Jon Writer

GURNEE – It is a Monday night, and pizza is served in the family’s apartment living room, where an aspiring, local hip-hop artist and his mother reminisce of “the struggle,” thoroughly incorporated in the 25-year-old’s upcoming album.

Gurnee's Jonathan Quinones, also known by his stage name, Jon Writer, began writing music at the age of 8 after his then 18-year-old brother, Pedro, now 32, and then 13-year-old rapper Bow Wow, inspired him to put pen to paper....



“The cancer was a really strong hit on me,” Jon said. “She was a mess. I remember her fainting in front of me. I had to catch her. It was the worst – as you could imagine – she was foaming at the mouth and I didn’t know what was going on.”

Yolda overcame breast cancer in April after seven weeks of chemotherapy and a year of treatment.

“After the second chemo, all my hair started falling out and I look at myself in the mirror and I wanted to cry,” she said. “But then I said, I cannot cry … this is something I have to face.”

'Mom, diaries are for girls'

Jon said his mother is the most influential person in his life and remembers when she gave him a diary as an 8-year-old, which guided him to first write music.

“I told her, ‘Mom, diaries are for girls. I don’t do that,’ and she’s like, ‘You can write in it whenever you want, about whatever you want and anytime your brother whips your ass, you can write about it,’ and I was just like, ‘All right mom, I’m never going to use it though,’ but surely I ended up using it as my first rhyme book,” he said. “It’s been a tough road, man, but she’s all I know.”

Jon said he created a song about his mother titled “Soulja." The single will not be released on his upcoming album, “Race Against Time," which is produced by ZZYXY and will be released on iTunes July 22, but he may use the single for a later project.

Jon will hold a signing in Chicago the day his 14-track, debut album is released, which will be distributed through For Your Entertainment stores by Dynasty Records.

He said the message of the album is “celebrating the fact that you're finally doing whatever it is you want to do in life.”

Jon said he had about 300 followers on Twitter when he released “Check My Vision," a mixtape he released in November 2013 under the stage name, Jay Nice. He now has more than 5,000 followers.

Jon released his first music video in June 2013, which was filmed at his house at ISU the week before spring finals. The video has more than 40,000 views on YouTube.

“The response has been great,” he said. “We’ve made a substantial amount of money, enough to cover our recording cost and have a little extra to help produce this album.”




'I just want to make it positive'

Aside from the revenue generated by his two songs on iTunes, “Like Me," featuring Mahdie Alie, and “Yeah," Jon works at the Nordstrom’s in Schaumburg to make money until he and his friends go on tour to promote his upcoming album. The tour will be from September to October, where Jon plans to perform at more than a dozen venues.

“Really the end goal is go out there, put the music out and put it in your Beats by Dre headphones. If that can happen, we’re doing great and the rest will take care of itself,” he said. “A lot of what I’ve been through, I just want to make it positive. I try to manifest every bad thing into a positive.” - My Suburban Life By Luke Nozicka

ISU alum, Jay Nice, will be performing at The Castle Theatre on February 9th along with Guaranteed Raw and Chris Webby. Jay Nice has over 40,000+ hits on YouTube along with multiple songs on Soundcloud with the same amount of hits. He recently earned a spot on the NEW Coast 2 Coast Top 50 Indie Mixtape. He is also currently in the process of planning his first nationwide tour set for Fall 2014!

You can head over to http://www.thecastletheatre.com/event/452553-chris-webby-bloomington/ to get your tickets. Doors open at 6:30p.m and the show beings at 7:00p.m. This is an all ages event.

So check out his music and grab your tickets to see this ISU native perform right here in Bloomington! You won’t want to miss this.



-"Lose Your Mind" featuring Boc Sneezy

https://soundcloud.com/jaynicemusic/lose-your-mind-featuring-boc



-Official Website:

http://JayNiceMusic.com



-YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/jaynicemusic - Her Campus- Illinois State (by Julie Florence)

Exclusive Interview

-Q: Tell us about where you are from and how you got to this position today.

