We recently connected with J Nauti and have shared our conversation below.

J, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I began my journey as a music producer by experimenting with FL Studio and a bunch of virtual instruments. Over time, I honed my skills by producing hip hop and pop songs using samples. Major influences for me at the time were Timbaland and Pharrell.

Looking back, I would have sought out more courses on music theory, production engineering, and songwriter. Then focused more on collaborating and publishing projects consistently.

Mixing skills are very important for my sound design. I favor heavy bass and big vocals. Also, experimenting with different song arrangements can help create different ways to present your ideas to listeners.

J, 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?

I started in the music industry over 10 years ago. Originally I started out as a rapper, and transitioned to music production. I was always interested in how everything was created. For me, music is another way to communicate emotions and share stories.

When I started out as a producer my name was Blackheart. Later I changed it to J Nauti because it felt more like me. At the same time I started Audio Swagger Records. This label includes my long time collaborators “G-NI The Chosen” and “Deuce G”. We specialize in modern sounds for pop and hip hop. We offer services for songwriting, music production, engineering, and marketing. Creating the music is the 1st step but not the last.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

NFTs are very interesting to me. I’m all in on new technology like this. Crypto, and NFTs can really change the game for creatives in reference to the digital landscape. With NFTs, an artist can create unique products and experiences to share with fans. Very different than simply streaming the music online. I’ve seen an artist sell one single NFT for more than $20k. It can with a secret song that’s not out, artist meet/greet, and merch. Do your research and look into it. Come up with an offering that makes sense to you and your fans.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

We need creatives in this world. Subtract us and no more art, movies, TV, YouTube, fashion, food, architecture or music. It’s all connected. Society needs to put more money and focus on creatives. Creating more space for people like myself to learn and develop our art for them to feel and experience.

Until that day comes I will do my part and give back. I’m currently developing a music production workshop with a local music studio in Atlanta called Terror Dome ent. We’ll have limited spots available to start and next year we’ll expand the program.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/therealjnauti
• Instagram: Instagram.com/therealjnauti
• Other: Therealjnauti.com Audioswagger.com