Meet J Rochet | Artist/Music Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with J Rochet and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi J, what principle do you value most?
I believe that Honesty isn’t only vital for our character and moral ethic, but also to connect with my audience. When it comes to music, I feel people can see through (or in this case, Hear through) an artist that doesn’t “walk the walk”. I like to wear my heart on my sleeve when I’m writing, not only because I feel that it makes me connect with people who may feel the same way, but also because it sets free all my emotions, much like an open confessional. “Truth will set you free”.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I don’t necessarily like to establish a definitive genre inn my music, but I love the rock n roll aggressive attitude in my music, wether it be me making my music, or producing for others. Like I mentioned earlier, I wear my heart on my sleeve in regards of what I write about, Love, Loss, Faith, and Protest. listening from Led Zeppelin to Muse, James Brown to Kanye, Draco to J Balvin, my music is a very interesting blend of what i feel is my version of Rock n Roll, no matter if its with synths and beats, to Drums and Guitars… but it always has to have SOUL in my voice.

My proudest moment I feel is when I jumped out of the comfort of being in bands and became a solo artist, expressing my true and complete self.

I’m truly humbled by where I am currently in my music career, playing my music in amazing platforms and shows, working with talented artists that truly trust me to be part of their musical journey. I don’t know if the kid that had this dream would have pulled through if he knew it took roughly 15 years to reach it, constantly learning from mistakes, and leaving pride aside to learn from others who wish for me to have success.

I learned that no one will believe in you, if you don’t believe in yourself, and that one has to become ones biggest promoter, judge, slave, and fan.

My only wish is to show the world what Rock/Pop/Beats/Soul looks like through my scope, and that it came from Puerto Rico.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Let’s start with brunch at Musa in Miramar in the vicinity of San Juan, head over to the beach of Piñones in Carolina and have some “bacalaitos” and “alcapurias” (fried goodness), or if we got the time a day trip to the beach of one of the islands part of Puerto Rico called Culebra and enjoy one of the worlds most beautifulest beaches “Playa Flamenco”. For lunch, I’d hop over to Casita Miramar, for full spread of local food goodness. At night, I’d pre-game at Antiguo 26 for some amazing cocktails from my friend and Excellent Bartender Juan Montes, they do a mean Rum “Old Fashioned” with quality aged “anejo Rums”, have dinner at Marmalade, the most prestigious Restaurant in Puerto Rico, ask for Paul Flores, one of my best friends, Bass player (plays in my band) and an talented sommelier, and just order whatever he says… it won’t disappoint. Walk up the streets of viejo San Juan to La Factoria for some continued cocktails, and finish off the night closing the bar at “La Penultima” in Santurce… and that sounds like a damn good night to me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Well, I really wouldn’t be in music if it weren’t for my Dad, a Puertorican decorated Vietnam veteran, who at an early age was a barbershop quartet singer, and later gospel singer in Brooklyn, NY, and later in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Every morning before school we would listen to the local radio stations playing classic rock and pop songs, paving my way towards my passion, Music.

On more recent times, Calma Carmona, a brilliant pop singer which I have the pleasure to produce some of her latest tracks, and Celso Gonzales, a critically acclaimed muralist and visual artist. Both of them, a power couple, mentored me in the modern ways of the music industry, and how to apply a “never say never”, “Do or die” work ethic mentality while reminding me constantly to “dream big” and to never quit what moves me and inspires me.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jrochetmusic/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jrochet1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrochetmusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/jRochetmusic

Image Credits
pictures by Anthony Edwin