans can get access to my music through the same website i listed above www.reverbantion.com/jodidarealrogers
Q: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
A: My friends and family have truly had my back since day one no matter what. Want to give a shout out to Blazing Minds herself for RT every tweet i posted. Also want to shout out Mars Productions and the founder, Enoch Mars. One Love
Q: Any last words?
Its funny/
my life is like a song on repeat/
quick stand/ tips land/ fingers pointing/ say its me/
but it aint ova/ imma tru surviver/
once a child/ searching for her destiny/
the best of me/ even I cant write/
without J. O .D Inside of me/
so I sit still/
waiting for my-epiphany/
words they flow outta me/
stress shadows my clarity/
in a time loop/ repeating days/
that I don even remember see/
oh I feel so heavenly/
jus grew my angel wings/
higher than empire b/ 🙂
————-
A big thanks to Jodi for the interview and don’t forget to check out her music 😉
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
