Today we’d like to introduce you to John Wes.
John, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always wanted to act and create music. Growing up, I would act out my favorite scenes in different movies in my bedroom and bathroom. I had all the facial expressions and movements down. I would also pretend to be one of my favorite rappers and put on a show in my garage. Eventually, I started writing my own music and a few short stories. However, I was deathly afraid of public speaking. It literally made me sick to get in front of people and express myself. Hell, I dropped out of a speaking course in college because every time I got in front of the class my hands would sweat and my throat would dry up. Yikes! With friends and family, I had no problem being myself but put me in front of some strangers and I’d clam up. Never the one to stay put, I moved to Atlanta from NY on a whim after putting in a transfer at my airport job that came a little too fast. To say the least, I felt like I lost a part of myself when I moved here. Nothing against ATL, but something had shifted in me. I had a great job with greater benefits and never stressed about money but I still didn’t like the way I was existing. I boxed myself in and wasn’t pursuing any of my passions. I grew tired of a job that although didn’t work me to death, somehow still drained me. I fell in love with the “quit your job and chase your dreams” narrative. So, I quit. What ‘they’ don’t tell you is the dream is free. I jumped right into the scene. Background gigs, music videos, bit parts, Instagram skits, crew team, more background gigs. I just started doing it all. Since quitting, I’ve experienced some of the most turbulent and unsure periods of my life and I wouldn’t give it up for anything. Making that jump into the unknown challenged me to keep it moving and come up with more ways to get my face, name, and work recognized. Recently, I released two singles, “All About Cha” and “Creamy” on all streaming platforms and an EP on Soundcloud under my artist name JohnnyCinc0. I starred in a recent stage play, ‘The Two Both of Us’ which was so cathartic in helping me overcome my stage fright. I’m currently working on a podcast that will be up shortly. Stay tuned. 🙂
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?
Not at all. This game comes with valleys and peaks. One minute you’re flying high, the next you’re worried about how is this bill or that bill going to get paid because you were counting on being part of a project. People will forget about you if you’re not on your job. No matter what, keep networking and land gigs. Whether it’s background, supporting, or lead, the simple fact that you’re staying active could be all the difference in you getting to the next level.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I love projects that evoke emotion. I’m a very charismatic person and it helps me bring that story to life on stage or on camera. I write songs depending on how I feel. I tend to stay away from what I call “fast-food rap”, rap that’s catchy but provides no real substance. While everything I write isn’t a hard-hitting bar, I like to create music that has replay value. Go Stream “All About Cha” and “Creep” from my JohnnyCinc0 EP.
Which people have inspired you in your life?
Huey Newton & Bobby Seale, Maxwell, J. Cole, Leonardo DiCaprio.
Huey and Bobby founded the Black Panthers. As a black man in this America, you know, or should know, just how important these men and their movement was. Maxwell was the first Neo-soul artist I discovered and influenced me to write more personal and moving songs. J. Cole inspired me to rap and ‘Friday Night Lights’ made him my favorite rapper. For every mood I’m in, he has a song for it. Leonardo DiCaprio is like water. Whichever role he plays, he becomes that character. It’s truly amazing watching him on screen.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.soundcloud.com/johnnycinc0
- Phone: 678-252-8277
- Email: johnwes678@gmail.com
- Instagram: @_johnwes
Image Credit:
Ira Carmichael, John Wes
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
