Meet J-Claud | Recording Artist & Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with J-Claud and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi J-Claud, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
There’s a lot of things I think people on the outside aren’t aware of or don’t consider, but for me I think one of the biggest things is all the little details. When you’re running your own company and managing your brand, there are so many details that come with that. You gotta be able to see your big picture, but you get it done in the details.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a fan of music in general, I listen to just about all genres. So, when it comes to me creating music, I take in a wide range of influences. If I had to categorize it, I’d call it Alternative Hip/Hop. In my latest project titled, “I AM J-CLAUD,” you can hear the different influences throughout the tracks. With songs like “Rockin’ Your Love,” I tap into my love for that 70’s/80’s Rock n’ Roll vibe. On the other side of that you have, “Amongst The Stars,” which has a more chill electronic feel. I really allowed myself to be free in the creative process of making this album, which is something I’m very proud of. Early in my career it was all about hardcore Hip/Hop and rap battles. It was a kill or be killed type of environment, sort of like the streets we grew up on. Me being the person that I am and having had some great people impact my life in a positive way, I was always pushing for more out of life and out of myself creatively. Once I branched out on my own and started my own music company, Hiyer Learning, I made a promise to myself to do just that. Though it wasn’t an easy road to travel, I didn’t always have food or shelter, but I stayed the course. As my father once told me as a kid, after a long hot Florida day of yard work, “Some of the best things you get in life, you’re gonna have to work the hardest for.” I would repeat this to myself sometimes when I had to make some of those tough sacrifices, and trust me there are no shortage of those when building from the ground up. However, if I had to do it all again there’s not much I’d change, such is Hiyer Learning. The Hiyer Learning brand is about more than just music. It’s about life and the many ways it teaches us throughout our journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One spot that’s super fun to go to is Cafe Brass Monkey in K-Town for karaoke. I can do a few different artist impressions, so I like to try to sing the songs in their voice.

Sometimes on gameday I’ll hit Founders Ale House on Pico. The vibe is always great there, and they have really good bar food.

When I need a little more energy I’ll pass through Hollywood. Stop by the iconic Frolic Room- if there’s space, maybe stop by Dave’s N’ Busters- can’t go wrong there, and when I want to mix the vibe up I’ll sometimes pop into Scum and Villainy Cantina for some dope artist vibes.

I’m originally from Daytona Beach, so more than anything, most days I’m headed to somewhere close to the water. Where I can mingle have great food and drinks, or just escape and take in the naturalness of it all.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my middle school English teacher. She was a pivotal part of me becoming the artist that I am today. Often times teacher’s don’t get the credit they deserve, so I want to take this time to give her, her flowers. She noticed my affinity with words and writing, and went the extra mile to nurture it. I was introduced to the many forms of poetry and storytelling. She challenged me to go deeper than the surface when reading literature. To not just read the words to understand what the author is saying, but to ponder why the author used those particular words to convey their message. This would play a major part in my success as a songwriter and it would influence how I generally communicate throughout life. To my middle school English teacher, I send you love and thank you so much.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jclaud37?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Twitter: https://twitter.com/J_Claud

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@JClaud?si=ySWRyIOzQH8hx1zr