Today we’d like to introduce you to J E M Z.
J E M Z, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started making music first when I was about 14. I didn’t take it seriously until about 16 when I met some friends who were involved in recording music. I eventually graduated to needing videos but I had nobody to film for me, so I learned how to do it myself. That turned into offering film services for others while still recording music. I also didn’t have anybody to record my music so I had to learn how to do that myself. Eventually, I knew the concept of the whole music thing from writing, recording, visuals, branding, investing, business, etc.
Through the journey of learning how to perfect a craft I loved, I was dealing with personal life issues such as homelessness, unemployment, circumstances around me, family issues, etc. So, I never had the chance to sit down & orchestrate a strategy for this music thing until 2017. In 2017, I was able to financially stabilize myself to the point where I could sit back & plan what I wanted to do. I moved to Los Angeles, CA from Boston, MA to pursue my dreams of music, film, modeling, fashion, etc. Just anything entertainment period. Since moving to LA, I’ve met so many amazing people willing to extend a hand & build another level above where we are. It motivated me to do more, but also live more. I’ve always moved around so I’ve been kind of a loner, but I’ve always been an entertainer without insecurities. At this point, I’m in Hollywood, CA chasing goals & knocking doors down.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, definitely not. If I could be honest, I’d say this journey has been the hardest thing to do in my life. I’ve had to sacrifice so much to be able to either learn or progress. examples like friends going to parties or celebrations but you can’t go because you want to be in the studio or filming visuals, or trips/vacations that you pass on due to you not wanting to miss opportunities. I know it sounds dumb to some but to us artists, our creativity & progression is key to our success so anything I can do towards my creativity, I will do. So, you might love those camping trips or flights to Vegas but I need to be in the studio or with a camera near me creating whenever I feel it, which in turn, is practice & practice makes progress. “Put in the work” is exactly what I’ve based my life on. Missing out on so many memories for lonely nights in a room with a mic & a laptop.
J E M Z – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My company is called TNL music group which stands for “the next level” & it’s mostly an entertainment company. I myself am a recording artist, recording engineer, graphic designer, videographer, photographer, songwriter, actor, model, fashion designer, & creative director. I’ve always loved this industry or type of work, so I’ve always been attracted to learning how to do it. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge & experience over the years.
I think im most proud of the fact that I’ve overcome all the negativity thrown my way so far & still manage to stand tall with a smile. I always have been focused on growth & achieving goals. I was on a bumpy road early on in life, I had trouble with the law, I was in the streets, no money, sometimes no food, & nobody wants to be around a bum so, in turn, I had no real friends. just going through hell. But now, I live in Hollywood, USA. The entertainment capital of the world & I’m actively pursuing my dreams. I’m happy just to wake up here every day.
The thing that sets me apart from most is the fact that I’m detail oriented & annoyingly a perfectionist. I also do so many things when others can do one or two of what I can do. I also have a burning passion for creating, so I do it constantly every day.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Having the chance to personally meet certain people I looked up to growing up in a more comfortable environment than a meet & greet or premiere. I’m actually meeting these people, having intimate conversations with them & creating relationships with people I watched as a kid or coming up. It still humbles me every day. Makes me think every day, “anything is really possible” I am living proof. Being able to be in the room with some of the people I have is already a blessing in itself. I was set up to fail like a lot of others.
Pricing:
- Audio Recording/Editing – $40 & Up
- Film – $275 & Up
- Graphics – $20 & Up
- Photography – $40/hr
- Songwriting – Contact For Info
- Modeling – $250-500 Day Rate / $125-250 Half Day
Contact Info:
- Email: TNLCBooking@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingjemzsmg
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JEMZ617
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/kingjemzsmg
Image Credit:
@slimt.artwork & @stackmoneyfilms
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