027. jacuzzi jefferson Part 1: Working Quickly, Not Frantically

In Part 1 of our conversation with jacuzzi jefferson, we explore the intersection of creative process, music production, and personal growth. From discussing his upcoming album release to diving deep into his philosophy on artistic creation, jacuzzi shares insights on working efficiently while maintaining authenticity. The conversation touches on the balance between creative output and personal development, exploring how different approaches to music-making can shape both the art and the artist.

jacuzzi jefferson is a Brooklyn-based producer, who has carved out a unique space in the music industry where education meets innovation. Known for his distinctive blend of alternative hip-hop, electronic house, and lo-fi boom-bap, he's sparked partnerships with the likes of Harman Kardon & BMW. A professor of Digital Music at Hostos Community College (CUNY), jacuzzi is shaping the next generation of music producers. An equally talented engineer, his credits include work with industry titans like 50 Cent, Melanie Fiona, Juelz Santana, and Trey Songs.

Throughout the episode we discuss:

• The balance between working quickly versus frantically in creative processes

• The role of audience specificity in album creation and genre consistency

• Personal approaches to learning and skill development in music

• The challenges and benefits of social media presence for musicians

• The intersection of anxiety and creative expression

• Language learning and personal development alongside music production

• The relationship between consuming and producing art

Three Meaningful Takeaways:

1. Efficient vs. Frantic: There's a distinct difference between working quickly and working frantically - the former comes from a place of confidence and flow, while the latter stems from anxiety.

2. Creative Growth: Sometimes technical limitations can be overcome through systematic practice and breaking down complex pieces into manageable chunks.

3. Authenticity in Sharing: The fear of being perceived negatively shouldn't prevent artists from sharing their work and building connections with their audience.

Timeline:

0:00 - Intro

01:05 - Reflecting on the Past Year and Future Goals

03:37 - The Creative Process: Working Quickly vs. Frantically

06:34 - The Balance of Specificity and Diversity in Music

09:22 - Audience Perception: Smarter Than You Think

12:28 - Navigating Anxiety and Control in Creativity

15:09 - Exploring New Musical Directions and Learning

18:11 - The Importance of Structure and Accountability in Learning

21:10 - Setting Goals and Embracing New Challenges

32:42 - Cultural Connections and Language Learning

34:49 - The Influence of Environment on Music

39:16 - Navigating Musical Influences and Technical Challenges

42:00 - The Beattober Challenge: Creativity and Accountability

49:15 - Overcoming Self-Doubt in Sharing Music

List of References from the Interview:

Songs:

• Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma

• Flying Lotus - You're Dead

• Flying Lotus - Flamagra

Artists:

• Jeff Pierre

Connect with jacuzzi jefferson:

• YouTube: jacuzzi jefferson

• Instagram: @jacuzzijefferson

• Spotify: jacuzzi jefferson

• Apple Music: jacuzzi jefferson

Connect with Toru:

• Website: torubeat.com

• Instagram: @torubeat

• YouTube: @torubeat

• Spotify: Toru

• Apple Music: Toru

Credits:

This episode was co-produced, engineered and edited by Matthew Diaz. From ProducerHead, this is Toru, and in a way, so are you. Peace.