We were lucky to catch up with Jonathan Butler recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jonathan , appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

As an artist, I believe there is often a misconception that I am merely adopting a persona or character. However, it’s important to understand that the music I create reflects real-life experiences and is intended to resonate with my fans and audience. On the other hand, my personal style and presentation are distinct from my true self when I remove the “Exclusive” mask. Jonathan and Exclusive exist as two separate entities, yet they are intrinsically connected. Jonathan represents the core essence and driving force behind my artistic endeavors, while Exclusive embodies the outward expression of those emotions and thoughts, providing fans with something to connect with—the brand.

Jonathan , 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?

Introducing myself to some of reintroducing myself to others I am Exclusive a Pop Rap artist based out of Cincinnati, OH I built my interest in music at an early age by watching my father doing audio engineering and one day he had me record something for a project he was working on, from that moment I knew my love for music was blooming. I released my first studio single in 2017 and have devoted myself to learning the craft, music business, and music industry.

What sets me apart is there can only be one me hence the name Exclusive; many people make music, the same genre might use the same beat(s) but the story you tell on the tracks, the lyrics, and melodies you choose that’s special to you and that’s what I pride myself on is being me. Drake said it best, “Mike never tried to rap like Pac, Pac never tried to sing like Mike”.

If there was one main thing I want fans and potential fans to know is I am an artist which means I’m going to keep growing and evolving the core values will always be there, the artists you gravitated to when you heard my first song that made you a fan will always exist but to be the role model and artist that transcends across generations and makes timeless music I have to keep evolving.

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?

Yeah, my creative journey resembles a roller coaster ride, filled with intense emotions, moments of burnout, and a constant fluctuation in my love for the craft. I believe all creatives feel this, as what the world and fans witness is merely a fraction, not even 3%, of the amount of work we truly undertake.

Sure, I love the thrill of performing shows and releasing music that brings joy to your lives while you work out or drive. However, what often goes unnoticed are the countless hours spent scouring for the perfect beats or loops to create a foundation for my songs. The rewriting sessions to craft the “perfect” lyrics, the extensive time spent in the studio fine-tuning every aspect of the music, and even after all that, the tremendous effort involved in marketing the songs or albums.

Personally, I’ve sent over 500+ emails to blogs, seeking promotion, and reaching out to playlist curators in hopes of getting my songs added. I’ve pursued opportunities to perform as an opening act, contacting numerous venues, and tirelessly sought funding to support my artistic endeavors. And all of this has to be balanced with the demands of maintaining a regular life and holding a 9-5 job.

When you’re just starting out, you become your own manager, artist, sometimes even engineer, producer, and PR personnel. While you gain a lot of knowledge and experience, it also leaves you susceptible to burnout, as your focus is divided among multiple responsibilities. Burnout can significantly impact the creative process, hindering my ability to fully channel my artistic vision.

So, as an artist, it’s important for me to acknowledge the behind-the-scenes efforts, challenges, and sacrifices that go into creating the music you enjoy. It’s a journey filled with passion, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of artistic expression.

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

Easily put support them as you would if they were already famous. Any major artists were once independent artists hustling to build their brand and visibility. So, if you support them and want to see them at that level show up for the now as you would when they are mainstream. If they have merch go ahead and buy it; it’s getting recycled back into their career, if they have performances buy tickets, bring someone, and be present artists learn who they are when they have performed in front of empty rooms and empty crowds, a supporter learns who that artists are when they start to see the rooms fill up. Nothing is more rewarding than being a day-one supporter of artists and you walk the journey with them to those larger stages.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exclusive_jb_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealexclusivemusic?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Gq1kdww81bW3oiv6VUn9w
• Other: https://cloudpresskit.com/cpk/exclusive-jb