A: I’m from Chicago, IL and the best college in the world at Illinois State University. That said, I am a Redbird so it means we do everything hard! Leading up to college the passion was always there for music. I had over 200 songs recorded before even stepping on campus! In my first semester I released my first two albums, Me. I Am. and College School-Kid. Hardcopies. Shrink wrap. The whole 9 (laughs). I think I was just on a roll creatively, but I knew that I was at college for an education, so I focused on school more than I did music.

It was after graduating and leaving Illinois State University when I realized that after all of the hard work I put towards doing something I had no desire in doing I owed it to myself to go out there and do what I love and see where it take me. Now I’m getting booked at key venues, on the verge of releasing my third and upcoming album Race Against Time, and I’m planning a nationwide tour for the Fall of 2014. Determination got me to where I am currently and I plan on letting it carry me into the future.


-Q: Tell us more about the current song you are promoting to everyone.

A:Lose Your Mind is a song about being attached to someone and wanting it to function but coming to the realization that you’re not even sure if it’s what you truly want anymore because of the fact that your life is moving in an entirely different direction, like going on a tour.

It was produced by Yaspakid and features Boc Sneezy who lays down some amazing vocals! (laughs) The funny thing is when we recorded the song, Boc Sneezy came into the studio super wasted at like 2am after partying and laid his part down in one take like a boss! I mean everyone was pretty much faded, but I don’t think anyone was on his level. The fact that he got it done like that just shows how gifted the guy really is.


-Q: Tell us about one of the hardest challenges you had to face in the industry?

A: The hardest challenge in the industry that I’ve had has been breaking through to people. You have to learn that most people only want to listen to you if they see you on TV, if you have a millions hits on YouTube, or if you are selling out concerts left and right. For an upcoming artists it’s difficult to get people to believe in you if they haven’t seen or heard about you. You just have to keep pushing, keep doing your thing, market and invest in yourself well enough to finally get them to realize that they were stupid and should have dug you from the start.


-Q: What was one of the biggest set backs in your career and how did you bounce back?

A: By far the biggest setback has been getting into a bit of trouble directly after graduating from Illinois State University. I am human and I too make mistakes; however, I have learned from them and I am making and have made every attempt to get not only my career but my life back on the right path! It basically hurt me financially, mentally, and sonically, but you have to learn from your past to better shape your future! All I’m focused on now is creating a new day.


-Q: What are some things artists need to be careful of?

A: Women, alcohol and/or drugs, and not getting shows or events in writing! You are famous now, so women will take advantage of a bad situation! Artists need to be smart. Alcohol and/or drugs (if *needed*) should be consumed in a private setting and away from anywhere the cops can bust. They are not your friend. Also, be sure to get any shows or appearances in writing so that if something terrible were to happen at the location you have documentation that states why you were at the location in the first place. The struggle is real out there folks!


-Q: What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?

A: For every Drake, Mac Miller, Wiz Khalifia, Macklemore, Logic, or any artist it is you listen to there is a abundance of people you’ve never heard of that put in work. Nobody does it alone so get yourself a team. Get a director, get a graphic designer, get an investor, etc. and be sure to think like a business with your team! At the end of the day, it’s a team sport and only the best teams advance.


-Q: What is one of your favorite ways to promote yourself and your music?
A: I like to promote by showing people the success and the strides that I have made. So whether that be through a music video or posting music or pictures online, it helps promote your brand which also helps to promote your music. So I just like to be myself and be as human as possible, while sharing as much about my life as anyone else would so that I am not doing too much nor am I spamming. I try to think like a fan and project what they would like or not like. I think that’s the best way to go.


-Q: Where can people visit you?
A: I just recently got booked at the Canopy Club near the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana on April 3rd! If you’re going to be out in the area, get your tickets ready because I’m going to put on one hell of a show!

For the latest news on me, visit my website and music pages below. Add me on social networking sites so that we stay connected.

Official Website: JonWriterMusic.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JonWriter.Music
Twitter: twitter.com/Jaynice_Music (@Jon_Writer)
YouTube: www.youtube.com/jaynicemusic - WWS Magazine

Jon Writer is an up and coming artist from Chicago determined to stake his claim in the industry. With a unique sound and a unique style, Writer is in perfect form to debut himself to the country and the world. His new mixtape Check my Vision which has just been released, as well as his #RaceAgainstTime tour which will be happening nationwide this summer, all are leading to his debut album also called Race Against Time. Much more along these lines though, and Writer won’t have to worry about time anymore as he is truly on his way straight to the top and there is no indication of that stopping anytime soon.

