Today we’d like to introduce you to JIIM.
JIIM, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
At around ten years old, I started traveling the states with my dad James Owens who is a dope guitarist, playing drums for local Gospel/Quartet group. As time went and I grew older, I started thinking beyond the drums. I wanted more and went after it and became a Pianist, Organist, Electric Guitarist, Electric Bassist, Dancer, Music Producer, Music Director, Singer-Song/Writer & Music Arranger/Programmer and so on.
Years down the line, I landed my first mainstream gig touring with legendary R&B/Gospel singer and Broadway Star Stephanie Mills. Since then, I’ve been blessed to hit the stage and tour with many artists from different genres. While traveling the world, I was presented with many opportunities to produce and write for a lot of artists which pushed me and my dad to start our own corporation ‘J & J2 Productions LLC’. We then went on to produce records for our first mainstream artist, R&B Soul Queen & Actress, Angie Stone. It’s been up from there. After producing and writing for a lot of different artists, I decided to pursue my own solo career as an R&B/Soul, Pop, Inspirational artist. Since then, I’ve released three Singles and an EP and have a lot more on the way, including songs that I’m featured on.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When I got serious about music, I was in a small city Saginaw, MI, where it wasn’t many successful examples in the field I desired to pursue. With that, I had to figure it out as I went. The biggest struggle I dealt with was not having much mental/emotional support & anybody in the field of entertainment knows how important that can be. On the flip side of that, it taught/forced me to be that for myself. It hasn’t been smooth but its definitely been a road full of lessons which taught me to be who I am today as a man and musician.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I’m an Artist/Producer/Writer that loves to explore. When it comes to creativity, I feel there’s no limitations. I create whatever I feel in that moment and let the energy lead the way. If I played all the different styles/genres of music I’ve created, it would probably blow your mind. Lol Anyone that knows me know that I’ve always been an advocate for versatility. I think in today’s entertainment business/world, people limit themselves to what’s hot or what they’re comfortable with ONLY. That’s scary to me. I believe in pushing self to learn something or at least trying something new everyday.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
One big change was made last year when I moved to ATL. Why it’s a big change? You’d understand if you knew where I come from. Lol now that I am here, I plan to continue producing/writing with and for other artists but take it to a whole new level! Alongside that, I plan to get involved with a lot more than just music such as fashion, dance, writing scripts for stage plays/series/movies, real-estate and so on. Let’s just say anything involving money I’m in that thang. hahaha
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TheRealJiiM.com
- Email: TheRealJiiM@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjiim
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