We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jonathan Woodle a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jonathan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

My journey as a artist has moved quick and I am thankful for the outcome so far. The thoughts of what I could do better have def. haunted me time to time. The question that haunts me is ” do I wish I had started earlier.” The answer is YES! I complelty envy those who were capable of starting earlier than myself. I truly believe my outcome would have blossomed to the outcome i seek if had the early jump. Unfortunately, my life was a troubled one and it was extremely difficult to even consider music as its very expensive and as a young one my issues and struggles took my time. This being said, I am committed none the less and have surpassed most other local artists I have known or grew up with. I have concluded that your dream has no timeframe to be fulfilled. I look forward with optimism, driven to acquire the results I seek.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Music has been a focal point in my life since a kid. My very first time I can remember being asked “what do you want to be when you grow up” I replied ” A ROCKSTAR”! I had a 90’s bowl cut haircut and a play guitar on that made noise with the keys on it. Now, not only have I toured, made over 100 songs and opened up for famous artists and made radio with my favorite rappers Sirius XM radio station, Eminem’s shade45 none the less have been living out my rockstar dream! I currently focus my talents on hip hop music. I joined this genre from inspiration of Eminem’s pen and storytelling ability. I remember going through a lot and listening to his music gave me hope because the experiences were similar to my life. Noticing the effect music, specifically hip hop had made in my life, I started learning to freestyle. I freestyle 90% of my music as I like to practice the art of being in the studio so that my soul stays prepared with no interruptions of flow. My brand has a purpose to bring the lonely out the darkness, the party to its peak, and the vibrations to its highest potentials. I stand for the kids who are broken and feel lost. This music is more than a career it is medicine and a life saver, and I expect my music to do exactly that. If there is anything I want the reader here to know or anyone who has yet to come across my brand its to be exactly what you want. Fight for it till the death. Only you can make it happen but together we make it happen. Live your dream, do not listen to others who fault you. If you can’t find Nemo now Dory it up and keep it swimming, I’m sure you will when its time if you just “keep swimming’.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I am foster kid. I was in the system from birth being left at the hospital by my biological parents. I was at war immediate upon arrival into this war. I struggled with many issues mainly the abandonment factor. I was in and out of juvey from 16 to 21 and haven’t seen a problem since. I have slept next to toilets with shit in them writing music because it was all i had to keep me motivated from the pain and homelessness I was experiencing. This is only half the story of my life, a true testimony I am and credit is to the highest, Jesus my lord and savior for guiding me and keeping me safe as well as allowing me to do music as a power to implement the power of God’s promise. I now have over 300,000 streams, music on NYC radio stations, shows getting booked on the weekly and fans all over the world. I am not showing any signs of slowing down and my music is crafted from the experiences, Without the pain and suffering I wouldn’t know what to rap about. I am grateful!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I believe the creation of art as an individual is just as important as being a doctor. This being said, I would like to see more of the industry of music come to the aid of the younger talent up and coming. Catering to the youth is a goal of mine once I get to a point to create a place for kids to come and have the support of the best with musical afterschool programs. Implementing the incentive in my opinion would minimize the streets and gangs’ effect and creating alternative to the typical way society designs us. To thrive with the best would create a ultimate conclusion of more amazing art that heals the universe being heard sooner and this is important, especially in a world where hate has a massive hold.

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