Check out Jon Writer’s website at http://jonwritermusic.com/. You can also follow him on Twitter @Jon_Writer and on Facebook at facebook.com/JonWriter.Music. You can listen to more of his music at soundcloud.com/JonWriter. - Rude Boy Magazine

So tell us a little about you.

Well I go by the name of Jon Writer and outside of life itself, I’ve always looked up to artists like Eminem, Logic, Dizzy Wright, G-Eazy, MGK, Kid Cudi, and Wiz Khalifa (in terms of influences). I’ve been putting songs together since the age of 8. By the time I was in middle school, a friend showed me the Sound Recorder program on one of them desktop computers and I started off recording songs through that with one of them janky Logitech headphone-microphone things made for gaming, I think. . . It wasn’t until high school where my recording quality upgraded- that was when my guy Milez I met at football practice introduced me to Adobe Audition. After that I hopped on Pro Tools when I got to college and made a studio out of my dorm. I released my first two albums there under my previous stage name (“Jay Nice”) called, “Me. I Am.” and “College School-Kid”. My next project happened after graduation called “Check My Vision” and that too was under my previous stage name.

Now, under Jon Writer, I am putting out my very first album called Race Against Time and will be going on a nationwide college tour in the Fall of 2014. After a couple of my songs (“Yeah” and “Lose Your Mind” feat. Boc Sneezy) got over 40,000 hits on social media, I really felt like the time was now to travel and see the world while putting on a few dope shows! So basically as of this moment, the team and I are just gearing up for tour in the fall. All dates will be released in the summer.


What projects are you currently working on?

Currently I’m working on finishing my upcoming album, Race Against Time, so that I can begin the touring process in the fall after the album releases. The tour will be called the Race Against Time Tour- which is perfect because not only does it stand for a state of life, but it spells “RATT” when you abbreviate it. Now granted it’s spelt with two “T’s”, but overall rats are generally from sewers and lower-level living. I almost feel like one because of how against the odds my life has been growing up and after starting from nothing, I’m at the cusp of seeing better days.

I’m also currently working on a music video/film called, “What I Want”. The song was Produced by Kato- one of the in-house Producers for Funk Volume (Independent Record Label)- and is being Directed by Luke Zintak and Produced by Dan Kritchevsky. Set to serve as the first of a trilogy, the music video/film will release sometime in 2014; it was originally supposed to be submitted for Funk Volumes’ 2014 Don’t Funk Up Our Beats- Contest 6 competition, but we just couldn’t fit it in the schedule to get it done in time.


With so much competition how do you stay motivated to keep doing music?

Ultimately, I don’t worry nor pay attention to what other people are doing musically (in terms of “my competitors”) because at the end of the day, I am in competition with myself and no one further. I can’t control what another person is doing or how they are using their talents- or lack their of- to obtain success. All that matters is what I do with my own talents and overall artistry, and how I manifest that too the general public that way I can continue to do what I love. If I stay on point with my own game, everything will be alright- and that’s what motivates me!


Where do you see yourself in 3 years?

In 3 years I see myself still making great music with a forever growing fan base, and playing shows on the Moon while scheming out how I can book a show on Mars!


Do you have any up and coming events you would like to plug?

In terms of shows, I have a few here and there but I’m just gearing up for the Race Against Time Tour set to begin in the Fall of 2014. Other than that, I am releasing a brand new single from the upcoming album, Race Against Time, that was Produced by MoreTea called, “Like Me” featuring Mahdie Ali. You can get it on iTunes and media stores everywhere so be sure to go out and get that- show your love by spreading the music and leaving me comments on media stores about how much you love the new track!

I’d also like to take a second and shout out one of my sponsors, Rude Boy Apparel. They hooked me up and they’re holding it down from the other side of the world and that’s fresh! I’ve been in contact with other apparel sponsors and, we’ll just have to see what the rest of 2014 has in store!


How can people find you online?

Just visit my website for all the latest news. Visit http://JonWriterMusic.com and add me on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/Jon_Writer (@Jon_Writer). - Spate Magazine

-So what’s good, tell the crowd where you from and what you represent!

