Jude Demorest
She’s a star. I knew it the moment I found out about her. Today she’s a recording artist at Epic Records. She’s a true talent and an incredible songwriter. I believe in her and her talent. Hopefully, the world will see her shine very soon.
Originally from Detroit, Jude is telling us how she started in the industry, giving her own advices, her music experiences but she’s also telling us about Detroit, Michigan. It was important for me to have someone like her to talk about this city because we all need to be aware about what’s going on out there and do something.
Hope you will enjoy reading the interview as much as I did.
Describe your style as an artist.
More than anything, I’m a Detroit artist. That’s where I became whatever I am. Hopefully, the music is as honest as hiphop and as polished as pop.
When and how did you start in the industry? At what point in your life did you realize you were good at what you do?
There’s not much left in Detroit.. so I began in the industry when I moved to LA. I was 15, almost 16 years old. This is all I’ve wanted since I was a kid. When I was 6 Mama D (Etterlene DeBarge) at church told me I’d live on the stage forever. I guess that’s the first time I realized other people could see what I could feel.
What music/artists did you grow up listening to?
In my house we only listened to Gospel. I mean- only. My Mama played music day and night. When I was 8, my big sister’s boyfriend had The Chronic and they would listen to it when they picked me up from school. It was the first music I had ever related to. I felt like it was about me. From that point on all I cared about was hiphop and sneaking as much of it as I could. Dre, Tupac, Lauryn.. Eminem was my hero though. Cause he was from down the street and it made me believe I could actually make it. After “Jesus Walks” Kanye West became my favorite artist and my biggest musical influence. Still is.
Tell us about your songwriting process. What do you like to write about?
Well, I began as a rapper and I guess that just never goes away.. so when somebody starts playing something or when a beat comes on all these bars pop in my head and I just have to find a way to condense them into a pop melody. You know? It’s certainly not customary, but it’s just what I’m used to doing. I like writing about things that I feel like I have a right to talk about. Like, I don’t know much about love yet but I know plenty about life. There are things I wish I knew before they happened to me. I wanna let these kids know what’s coming. I remember the first time I heard the song “Yellow Brick Road” by Eminem and I realized I wasn’t alone in this world.
I wanna share anything I can that will make somebody feel like they’re not alone.
What advices would you give to new singers/songwriters?
Honestly, I would say this: don’t do music unless you have no choice. Write a list of things you love/want to do and try them all before you do this. If music ends up being all you have left and there is nothing else in this world for you to try.. then that’s when you should start doing it. At that point my advice is: soak up all the information you can get about this industry from anyone who’s willing to give it.. but don’t listen to a single person about the music you want to make. Period.
In your opinion, what is/are the biggest challenge(s) of being part of the music industry?
Everything is a challenge in this industry. But the most important of all is holding on to your faith, whatever that may be. This ish is exactly like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. If you don’t give up- you’ll make it. That’s it.
You are coming from Detroit. What are your thoughts about this city today? What message would you give to people in this city?
You know, it was funny coming to LA and realizing that Detroit isn’t normal. That was just what I knew the world to be. Growing up I hated it, obviously. It’s dangerous and it’s poor and it’s gloomy. But there’s a spirit of overcoming there that’s very tangible. There are people there who want change and who are determined. We need that spirit to spread. I think when a kid like me comes from the East side of Detroit to LA to be a rapper or a singer, it’s like what in the world could be worse than where I just came from? Give me one good reason to quit? If we get our kids out of that city after highschool, get them into college or on their way to their dreams.. so many of them would succeed sheerly because they were given a chance to. And we can go back and make a difference. Detroit can’t fix Detroit with all these walls up, keeping the outsiders out. We need to pull a Reagan and tear down that wall. For real.
If you could change something in this world, what would it be?
I think we forgot about God. In the music industry the idea of God is a mockery. In politics He’s taboo. We’re going down faster and faster, man. I wish the whole world would remember God.
What is your motto?
Stay Gold.
What projects are you working on now?
I’m working day and night on my first album, which will come out on Epic Records next year. I’m dying with excitement. I’m also writing for some other dope artists right now. I love doing that. I’m working on everything I can get my hands on.
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