We had the good fortune of connecting with Jimmy Villa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jimmy, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
If you would have asked me this question a year ago, I know for a FACT my answer would have been full of fear masked in a loud ego. My focus today is in being my absolute best. Like my father always told me growing up, “whatever God puts in your hands to do, do your best.” Being involved in the entertainment business can get tricky at times with a high risk of losing yourself to things that truly don’t even matter. My heart is for my family. My desire is to be a courageous leader and a light for my future generations. My fire burns so passionately that the moment I wake up, my drive is to be my best and to continue to improve. Whether that’s in my music, working out, or if I am cleaning my house…I will give everything. I am living my life now with a higher purpose because I would much rather have others FEEL me than just remember me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What can I say? I LOVE music with all that I am! I always have! Recently, my life became a real life cliche. I got away from the core of my true self and it began to reflect in my art. I choose to write songs, record, and perform because it’s my passion and I have dedicated my life to my craft. What sets me apart is something I don’t think about anymore. I don’t seek out record labels, managers, or things of that nature anymore because honestly, much of that is not in my control. Instead, over the course of a year and a half, I have deconstructed my entire life because I was not happy…with any of it. I went back to my dreams as a kid, to the butterfly feeling of thinking about rockin’ large crowds, and remembering how much fun it always was and is for me! I am proud, not of my accomplishments, but instead of the courage I’ve had to be willing to deconstruct my ego, tear down the entire house, start over, and create a man I can be proud of. And not just publicly because who cares?! People love you one minute, then hate you the next. That’s not happiness! That is exhausting! No, no, no. My focus is inward and you will hear me say this over and over because it’s true. I am creating music that comes from my own heart. I am working on my craft because I believe in myself. And I feel excited each day because it’s my opportunity to get one step closer to my goals, not to be confused with happiness. Nah! Happiness is what I choose each morning and that has given me peace. Because how I reach or get to my goals isn’t important. To me, it’s knowing that I did my best for myself and my family.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Listen, I am a simple guy! I would just take them to where I hang out, which is my gym (Zoo Culture), the recording studio, and my house that my roommates and I have deemed “The Palace.” I am a true believer in people, not things or places. I would call up all my friends and throw a big kick back at my house to celebrate my friend and life. Some of my fondest moments have been sitting at a dinner table with friends or family having conversations and learning about life. If someone is going to visit me, I want to create the best environment within myself. You won’t catch me being some sort of unofficial tour guide of the city. That’s just not me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My grandmother passed away a little over a week ago and it has been so surreal, weird, and heartbreaking. She was the anchor to a large portion of my family. It broke my heart not being able to be present when she passed yet I felt something instantly change within me. The pride and love for my family grew immensely. Immediately I embraced a new mantra for myself, “I will not let my family down”. To think that I am part of her lineage gave me added strength to carry on in the pursuit of my big dreams. I have been inspired to create in me a bigger faith as well. Her, along with all my family, deserve my honor and recognition because we are all one.

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/JImmyVilla

Image Credits
Max Carlisle