Well first off, I’m from Chicago which to me is the best city in the world! I think a lot of people feel that way and should in all honesty, but I’m also from my alma mater of Illinois State University- us Redbirds get down and always go hard so, I put my school on my back! In terms of what I represent . . . I represent good music and positive vibes! I’m just trying to live life but not like everyone else, I mean like REALLY live it! I’m just here to do my thing and pass on these positives vibes.



-What is the story behind your name, is this your real name or did you choose to make this one up?

[Laughs] Well I used to go by the name Jay Nice all the way out since high school; I even went by it in college. All the females called me it and really dug that name and it was cool or whatever . . . but after recently going through personal struggles and a bullshit year in 2013, I wanted to reinvent myself in 2014. So the “Jon” part of my name is short for my real name (“Jonathan”) and the “Writer” part of it is exactly what I am- a writer. I’m about this lifestyle and instead of coming up with a name that was pointless and just another alias, I wanted something that was completely 100% me. Jon Writer is that name.



-When did you decide to pursue music as a career path?

Right after I graduated college in December 2012. I had spent over four years doing college work that was completely boring and unsatisfying- even irrelevant to life in some ways. So I decided that since I had given school over four years of dedication, it was time to give myself four years to really go out there and do what it is I love. Best case scenario I make a career out of it; worse case scenario I go out trying like a champ. So far, it’s been good.



-Have you traveled outside your area? If so where have you gone and how where those experiences like? If not, tell us where you would love to perform?

I have traveled outside the area! Usually when I leave my hometown, it’s strictly for business. I recently just got back from St. Louis, MO after working with an artist by the name of Mahdie Ali at Shock City Studios. I got to the studio before he did and knocked the verses out of the park! By the time Mahdie Ali walked in, it was time to lay the hook down- and straight up, the kid did not disappoint. He’s got some cords to him and the dude’s work ethic in the recording studio is great! Expect more collaborations with him in the future. The song we recorded is called “Like Me” and will release on iTunes in April 2014. Go out and purchase the single! It’s going on my upcoming album, Race Against Time!



-Do you feel like you are at the peak of your music path or do you feel like there is a lot more for you?

I’m not even close to peaking! There is so much that I would like to do and accomplish before this is all said and done . . . you just don’t understand. I’m just getting started if anything! And that’s what people have to understand. I’m doing all this and making noise in so little time. I have big plans for the future.
-We also noticed your fanbase. How does it feel to know that people are behind your music and bumping it?
It’s a funny thing you say that! I was driving in the car with another artist I work with called Nayquan (or Quan or Dolphin)- the dude will probably have like four name changes and one for every project by the time it’s all said and done, he’s like f**king puff daddy [Laughs]- and anyway, he asked me the same question. I’ll tell you what I told him earlier. In all honestly, I don’t think about having fans very often. As a matter of fact I always act as if I have zero fans, that way I’m constantly pushing myself to be greater and win over new fans. So to answer your question in simple terms, it’s rewarding when I really start to sit down and think about it. Like wow there’s really people out there than genuinely love my music, this is great! But in the grand scheme of things, I try to be humble and act as if I don’t have any fans because I want to be the greatest artist possible that I can be.



-Whats next for you, what can your fans and our readers expect from you in the coming weeks, months, or even years?

Well for those that know, I entered in the 2014 Funk Volume “Don’t Funk Up Our Beats” Contest 6 and made it past the first round but not the second. We were originally going to film one amazing music video with cinematographers, stunt coordinators, make up artists, the whole nine . . . But we couldn’t get it done in time so we pushed that music video back and went something easy. With that being said, we are still going to release the original music video we were going to do for that and the song will be called, “What I Want”. The production for this music video is very big and it will most definitely be a controversial video.

My newest single “Like Me” feat. Mahdie Ali (Prod. by MoreTea) will be releasing on iTunes in April 2014 so, be sure to go out and purchase it when you can because it’s such a HOT track! Also, I am planning a nationwide college tour in the Fall of 2014 for the release of my upcoming album, Race Against Time. Dates and locations for that are still tentative but we will release an official tour date calendar when the time is appropriate.



