Julz West On Doing It It On His Own
With smooth vocals and a positive attitude, it’s hard to not fall in love with Julz West. Hailing from London, the artist effortlessly creates music that you can groove to and uplift you. His latest single ‘I’ll Do It On My Own’ is an empowering new single that flips a unhealthy look into the industry and personal side into something inspiring.
We sit down with Julz, and he tells us how he keep motivation going, how his Caribbean roots affect his music and how impatience makes him work harder.
You song is so chill and catchy, how did you come up with it?
Thank you. It started with me having a little idea for a bass riff in my head. I then picked up my bass and started playing in the bass line. Around that kind of time I had been experiencing a bunch of let downs and disappointment, within the industry and my personal life. So I pictured how amazing it would feel being on the other side of that, having reached the things I wanted to, without the help I thought I needed. With the attitude from the bass, I started humming the chorus melody and threw in the words “I did it on my own”.
You come from Caribbean roots, could you tell us how that got into your music?
I grew up with Caribbean music being played in my household from a young age. I never really actively payed so much attention to it though to be very honest. I never dived into it or latched onto it and sought out the artists I would hear or explore more of it. But I feel the music of it all has been embedded into me on a level that I’m still discovering. It just feels very natural to me. Reggae and R&B comes very natural in terms of writing and production so I’ve been trying to steer away a little lately just to learn more and expand my range.
What other projects are you working on?
I’m starting to work on projects with other artists in mind. Landing a major placement has been something I’ve wanted for a while so I’m trying to write more and present more of my ideas. I’m also challenging myself to release more music this year personally as it’s definitely been a while and there are some fun ideas I’d love to get out there.
You're a D.I.Y artist, tell us how you find the determination to do it all?
Impatience. I just can’t sit around still for too long. Especially when I want something to happen, and I genuinely feel like it’s supposed to happen, I feel it becomes my mission to achieve that. Often times i’ll think quite far ahead to the future so whether that’s tours or songs for other artists and the amount of people that would be able to make great experiences and memories to the music. If I don’t keep pushing forward then I’d be stealing those moments away from them.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I see myself working with more creatives around the world. Helping them bring their ideas to life and enjoying it all. Also collaborating with some of my heroes and touring would be great.
You're now in Japan, how is it?
I absolutely love it out here. The vibe is so different, it feels so refreshing especially as a creative. I’ve been fortunate to connect with some really great people this side and I’m excited to see how things go.
If music could take you anywhere where would it be?
Honestly, I would’ve said Japan a few years ago so I’m extremely grateful to be here now. I’d also love to explore music in South America too. Besides from location though, in terms of “where” - I would love to be at a point where I can collaborate with creatives around the world freely and also perform more often.