Meet J.P. Edwards | Pop/Hip Hop Artist – Preacher Music

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

Hi J.P., what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It wasn’t until fairly recently that I really got serious about treating my music career with an entrepreneurial mindset. I grew up looking at music as a sort of mystical mountaintop where you either “make it” or you don’t. But today’s media climate doesn’t permit that binary. Every step of the way, fan relationship by fan relationship, artists are earning their “customers” loyalty and respect. My producer and the true other half of Preacher, Zach Lacefield, said something that has stuck with me: “Focus on forging a deep connection with our fans, and everything else will fall into place.” That statement is setting the precedent for the future of Preacher. I want to consistently find ways of connecting with people—through music, through content creation, through online interaction and engagement, and (hopefully sooner than later) live shows.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As someone who suffers from a mood disorder, Preacher really began as my attempt to process my severe mental illness symptoms, one of which is a chronic dialogue of disagreeable “voices” in my head. I call it the committee, and it kind of manifests as a sort of chronic, anxiety-inducing inner debate. It’s a paralyzing empathy; being able to see just about anything from just about any side can be great when trying to win people over, but it is very difficult when it comes time to make decisions. I look at my music as a safe place to speak honestly about these issues and also my freest avenue for self-expression, no matter where I happen to be in my journey.

What sets my music apart is that it mirrors the same inner conflict I struggle with internally, but in compelling ways. I have struggled to lock into a genre because I love and deeply resonate with so many. So, instead of forcing myself into a box, I just juxtapose instrumentation, lyrics, and even singing/rapping styles in unexpected, fresh ways. Even the songs that are made to be “fun” or “dancy” have lyrical layers that often tell deeper stories if the fans are interested in going further down the rabbit hole and pulling the songs apart. I want Preacher to be something fans can engage with at many levels—a sort of choose-your-own-adventure every time they hit play.

I’m currently most proud of and excited about the music we haven’t even released yet. I hope it’s always that way. I love feeling like Zach and I are making the best stuff we’ve ever made every time we sit down to work on a new song. We have so many songs, and we’re prepping the first LP. Not sure if I’m supposed to say that yet, but “TMI” is kinda my thing. Haha

Last Spring, I was sitting in a coffee shop in Orange County, California. I had grown up in Texas and moved to California when I was 20 years old. Now 26, I just realized that I needed to go all in and give music the real shot it deserved. I know I was made to do this. So I quit my job, moved back to Texas, took a serious pay cut, and told Zach I was ready to double down. He and I have been in the studio for 28 hours every weekend since. I’m not even close to where I want to be professionally, but I feel excited to be taking a risk and betting on myself. No matter what, it‘ll be worth it because I won’t die with any “what-ifs.” It’s certainly not been easy logistically. Pay cuts are never easy. But I am happier because I feel like I’m doing what I was born to do every single day.

I’m overcoming challenges as they come, but no challenge feels nearly as daunting as the challenge of feeling like you aren’t living the life you were put on this earth to live.

I’ve learned so many things, but as I’ve right now, the lesson that is sticking with me is the importance of committing to radical honesty with myself and with others. I don’t want to pretend to be something or someone that I’m not. In reality, the only expectations on us are the ones we accept, whether they come from other people or from within. I’ve set my expectation bar at radical honesty, and from that place, I’m learning to make decisions that are the most authentic and true to my inner compass.

I want the world to know that Preacher is not just music. Preacher is a platform for launching honest conversations about what we’re all going through—especially in the realms of mental health. I’m starting a podcast and leaning into my YouTube channel soon to find more ways of engaging with my fans and expounding upon conversations I am hope my music is starting.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This one is tricky because I just moved back to my small hometown in Texas (Texarkana) from one of the most exciting spots in the world (Southern California). If we were in SoCal, the itinerary would be very different. There isn’t much to do except work on music in Texarkana, which is why I’m here. I’d probably just drive my friend 2 and half hours to Dallas and show them a good time there.

Let’s pretend I’m still in SoCal for this one. I’m a huge coffee guy, so we’d go to Hopper & Burr in Downtown Santa Ana. I used to live in walkable distance to that shop, and it is hands down my favorite coffee shop on earth. I’d take them to LA and try to avoid the obligatory touristy stuff unless they are just dying to see the Hollywood sign or something. The Last Bookstore is an exception though. It’s a tourist spot, but it’s also just the coolest bookstore I’ve ever been to. I’m a major nerd, and I read a lot, so pretty much any friend of mine is going to be into reading as well.

We’d definitely go see a live concert at the Hotel Bar; it’s my favorite venue in LA. I also love live comedy. There’s too many amazing venues in LA, but I’d probably take them to the Comedy Store, and then I’d call up a few friends and have them get us into the speakeasy, Good Times at Davey Wayne’s for drinks and dancing.

The eats in SoCal are unbelievable. We’d have to cruise down to San Diego at some point, stop at the beaches in North County on the way, and make a beeline for the nearest taco truck when we get there. A couple of other restaurants we’d have to stop at include Roma D Italia in Tustin (best Italian food in SoCal) and Pandemic Pizza in San Diego. The owner started the restaurant during COVID to chase his dream, and I just love him for that. The pizza is also amazing.

I actually do really enjoy going to Disney if I’ve got an annual pass. You can go on weeknights when it’s cool out and there are a lot less people there. We don’t have to stay all day, and we can enjoy the things that make Disney the most fun. Also, Harry Potter World at Universal is a place you have to go at least once. I’m a die-hard HP fan, so it’s a non-negotiable.

So much more in California, but that would be enough. If they come to Texarkana, we have two Starbucks shops to choose from, and that’s pretty much it. So…get ready for a good time. Haha

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my grandparents. My grandpa, Jack Roberts, taught me everything I know about music and supported me in every way imaginable from the early days of writing my first songs to my first live performances to my growth into a professional artist. My grandma, Kay Roberts (Nanny), just passed away a few months ago. My family and I miss her dearly. But her legacy of unconditional love and kindness looms larger than any I’ve ever known. I wouldn’t be close to the artist or the man that I am today without hear constant love and support. Those two are my world, and I will forever attribute my successes to their lifelong investments in me.

Website: http://www.preachermusic.me/

Instagram: @preacher.music

Twitter: @preachersounds

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PreacherSounds/?ref=pages_you_manage

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCDL9cgV5V3gTCe1a1j98tvA

Image Credits
John Wells and Joelle Svendsen