PRODUCER
Jesse James McKenzie a/k/a J-Soul
A family legacy…
Soul Entertainment
What is your career background and where are you
from? I‟m a native of Houma, LA. I‟ve been playing
music…the (piano), since the age of 3 years old. I
furthered my education at Fullsail University where
I received a degree in Science.
What or who inspired you to do music? My inspiration came from the church as taught to me by my
parents, who played a major role in helping me further my music career by placing me in a Jazz Class
and encouraging me to go after my dream. I was
also influenced by Stevie Wonder, B.B. King, Dr.
Dre, Mannie Fresh, Ray Charles & Timberland.
What would you say your journey in the music industry has been like? My journey has been the most enjoyable part because I‟ve learned so much. I‟ve had
doors closed in my face which only made me
stronger and more dedicated to not a job…but a way
of life and I‟m not stopping until I return music back
to the forefront.
What’s the one thing you want everyone to know about you? I would love everyone to know that I‟m a hard working,
dedicated person with a passion for music and I‟m also willing to learn from any and everyone. Most of all…that “ I
can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me.”
Tell us about your previous and upcoming work as an artist? I produced for artists such as Dolo, Co Ruf, Sac Religious, Hosleholica, Layla Mone‟, Novilist, Riley Pierson, Ms. Wade, Cheeia Johnson, LaRissa, Brenning, Lamar
Lawshe, Todd Walker, Braveheart Federation, Chris Jackson (N.A.P.S. Knowledge), played keyboard in the
Mosiac Band as well as numerous churches. Affiliation with Rogers Smith, as Co-Producer & Colleague. Affiliation with Teddrick Ward as personal consultant.
If a major label were interested in you, what should they know about you as a producer? I‟m a hard-working, humble, dedicated and patient person who goes after what he wants because I‟ve
been anointed by GOD and Blessed by talent.
In your own words, please explain…What goes on inside the mind of J-Soul
when producing a hot track? It depends, everything I do is all based off emotions, feelings and impulse. Nothing is premeditated. My tracks might start off
how I‟m feeling today. I want the artist to feel what I‟m feeling. Like, I let the
instruments tell the story. The Piano…illustrates the pain. The Base Line…
plays the role of the counselor—it soothes, takes you on a ride. Drums…the atmosphere and background—creates the scenery. The Saxophone…is the soul of
the music. That‟s my blue print.
For More Info:rmation:
Jesse J. McKenzie
267 T. Leigh Dr.
Houma, LA 70364
(985) 637-2966
What is the one thing you want everyone to
know about you? The one thing I want
everyone to know about me is that I’m
very ambitious, unique and talented. I
want that to be reflected through my
music.
If a major label wee interested in you,
what should they know about you as an
artist? If I were signed by a major
label, they should know that I’m a
musician as well as a singer and I
want my music to always have a jazz
Tell us about your previous and upcoming feel or root to it for my dad’s sake.
work as an artist? So far, I’ve collaborated
What advice would you give to aspiring
with two local artists, “Pay Homage
artists? Thee advice that I would give
Ent.” and Young Zel with “Beat Box
to aspiring artists is to never stop and
Music.” I’ve performed at the New
never give up. Success comes to those
Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival,
French Quarter Festival, The House of who work hard for it.
Blues and the Apollo Theatre in new
What is your contact information? For
York. I plan to do many more
collaborations and performances in the Booking Contact: 504-495-6077 or
email [email protected]
future. As for now my gigs have been
spur-of-the-moment.