-Please drop your links to your recent & upcoming projects so music lovers could find your material?

http://JonWriterMusic.com - IndieRapBlog

Skilly: Where did this all start? Tell us about your journey in the entertainment business.

Jon Writer: I basically got tired of sitting around and waiting for record deals to fall on my lap, so I just went out and did what I had to do. I started asking myself what I needed and what my next stepping stone was. Then found a way to leap onto that motherfucker and seize the moment. Everything I’ve done to this point was planned and took a lot of hard work. Like the homie Gerald (G-Eazy) would say, “None of this is happening by accident!”

Skilly: What would be your biggest piece of advice for the young kids out there trying to do what you do?

Jon Writer: I’d probably tell them to learn to be business-oriented and find a way to invest into their craft. If you don’t support you, then who will. Know what I mean? You need to be keeping that in mind and cutting back from anything that doesn’t help you get to your end goal. This has to be life for you. You need that mindset because once you do have it, you become limitless.

Skilly: What are some of the hardest challenges and tasks in your position?

Jon Writer: There’s a few. It’s never easy being a recording artist because you function differently than how society does and society may not always understand that. One of the worst things is working with someone that doesn’t move at your pace or see things the way you do. Don’t get me wrong, that can be good at times but when it’s bad it can prevent you from getting the things you need done.

So bottom line, you just have to be sure to continuously lead the pack. Make sure your goals are being met and that the team is intact and everyone sees the bigger picture. The better your surroundings, the easier your challenges will become.

Skilly: We all know the entertainment business is very tough, but what do you find is the best way to promote and advertise your music?

Jon Writer: I think Twitter’s the shit, so I’m on that often letting people know what I’m doing. I think you just need to engage with people and just be a fan of other people before you let them hear how dope you are and show them all of your cool shit. You should be a fan for your fans. You do that enough times and people will dig you for not only being a recording artist, but also a cool ass person too.

I also think getting onto major distribution platforms like Spotify and Pandora Radio help, but their payouts are a joke. I know BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) has been going after Spotify and Pandora to work on fixing these rates, but they need to hurry the up because I’m actually hopeful for the future of streaming services as time goes on.

Skilly: Tell us about your city. How are the artists and the fans?

Jon Writer: Gurnee, IL really isn’t all that buzzing yet with its music scene, unless you’re a DJ or you like EDM. Often times these dope artists are forced to take their talents elsewhere like north to Milwaukee or South to Chicago which is a lot more supportive of dope shit. That’s pretty much where you need to be.

But the artist are always good. And the fans are always tight when we do shows. I’m trying to be the one that really puts us on the map though

Skilly: Where do you see yourself a year from today?

Jon Writer: Being that the 58th Grammy Awards just aired and Kendrick Lamar threw down the best set anyone has ever seen before in their life, I’m going to aim for being at the 59th Grammy Awards a year from today; hopefully winning Best Rap Album. A lot can change in a year so might as well dream big, right?

Skilly: Who and what were your biggest inspirations? Who do you look up to in today’s world?

Jon Writer: Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Drake, Logic, Mac Miller, Wiz Khalifa, G-Eazy, Dizzy Wright, Hopsin, Mike Stud, MGK, Tory Lanez, and Change The Rapper. The list goes on and on with who I look up to musically nowadays. I think there’s a lot of really dope artists out.

But inspiration, I get that through life and the shit I’ve been through. That’s usually what keeps me driven, it’s achieving those goals. That and a really dope beat a Producer just sent me.

Skilly: How do you feel about the music coming out today? Do you like it?

Jon Writer: The stuff with substance, not the whole “bang bang” trap stuff. I’m a fan of just really good music with substance. So right now I’m rocking with Skizzy Mars, Mike Studd, Steff Marvin, and even some Tory Lanez. They’re killing it right now. I think nowadays we’re starting to hear a lot more quality music, so I’m excited for it to keep coming out.

Skilly: Where can we contact you and find you online?

Jon Writer:
Official Website: www.JonWriterMusic.com
Soundcloud: JonWriter
YouTube: JonWriterMusic
Facebook: JonWriter.Music
Twitter | Instagram: @Jon_Writer
Email: Management@JonWriterMusic.com - Skilly Magazine (Online)