J BOOG
J Boog represents a new voice emerging out of South Pac Entertainment; a record label company that has been at the forefront in exposing the amazing talents of Pacific Islander music artists. J Boog’s debut album “Hear Me Roar” is symbolic of a new generation of Polynesians, who have been influenced by the popular genres of music such as Reggae, Hip-Hop, and R&B, yet have never forgotten their Pacific Island Roots. “Hear Me Roar” takes the listener through a lyrical and musical journey into the life experiences of a young man, whose passion for self-expression guided him toward the world of music. In this world of music, J Boog offers up his heart and soul in response to a calling from above to those who have been blessed with the gift to make music. A blessing that he feels comes to him with a sense of urgency and responsibility to create music that will inspire the soul, break down the barriers of hate, unite communities, and encourage Polynesian love and respect. In his own words:
Here I am
Jah use me
and prove me
to be worthy
all I have is this gift you gave
to help me save
my soldiers on the street yeah…
(lyrics taken from J Boog’s song “Here I am” from the “Hear Me Roar” album)
J Boog will be performing live in Utah for the first time on December 07, 2007 at the E-Center in West Valley City, Utah as part of the Island Christmas Bash. Don’t miss it!
PT: What is the story behind your upcoming album “Hear Me Roar” how did this album come about and what’s the significance of the album title?
JBOOG: Music is a very important part of my life. The phrase “Hear Me Roar” has always been a sort of slogan for me from the time I started singing and writing music. It is somewhat of a calling and an expression out to the listeners that I have something that I want to say…to share with the world, not softly…but with a ROAR!
PT: What inspires you to create music?
JBOOG: I believe it’s the overall love and passion for self-expression. Music is “the universal language,” an art form all its own, and as a painter or sculptor appeals to the audiences sense of sight, music captivates the listener in many ways. The inspiration behind the music I create comes mainly through my life’s experiences, struggles and successes, and the influence of musical artists that I listened to growing up during those times.
PT: How would you describe the kind of music that you create?
JBOOG: That’s a tough one! Well, being Polynesian my primary influence comes from Reggae/Roots style of music, along with Island music too. Also, growing up during my generation, and in Compton, obviously the exposure to Hip-Hop, Soul/R& B, Old School and Oldies but Goodies had a major impact on my love of music as well. It’s fair to say that I love all forms of music (you can catch me rocking out to Metallica or System of a Down from time to time) and try to incorporate my love for these different music styles during the creative process. If I had to attempt to give my style a name, I’d probably say “Poly Soul/Roots”…
PT: If there was one message that you would like for your listeners to get out of your music, what would that message be?
JBOOG: “Self confidence, and self-empowerment begins from within. Believe in yourself…and through God, all things are possible.”
PT: If you had the chance to collaborate with anyone in the music scene, who would it be and why?
JBOOG: That would be a trick question, because my “dream” would be to collaborate with the late Bob Marley. Bob would be the obvious choice because of my primary love for and influence from Reggae music.
PT: Out of all your songs, which one would you say is the most empowering and why?
JBOOG: “Here I Am” is the most empowering song to me because it summarizes my struggles to get where I am now, and I give thanks to God for achieving what I have thus far and dedicate my efforts to doing “great works through Him…”
PT: What is something about you that would surprise your fans?
JBOOG: I love to cook…in the kitchen or on the grill! I consider myself to be an excellent “chef” (and when you consider the size of Polynesian families and the frequency of get-togethers, that’s a whole lot of cooking!)
PT: What does it mean to you to live a “life filled with purpose”?
JBOOG: It means so much to me. I thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to pursue my life’s dream of sharing my music with the world, and to be able to have a rewarding career doing something that I love! Every new experience gives me more appreciation for life, and something new to write about. I know that I’ve been given this opportunity to be “a voice for the Polynesian people…” and I accept this responsibility with honor and respect.
PT: What do you feel are the biggest misperceptions about Pacific Islander peoples?
JBOOG: I think a lot of people who don’t know about our culture, and the environments in which we live throughout the islands, tend to think that we aren’t as “civilized” or industrialized as most communities in the Mainland…let alone the world! People who are outside the Polynesian community have a tendency to think that Islanders do not have the advancements and conveniences of modern day life. We like to keep things “simple”; and since we do not apply unnecessary stress upon ourselves as compared to the “rat race” of the Mainland there is that misperception that we are “slow-witted, simple people”, which we know is not the case.
PT: What do you feel is our contribution as Pacific peoples to the rest of the world?
JBOOG: I believe that our biggest contribution to the world would be something spiritual: the way that the Pacific people value family closeness, love and respect for our elders, and family pride. Also, the importance of the Church in the home is a major reason why Polynesian families share such togetherness and love for each other. The importance of Family: our biggest contribution to the world.
J Boog’s Myspace Page
http://www.myspace.com/orionmusicinc
