Having built an impressive following for his timeless and soulful approach to modern RnB and Hip Hop, Symba J continues to climb higher with each new original track.
I’m Yours is his latest video and release, and further secures his role as a captivating artist of the modern scene.
We caught an interview Symba J, to find out more about what drives him, his creative process, his plans for live performance, and plenty more. Here’s the conversation in full.
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Symba J – great to connect! For those new to your journey, how would you describe the music you make?
My music is deeply rooted in the human experience. Depending on the project, my songs can range from smooth, nostalgic vibes with heartfelt lyrics to more modern, contemporary sounds. Regardless of the style my music inhabits, I always pour love, care into every song, and hope it resonates emotionally with listeners.
Who or what first influenced you to get into this kind of music, and are you vocally trained or self-taught?
My mom was a major influence in my musical journey from a young age. She, along with my uncle, grandmother, and grandfather, were all part of our church choir at different times.
“My mom would often play gospel CDs in the car, practicing the songs she needed to learn for the choir. As we drove around, I would listen and sing along repeatedly, really absorbing the music.”
I’m a self-taught singer, which has allowed me to develop a unique style and sound that’s truly my own.
Tell me about the making of I’m Yours – a smooth and nostalgic, heartfelt original. What does the song represent for you?
I’m Yours is a very personal track that represents universal love and commitment. It’s about expressing genuine emotions and the journey of finding and holding onto true love of all kinds.
Are you the producer and songwriter, the musician playing the keys, or was this a collaborative effort?
I’m Yours was a collaborative effort in the sense that while I wrote the lyrics and provided the vocals, I worked with a talented producer and audio engineer who helped bring the song to life with their production and meticulous mixing skills.
What is Streetnoise Entertainment all about, and what are your hopes for the label and project moving forwards?
Streetnoise Entertainment is a record label focused on nurturing and promoting authentic, exceptional music. Our goal is to create a platform for artists who have a unique voice and story to tell. Moving forward, I hope to see the label grow and help more artists reach their full potential.
Back Up On It delivers a harder-hitting energy and more scornful lyrics. Still your voice is a clear thread of identity. How do you decide which direction to take a track in, and what to write about on any given day?
The direction of a track often depends on the instrumental and how it influences my mood and the message I want to convey. Back Up On It was about channelling a more intense, high-energy vibe and addressing a personal, relatable experience with a raw, unfiltered approach. I let my emotions guide the writing process, making sure each track is authentic and true to life.
Is live performance a part of your plans, and is there much opportunity to hit the stage where you’re based?
Absolutely, live performance is a big part of my plans. There are plenty of opportunities to perform where I’m based in, Detroit, the birthplace of Motown. And I’m looking forward to connecting with fans in person and sharing my music live, opening avenues of new experiences, that a curated live performance may bring.
You’ve amassed an impressive following on social media. What are the main tools you’ve used to build this, and what do you think it is about your sound that is connecting in a fresh way?
“Posting consistently, interacting with fans from all over the world, strategic marketing, and high-quality product have been key in building my social media following.”
I engage with my audience regularly and share content that reflects my true self. I think my sound connects with people because it’s genuine and relatable, blending classic influences with a modern twist and it doesn’t sound like anything else out.
Who would be your dream collaborator right now, if the opportunity came about?
I’d love to collaborate with artists like Drake, J. Cole, H.E.R. or Anderson .Paak to name a few. Their music is very inspiring, they have built unique connections with their fans, and I think we could create something truly special together. Whether it be heartfelt and filled to the brim with emotion, or a high energy anthem made to get you out of your seat at a function, the result will leave an imprint all the same.
What’s something about you that fans would be surprised to hear?
Fans might be surprised to know that the song I’m Yours was written and recorded in 2019. It was one of the first songs where I combined both my singing and rapping talents. Despite its hopeful and positive messages, the song was inspired by rejection and the pain that came with it.
“Creating this song helped me discover and shape who “Symba J” could be as a solo artist—someone who can turn life’s wide spectrum of experiences into art in interesting and thought-provoking ways.”
What’s next for Symba J?
I’m currently working on new solo music and putting together a project to release in the future, as well as new music from the hip hop group I’m in called “R2G”, so stay tuned to the label’s website (Streetnoisemerch.com) for more updates!
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Find Symba J on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & his Website.
