We recently connected with Hey JP and have shared our conversation below.

Hey JP, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Well, I have always been very entertaining as a young child. When I was 4 years old I started modeling, which lead me to acting and doing commercials in Hollywood. Fast-forward to the YouTube era, I had a gamer channel that taught me the logistics of editing, voiceovers and embedding music. However in my heart I always knew I wanted to pursue music professionally, as I was approaching high school graduation I strictly focused on engineering and producing. The goal was to produce the music, mix, and master it for other artist to be featured on the recordings. But as time went on I was having a hard time finding an artist that fit with the vision, so I begin to write and recorded my own voice to the beats. Another reason I wanted to be a music artist is because I once worked a regular job where I was overworked, underappreciated, and had to endure a hostile environment. I kept telling myself, “I’m not being valued enough.” That realization made me decide to quit that job and focus on a career that I’m truly passionate about and love.

Hey JP, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m incredibly proud to be the lead music engineer for Cruzn Cozy Records at the age 18, a family-owned record label founded by my mother, Tamia Wells, and my sister, Ariyon Wells, who is also one of our featured artists. Being part of this business isn’t just about music it’s about legacy, love, and building something meaningful together. I love the sound identity we’ve built at Cruzn Cozy Records it’s chill, innovative, and culturally diverse. Every mix we release isn’t just about technical polish, it’s about capturing a feeling. Whether it’s Plugnb, Pop-Alternative, R&B, or a turn up vibe. I’m proud that my engineering choices enhance each track rather than overshadow it. The goal was to create a studio culture where artists feel safe to be vulnerable, to explore, and to push sonic boundaries. The engineering process is collaborative here. I don’t just make music I like to craft experiences.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing non-creatives might not fully grasp about my journey is how much of myself I pour into this work even when there’s no clear roadmap, paycheck, or guarantee. As the lead engineer at a family-run label like Cruzn Cozy Records, I’m not just clocking in to mix tracks. I’m carrying the weight of a dream that belongs to my family and turning it into something real, every single day.
There’s also this misconception that creativity is easy or spontaneous. But what people don’t see is the hours spent obsessing over details most ears won’t catch, the emotional labor of helping artists bring vulnerable stories to life, or the mental exhaustion that comes from chasing perfection while staying true to the art.
And because we’re an independent label, we’re building this from the ground up no shortcuts, no big label backing, just passion, purpose, and persistence. That’s the part people don’t always see, the sacrifices behind the scenes, the pressure to wear multiple hats, and the constant need to prove that your work matters.
But that’s also what makes this journey powerful. Every win is personal. Every release is proof that the vision is real. And every time someone connects with the music it reminds me why we do this.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a music engineer and artist is being able to express my personal feelings in a way that connects with others. When I create beats, add vocals, mix/master a song, it tells a story that is difficult to express in ordinary words. Seeing that work resonate with someone else, even a stranger, can be incredibly powerful. Knowing that my work will leave a legacy, inspire others, or capture a moment in time can be deeply motivating. My sound might influence an artist 20 years from now who find my tracks on a playlist and suddenly feel understood. When I leave my mark, I will show others what’s possible. My courage, vulnerability, and sound can open doors for people who didn’t even know they were allowed to walk through.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stacks.li/nk/heyjp
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hey_jppp/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSyfmtH5oZBopiOL8wg1HnQ
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/hey_jp-5306898
• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/hey-jp/1656626486
  https://open.spotify.com/artist/5lGmka12UxrYlpDLPcIbrf