Junior’s Cave Golden Isles Online Magazine presents a new music interview with a highly accomplished musician who is the epitome of the DIY artist. Meet JJ Crowne an eloquent  and energetic indie artist who makes music that captivates and entertains the masses. In this spotlight with this publication, the musician expounds on his musical journey.

Isaac: It’s an amazing time to be a DIY artist/performer/band/musician. What do you enjoy the most about being an indie performer?

JJ: First, I’d say that I’m an indie performer in both senses of the word – I’m “indie” in the regular sense, in that I’m not with any so-called “major” record label. The label that released my record is an indie label named Essential Media Group. I believe I am one of a limited number of new artists they’ve taken a chance with, and for that I’m very grateful. One thing I’m enjoying now is the promotion of this album, and I’m pretty much doing it all on my own in the true Do-It-Yourself/indie tradition.

I personally contact all the radio stations and online magazines, book my own gigs, etc. I enjoy the fact that I can somewhat control where and how I want to be heard and seen, as long as I’m willing to put the time and effort into it. No big label is dictating that “you’ve gotta meet and shmooze this person” or that “you’ve gotta play here if you want to be noticed” etc. — even if I didn’t believe that was the right move for my career. Everything gained becomes a product of one’s own drive, direction and determination as an indie artist, and the playing field is wide open today.

But you could say I’m also an “indie” artist in the literal sense, since I work totally independent of other musicians and producers. Throughout my recording and songwriting career, I have seldom used other musicians. Sure, I’ve played in lots of bands from junior high school days through trying to make money in bar bands in my 20’s. And most of my closest friends are musicians. But I’ve always enjoyed the one-man-band/orchestra/choir thing as far as composing and recording. This album was done totally solo – vocals, all instruments, drum programming, production, etc. and all recorded in my home studio.

My mixing/mastering engineer, Rick Pantoja, was the only other person involved in any of it, and his work came at the very end of the project (unfortunately he had to put up with me directing every mixing session). So it’s even more a of a satisfying feeling when a song clicks with folks and I know that it’s all my baby. Of course, when it doesn’t, there’s no one else to blame but myself. But I love both “indie” aspects of the creative process.

Isaac: If you had an opportunity to sign with a major label, would you sign now knowing you may have to give up some of what you have built up over the years about you in the process?

JJ: It would be a tough call and, of course, it would also have to somehow involve my current label. If the situation were right, maybe I could give up the promotional Do-It-Yourself aspect (it does get a bit tiring, and would give me more time to just “be an artist,” as they say), but I’d still require the creative control to which I’ve become accustomed. Hey back in the day, major labels still let Prince and Todd Rundgren play all the instrumental parts and self-produce their first few albums, so I guess it’s possible to maintain full control over recording an album even with some major labels.

Isaac: I remembered Simon Cowell from American Idol talking about the “it” Factor that makes a musician/band stand out. What do you think is your “it” factor that makes you stand out from others in the music business?

JJ: The songwriting and especially my lyrics. Sure, there will always be better singers, guitarists, bassists and keyboard players than anyone in any musical act, but I like to think my songs all have something unique to say. Also, I’m a bit of a musical chameleon in that I can write in different styles and have never been branded just a folk or rock or country act. The dozens of radio stations that are playing songs from this album are as varied as my styles – some want just the country tunes, others the soft rock songs, and a number of inspirational/religious stations are even playing “Finally Your Turn.” Not too many artists can claim that kind of diversity and it’s something I’m very proud of.

Isaac: Why should music fans listen to your music? Describe what they are going to get when they listen to your music?

JJ: I’d like to think that it makes them think. All of my songs are lyric and message-driven. All of them tell a different story that different types of people can relate to… the lovers, the dreamers, the broken-hearted, the socially-conscious, and folks who just like a good story set to music. I’d also like to think my songs are all well-crafted, catchy and well-produced. I’m told by radio programmers, critics and fans that I don’t sound quite like anyone else. And that’s the way I’d like to keep it.

Isaac: Briefly describe your humble beginnings that led you to where you are at musically now.

JJ: Started playing guitar at age 9 (self-taught, parents couldn’t afford lessons); writing songs at age 12; playing in bands at age 13; teaching myself piano/keyboards at age 16; studied at Oberlin Music Conservatory for a bit at age 18; started recording and producing radio jingles and commercial themes at age 19; composing and recording music for low-budget movies/documentaries at age 21; and started gaining a bit of local notoriety here in Miami for my original songs by age 25 (when I appeared as an opening act for The Mavericks and, believe it or not, sometimes even for Marilyn Manson). In my 30’s, I began composing/recording cues and songs for shows on local television, as well as for PBS, Fox and Univision TV; and in my 40’s, I started producing records for other artists.

The album is available here:  iTunes:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/songs-of-innocence-and-experience/id445090522