Meet Najeeb “godchild” Jones: Producer/Audio Engineer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Najeeb “godchild” Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Najeeb “godchild”, what inspires you?
I’m lucky enough to have a really dope group of friends who make amazing music. I feel like every creative is familiar with the ups and downs that come with attaching your entire livelihood to something you started doing for fun as a kid. Luckily, when I look to the talent of the people around and see the way they’re able to build lives for themselves based on those talents it reminds me that there’s a place for me out here as well.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a music producer and audio engineer. I’ve spent a great deal of time studying and working on the process of turning a song from an idea into a finished product, whether that be recording an artist, creating a unique piece of music that helps an artist express their vision, writing songs, or mixing a record to make sure it sounds the way the artist envisioned in their head. I’m not necessarily the most talented instrumentalist, so my strengths mostly lie in the studio and the collaborative relationship that comes from working with other artists, producers or engineers in that setting. If theres anything I’m most proud of, it’s probably how I’m able to pull from a diverse set of skills and influences in a way that speaks to the artists I work with.

That being said, I also do create my own music, and I plan on releasing some shortly. I have two small projects that will be coming out by summer and fall, one instrumental beat tape and one featuring vocals from myself as well as a handful of artists that I collaborate with regularly. Im also excited about a project I have coming out with Frex, another close friend and collaborator. Its the culmination of a couple years worth of growth for the both of us and I’m glad the world can finally see what we’ve been working on. I guess i’m always excited about whatever im working on at the moment, and always even more excited when it comes time to share it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ok, first thing I would do is grab some birria. I live walking distance from Birrieria San Marcos, and I love to go there with people who aren’t too acquainted with LA mexican food. Then there’s the obvious beach day, preferably somewhere in Malibu so we get the scenic ride down the PCH. The Getty’s a personal favorite as well, i’ve always loved the architecture and the view and not to mention the priceless art. Some Korean Barbecue, maybe some thai food (Night Market Song is a personal favorite for out of towners). Maybe we could hit Melrose Trading post if they’re into thrifting or shopping.

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?
The first person I gotta shout is is Tony Maserati, my boss and a prolific engineer in his is own right. I came to LA to assist him, and he was the first person to really teach me what it meant to work in this industry. A lot of my habits and workflow are things I picked up working for him and i’m still continuing to learn from him to this day.

I also gotta shout out the incredible group of producers, artists and all around amazing people that I work with. Frex, Connor Barkouse, Ajax, Braheim Queen, my cousin Sarah (Sadie White), Jahad are all amazing multi-talented people that constantly inspire me. And of course my girlfriend of 4 years, Efe Duke (Tobere), a super talented and eclectic visual artist.

Website: godchild.fm

Instagram: instagram.com/godchild.fm

Twitter: twitter.com/godchildfm

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_4UpJ4IPZ3rOyQy–Qy4Bw

Other: https://soundcloud.com/godchildfm

Image Credits
Jason “JSN” Washington Jr. (@jsncamera)