Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with John-Robert

Rising artist and producer John-Robert is a once-in-a-lifetime talent—but don’t take our word for it, just ask mega-producer Ricky Reed who has sung John-Robert’s praise, or take a look at the millions of streams he’s accumulated worldwide. We recently caught up with John-Robert to chat about his new single, “USMO (You Should Move On)”, how he gained a stronger sense of self through music, and his upcoming project.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
John-Robert: I feel everyone takes a liking to music, otherwise you’re inhumane. [laughs] I knew I wanted to be a musician since I was eight. I started producing at fifteen. I didn’t have much luck dating when I was younger, and I wasn’t particularly outgoing. As a result, I spent a lot of time alone. It was the right kind of neglect that led me to make music. At the same time, I had intrusive thoughts and insomnia, so music was an outlet and gave me a sense of purpose. I ultimately had an epiphany that if I wasn’t in existence, neither would the things I make. Music gave me value and meaning, and that’s where my deeper appreciation and love for music stems from.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
John-Robert: My mentor, collaborator, and friend Ricky Reed. He saw the potential in me and plucked me out of my small town in Virginia. He introduced me to my housemate, Junior Mesa, and is the reason I have a family and career in Los Angeles. He taught me that making music isn’t about whether the drums knock or not, but at the end of the day, is about conveying a feeling. He has shown me that you can never run out of things to learn, and ways to experiment with sound. Lastly, he masterfully preserves the integrity of a tune and enhances it as opposed to drowning it out with production.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
John-Robert: I’d opened up for Leon Bridges in Ohio, and that made me want to master performing live. At the time, I was living and working at the Nice Life recording studio. I had an inside joke with the staff about the idea of purchasing a middle finger mask. One day, Bradley Haering (GM of Nice Life Recordings) surprised me with said mask, but the mask ended up being laced with chemicals that burned our eyes, so we ended up leaving the mask in the bathtub. Lo and behold, Leon was recording that day and nature was calling. The mask ended up on his Instagram story, and I felt I had subliminally influenced pop culture. That was cool.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “USMO”. What inspired the song?
John-Robert: I was in a relationship that had a falling out. I felt many songs went to either an extreme “Fu-k you, it’s over” or “I will always love you”. The sentiment of caring for someone deeply yet setting boundaries was a theme I wanted to explore. Breakups are tough, but taking space and improving yourself can make you a better partner in the future, whether the relationship is with the same person or another.

PC: You’re getting ready to release a new body of work. What can fans expect from Healthy Baby Boy, PT. 1? What do you hope to say as an artist?
John-Robert: For Healthy Baby Boy PT. 1, I’ve gotten to experiment more with songwriting, production, synths, etc. Each tune was written with a certain memory or emotion in mind. What I talk about in my music are fears and stories that I’ve lived through. My first goal is fulfilling my sense of purpose and need for expression. After that, I can only release the tune and hope someone, somewhere can internalize and relate to the sentiment of the piece.

PC: How scary was that decision to move from Virginia to Los Angeles? What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you made that transition?
John-Robert: I had a job opportunity lined up and a place to live, so I wasn’t afraid of moving. However, I wish I knew that I was a good songwriter and am a joy to be around. I thought I was a dumb, undeserving teenager who got lucky. I was shy when sharing my ideas and slow to go out of my way to meet new people. I just had so much yet to prove myself and others. I still do.

PC: You’ve released a few singles throughout the years. If you had to pick one song that best encompasses who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
John-Robert: “Healthy Baby Boy”, hands down: stream of consciousness writing style, is in an alternate tuning, deeply autobiographical, catchy, and experimental. I can’t exactly pin the tune to a genre, and it makes me excited to make music. The bridge is explosive, and the final verse calls back to each of the verses and provides a sense of optimism and closure.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
John-Robert: 100 gecs.

PC: First album you bought?
John-Robert: Songs About Jane by Maroon 5.

PC: First concert you attended?
John-Robert: Sugarland.

PC: An album that changed your life?
John-Robert: Carrie & Lowell by Sufjan Stevens.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
John-Robert: The Smell.

PC: A must-have on the road?
John-Robert: Swedish Fish.

To keep up with John-Robert, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify. Pick up or stream “USMO” today. Watch John-Robert’s new music video for “Damn Bean” below!