The Interview: JT5K

​AUTHOR: JUSTIN GROME

Jt5k is an artist like no other, wavy sounds with smooth rhythms combining to form such masterpieces. The soothing sounds and bangers that he creates really show his true talent. He shows his diversity throughout different paces of his songs, slow and fast, rapping really fast and singing slowly. The work he puts into his craft is truly paying off because of the exposure just keeps on coming to him. Jt5k has a deal with 5k Records and plans to keep pushing than never to make it to the top. If you haven't heard of him already, you definitely will be because he's coming hard for every artist.

• Where are you from? Have your surroundings shaped you in a creative sense, and in what way?
I am from Western Canada! Edmonton, Alberta to be exact. The music scene out here is more lowkey and untapped since Toronto is the “hot spot” of Canada for right now. There’s a lot of talent in the city it just needs to be seen. 


• What’s your background like? Where do you stand on the music scene in your area?
I grew up in a single parent home. I was really raised by my mom and sister. My mom worked 2 jobs and never ever thought to give up on anything throughout her life, so I feel like that’s where I get my work ethic from. In my city I feel like I’m “underrated” because I haven’t done any shows, and because I play basketball I’m not really known for music but I’ve been connecting with more local artists lately and my music being played more in the city. 


• What did you start doing first, producing or rapping? How did you get started?
I actually started out jokingly with Music. I was always singing on the I-Am-Tpain App making songs but I ended up actually liking one song I made as a joke. I eventually downloaded Audacity and started making songs with my iPhone headphones and mixing them on Audacity, then got a mic and what not. My first song that decently popped I made with the voice recorder setting on my iPhone and I mixed it in Adobe Audition.. Its kinda crazy to see how far I’ve come to be honest. 


• Do you have anyone that you consider your mentor? How has their help or advice shaped you?
My biggest music mentor would easily be my sister. She makes music herself and actually had a top 10 song on iTunes Japan. Watching her make music made me want to try it of course because she’s the older sibling. Basically every song I make I let her listen to it, to make sure that it is high quality for people’s ears. I also look at my counter partner “YoursTruly” because he’s been mixing and mastering and everything before I even thought about it all. He’s always grinding so I really look up to him too.


• What is one experience in life that, without it, you wouldn’t be the artist you are today?
Honestly, last year I was having a tough time in life with things that usually bring me joy. My major escape was my biggest issue at one point and I did not feel like I was being treated good, I felt like I was being pushed to the side and not really needed. So, I found a beat and started to write and it sparked my love for making music.


• What do you hope to accomplish this year?
I’m dropping a solo project in 2019 titled “The 5K Way” which I’m very excited about. I feel like it has a lot of different sounds on it, but I’m only like 20% done right now. My main goal is to get on a major Spotify playlist and get my listeners way up because I feel like people can really relate to me as an artist. 


• What does your work aim to say?
My older music was really on a feel good vibe. Music that you can just vibe too and lay down to. Lately there has been a lot of truth and real pain in my lyrics, but I also try to attack every angle of life with the good and the bad. 


• Who are your biggest influences and what do you like about them the most?
My biggest influences in the game right now are: Nav, 6lack, A Boogie. The thing I like about all these artists is that they came out of nowhere. They were grinding and there songs just popped. They got it out the mud and they make me keep going really. 


• How would you describe your own style?
I feel like I have my own sound, my own unique voice. I have a more melodic flow with some singing on top of that. 

• In what ways has your newest music changed from when you first started?
My confidence has changed. I come into the booth with way more confidence. I believe that everything I make is going to be fire, and that it’s perfect. I mix and master my own tracks and my mixing has gotten 100 times better. Just brings everything together. 


• What are the main inspirations for the lyrics you write?
Nowadays my lyrics have been about things I’ve been going through or went through. I’ve been telling stories, and not just talking about the typical things like girls, and drugs that I don’t do and money I don’t have. Not knocking anyone, but I try to make Music that’s real to me. 


• What would be your dream venue in which to perform?
My dream venue would be to pack out Staples Center or Rogers Place in Edmonton. I’d love to pack out my home city. 


• What’s a song you have stuck in your head these days?
Lately I’ve had a lot of Trippie Stuck in my head. The song “Taking A Walk” has been on repeat lately. 

REACH JT5K HERE: