MUSIC FEATURE ARTICLE

1. Music Article:
Rhythm Magazineinterview the up-and-coming R&Bartist ‘JO$HY’ at his sound
studio, having had a troublesome upbringing in North London the 21-year-old
has made a name for himself in the UK music industry. Having released 2 EPs in
2016 (‘JO$HYII’& ‘RISEUP’), his styleis unique having started off with a
smooth musical elegance but his emphasis in having important lyrics is more
prominent, consisting of fluid vocals and addictive melodies.
JP: “Well first, how has the New Year been for you so far?”
JO$HY: “The New Year has been fantastic: my recent EP ‘RISEUP’ has had a
great reception since dropping in December, I’vebeen nominated for a BRITin
the ‘British Breakthrough Act’ category, and I have a lot of plans for
collaborations and making new songs this year.”
JP: “I think that’s a great place to startthis interview. How do you feel about
your recent success?”
JO$HY: “It’s allcome so quickly!(laughs) The reception has been so
unexpected and I can’t be any happier with the outcome. You see I grew up in
a very rough neighbourhood in Islington. Living with my mum and my brother,
every night we would be woken up by gunshots. Back in school, making music
was the only way I could get my thoughts across to people you know?”
JP:”I totally understand, it would have been a hard upbringing.”
JO$HY: “Itwas. I frequently mention my hood in my songs to show that,
despite having bad memories of the place, Islington is still my home. I’m trying
to represent… many of my oldest fans know this.”
JP: “I got to say I personally havebeen a fan of yours sinceyour SoundCloud
days and remember telling my co-workers hereat Rhythm to watch out for
JO$HY, and here you are. You were signed under a contract with the
‘MOTOWN’ record label and here you are.”
JO$HY: “Yeah the signing with ‘MOTOWN’ was a major relief; I couldn’t wait to
release an album! I got started straightaway in the sound studio we happen to
be in right now, and it suddenly dawned on me: this is my massivebreak.”
JP: (nods) “Your first EP ‘JO$HYII’released in July and was met with huge
acclaim, reaching No. 3 on the UK charts.”

2. JO$HY: “‘JO$HYII’ was a major leap from my beginnings. I gotcalls from fellow
artists such as Tinie Tempah and Adele congratulating me for its release and
giving me all sorts of praise. Itwas a massiveleap into the industry and I’m so
grateful.”
JP: “Itwas a great album. However, ‘RISEUP’ released later that year and
received even greater acclaim for you, landing you with a BRITnomination.”
JO$HY: “The BRITnomination was a massiveaccomplishment. Even if I don’t
win it I’vebeen in the industry for 6 months and already have a nomination in
a major awards organisation!I would never have dreamt of this in school, it is a
big achievement for me.”
JP: “Well all the best for you at the awards ceremony, I will be rooting for you
all the way.”
JO$HY: “Ah, cheers bro. Here’s hoping! (crosses fingers)”
JP: “On both your EPs covers you are seen wearing a black hoodie in a dark
London setting, surrounded with a gang of people. Is therea reason for you are
portraying yourself in this way?”
JO$HY: “As I said earlier I am an Islington boy and I’m justtrying to represent.
I’mjustportraying the ends I grew up in and I’m not letting the music industry
get to my head; I’mstill that North London boy. On my road every day, 24/7,
you would see people in hoods and balaclavas going up the road on bikes,
intimidating the people who lived in the area. I’m justdisplaying this to my
audience on the cover?”
JP: “So you are trying to stick to your roots?”
JO$HY: “Exactly.”
JP: “That’s good then. I love to see that in an artist; embracing the futurein a
way but still remembering where you came from. Would you not say these are
conventions of a Grime artist at all?”
JO$HY: “They are but don’tbe confused, I am an R&B artist first. I justlike to
make references to my area.”
JP: “Would you say you have any influences for your style of music?”

3. JO$HY: “Usher had the most influence on my aspirations to be an R&B artist.
The guy is justcool and suave! He’s really an idol of mine. Hopefully, one day
I’lldo a collaboration with him, I’d really love to do that.”
JP: “Let’s hope that all comes together. Do you have any more albums lined up
to release soon or even a tour you’ll be doing soon?”
JO$HY: “I feel like it’s too early to confirm or speculate about anything but I
plan to do big things during the restof 2017, so stayed tuned my people!”
JP: (laughs) “It’s been a pleasureto haveyou here JO$HY, weat Rhythm wish
you even greater success.”
JO$HY: (both shakehands) “Oh it has been a pleasure, thanks for having me.”