I was doing the open mics, but I was really only performing in front of other artists. I wasn’t gaining any traction or building a fan base. I had to strategize about gaining an organic fan base. Being on the road has helped with that. Getting out with the people has been good.
U.G. Digital Mag: In terms of overall artistry, talk about direction. Clearly, you’re from Atlanta, but it’s so many artists there. How do you manage to stand out as a new artist in a place where there’s so many, and in a way that people will take notice? I think you have a lot of talent there, but it’s just too many people to get noticed like you would expect.
Jean D’eau: I make music that I feel at the end of the day. I don’t go tot the studio and sit there drinking. I go when I feel inspired and can make the best music. When I go, I already know what I want to do, so I think it’s just about keeping the music pure. I talk about my life, experiences, being an independent artist, doing a bid, and I’m not trying to follow the trend of getting on the latest trap beat.
I just have to keep mashing the gas. I can’t slack up now that I’m getting recognition.
U.G. Digital Mag: It’s dope though, because every few years we hit this lull in the game where not many are doing much. It’s funny because my son is eleven, and some things I catch because of him. I’m often behind the times. I really just caught on to Future’s “Wicked”, and it’s really because of the state of music. It’s hard to give a lot of music a chance because you feel like you just won't get your money’s worth. But then after so long, someone like you comes out, and it’s like redemption. It’s why I can appreciate this album, and taking people in a direction they haven’t gone in a long time.
Jean D’eau: Right, because I’m still not even done. I just released it in January. That’s a long time these days because it’s new music dropping everyday. The reason this has such an upside is that you can listen to it at all times. Its not an album you listen to two or three times and put it down. You catch something new every time you listen. Right now, I can play Reasonable Doubt, and still get something out of it that I didn’t get before. Every time I hear it, I hear something new.
I’m creating the new wave, and a brand new element. Even though it’ll take me a little longer, I’ll have more longevity than the typical artist. When you create the trends, and you’re versatile and can adapt to the climate, your longevity is better.
U.G. Digital Mag: You speak on longevity, and that’s another thing that many don’t talk about. Have you looked in terms of where you want to go artistically? I ask that because you have so many people looking at you now.
Jean D’eau: At the end of the day, I look at it like a contact sport. I’m competitive and want to be the best. I have to constantly fine tune my style and craft to compete at this level. I compete with myself as well as whoever is at the top of the charts. I’m trying to be the best, and in order to do that, I have to stand the test of time. It’s crazy because I’m just starting to get the recognition I should have had a long time ago. As good as I rap, I should have been on. I learned, though, that it’s much more than talent. You won’t get anywhere without budget, and timing. Now, I’m in a good space.