We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jawwaad Spann. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jawwaad below.
Jawwaad , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
Over the years, the dynamic between my mother and father has been a profound influence, creating a beautiful, vintage vibe. Their love, talent, morals, principles, finances, and spirituality have all shaped me into more than just a black man. This journey has distilled the beauty of my growth, shaping me into the man I am today. As a multidisciplinary artist, my childhood memories have made me more aware of my influences. From the intimate conversations in barbershops to performing alongside jazz greats like Wynton Marsalis, the African American culture of the west side of St. Louis has made me a student of art, jazz, fashion, and liberation.
Jawwaad , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My introduction to music at the tender age of seven was just the beginning of a lifelong exploration of sound and rhythm. Early on, I discovered that music was not just about hearing but about feeling; it was a medium to convey emotions and stories that words alone could not express. This realization propelled me into the realms of jazz, R&B, and contemporary music, where I found my voice as both a musician and a storyteller.
As a rapper, I channel the raw energy of spoken word to connect with audiences on a different plane. My lyrics are reflections of my experiences, observations, and dreams, serving as a bridge between my inner world and the listeners’. The fusion of rhythm and poetry allows me to engage with people in a direct and impactful way, creating a sense of shared experience.
In the studio, as a producer, I delve into the alchemy of sound. Crafting beats and melodies is a process of transformation, where I layer sounds to construct sonic landscapes that resonate with the heart and soul. Each track is a journey, inviting listeners to explore new territories of emotion and thought.
Ultimately, my goal is to create art that is not only heard and seen but felt and experienced. I am committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity, continually evolving as an artist and as a person. Through my diverse endeavors, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own unique voices and to see the world through the multifaceted lens of art.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
As a saxophonist, producer, rapper, and overall multidisciplinary artist, the most rewarding aspect of my creative journey is the ability to express my innermost thoughts and emotions through a diverse range of mediums. Each discipline provides its own unique avenue for storytelling and self-expression, allowing me to explore different facets of my identity and experiences.
Being a multidisciplinary artist means I am not confined to a single form of expression, which keeps my creativity vibrant and ever-evolving. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness how my work impacts others, inspiring or comforting them unexpectedly. The connection I forge with audiences, whether through a saxophone solo, a beat that moves them, or lyrics that speak to their soul, makes this creative path profoundly rewarding.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
As a multidisciplinary artist, one aspect that non-creatives might struggle to understand about my journey is the fluidity of inspiration and the often nonlinear path of creativity. Unlike conventional professions with clear trajectories and milestones, the creative process can be unpredictable and requires a willingness to embrace uncertainty.
In my experience, inspiration can come from the most unexpected places – a fleeting moment, a piece of music, or a conversation. This means that my work is constantly evolving, sometimes in directions I never anticipated. This unpredictability can be both thrilling and daunting. It requires a level of trust in the process and an openness to explore new mediums or disciplines, which may not always yield immediate or tangible results.
Moreover, the blending of various artistic disciplines involves a continuous learning curve and a commitment to refining skills across multiple areas. This can be challenging, as each discipline demands its own set of skills and ways of thinking. Yet, it’s this very fusion that often leads to innovative and unique expressions, allowing me to tell stories or convey emotions in ways that might not be possible within a single medium.
Understanding and valuing this journey involves recognizing that creativity isn’t just about producing a final product; it’s about the exploration, the experimentation, and the personal growth that occurs along the way. For non-creatives, appreciating this perspective might offer a deeper insight into not just the art itself, but the artist’s world and the intricate web of experiences that shape their creations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Vintvgevibes?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=8b6ca0c5-2769-4368-8207-c24c56272a5a
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jawwaad.spann/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jawwaad-spann-9532092aa/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/NiNj-QXXZAc?feature=shared
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/sqVKwxWwByFQSJ6e8
Image Credits
Muata Spann
Corey Watson 2nd
Trells Eye Photography
Amya Ferguson
Jaliyah Shauntae