INTERVIEW: JERSEY J
Off Radar sat down with the R&B musician to discuss his roots, inspirations, and how hitting his low point in 2023 sparked deep reflection and musical growth.
Written by Kyle Turrubiate
Photo courtesy of Janine Kamei
With its long list of live music venues, the Texas capital is a hub for new musicians just hitting the scene. Janis Joplin, Willie Nelson, and Daniel Johnston are some of the biggest musical acts to call Austin home, but new breakthrough acts, especially in R&B and hip-hop, are starting to grow traction, as well. One standout is Jersey J, who carried his northeastern swagger to the heart of Texas when he moved to Austin three years ago.
Jeremiah Middleton has been making music under Jersey J for five years now. While always passionate about his music, he is now stepping away from the party scene and committing to music. Off Radar sat down with Jersey J to discuss his roots, inspirations, and how hitting his low point in 2023 sparked deep reflection and musical growth.
Off Radar: What's something about yourself that your listeners don't know but you wish that they did?
Jersey J: My music may be explicit and overly sexual, but I'm actually a very deep person. My music videos and songs definitely show my different sides, but what I wish they would know about me is that I like talking about the meaningful and spiritual things that life offers.
Off Radar: Your most recent single, "Other Side of Nothing," taps into that side. It's almost existential, which is different from your previously released music. What inspired that shift?
Jersey J: Last year, I went through an eviction and couch-hopped. Still, I was very optimistic. After I settled my situation, some inspiration hit me. I started writing song after song. Other Side of Nothing is a new era (for me) because I did a lot of experimenting with my music.
Off Radar: Which musicians inspire you and why?
Jersey J: J Cole, Mac Miller. They inspire me because they resonate with me, and I see a part of myself within them.
Off Radar: Do you want to stay in the R&B scene or see yourself getting into alternative music?
Jersey J: I go with the flow. I'll take on anything if it resonates with me. I will make some songs on the fly when I find inspiration and other times when I hear a beat I like and roll with it.
Off Radar: When you perform live, your energy projects onto people.
Jersey J: I didn't notice it until it became the first thing people would always say to me after watching my shows, but people feed off my energy. I like exciting people, and that's why I enjoy performing live.
Off Radar: What is the R&B scene like in Austin?
Jersey J: The R&B scene here is a little small, but it's still growing. It's helpful to be versed in R&B and hip-hop because people here are often not used to this kind of live music, so it impacts people more. It's cool when I look at these people and see their excitement. Sometimes, I'll make eye contact and feel like I've formed a bond. That's what's cool about performing in Austin – people here make everyone feel like family.
Off Radar: Are you from Austin?
Jersey J: I'm from Jersey; it's in my name! I have lived in six different states, though. New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas. I don't even say I'm from Texas, but that I'm from Austin. It's been my favorite place to live.
Off Radar: How do you think living in these different cities has shaped you or your music?
Jersey J: It's forced me to adapt to different situations. Where I go, I will take in the sounds and slang around me. I have my New Jersey accent, but it's also mixed with other twangs.
Off Radar: Are there specific movies or places that inspire your music videos?
Jersey J: I don't ever really watch movies or TV shows. I'm just weird and think about a lot of crazy shit. My subconscious keeps little visuals in the back of my head from things that I've seen, even if I can't remember where they came from.
Off Radar: What is your music-making process like?
Jersey J: It's always different, but the main thing is finding a beat and going onto Logic Pro X for live recording. I have an at-home studio, so often, I'll record it right then and there so my thoughts don't slip away. I can go into the studio if it's a fun song that doesn't stem from many current emotions. I will record it at home if I want it to be in the moment.