What is your name?
Jude Rose

What is your genre of music?
The closest genre would be RnB alternative. I am also heavily influenced by the storytelling found in the singer songwriter style. I like the idea of using RnB melody with the vulnerability of a folk singer. My production is mostly live instrumentation because I try to keep things classic. I don’t think guitar and piano will ever go out of style.

Give us a little bio about you.
I am originally from Chicago and also spent 5 years in Japan when I was a kid. When I was little my Dad would take me to church choir. That was my first introduction to music. I wasn’t very good but if I listened closely to my Dad I could hold a note okay. I started to take music seriously in college when I would start different projects, record music, and play live shows. It has taken me a bit to solidify what I wanted my solo project to sound like but I have finally found it. For lyrics, I pull from actual experience. I wanted these collection of songs to sound like me from the production to the stories I tell.

What made you go in to music?
I’m obsessed. I’m always chasing the next lyric or melody genuine as possible. Then down the road once I have something the leverage I will partner with the right team. It is all about working with the right people at the right time.

You recently released ‘Lose’, tell us more about it.
I wrote ‘Lose’ to help me process things when I was scared that someone I love would hurt them self. This person was having suicidal thoughts. The song helped me process everything when I didn’t know how to help.

What was the writing process like?
Lose started on an acoustic guitar when I was playing around with some Jazz chord voicing. I also wanted to try a 3/4 timing to give it a circular feel. The beat came about because the time signature was unfamiliar. The final beat was my first take. The lyrics and vocal melodies came soon after. I like to come up with lyrics along with the melody. The concept for the song had
been floating in my head prior to the studio session. The idea of the chorus promising that ‘ won’t lose you’ and the verses stating all the things I’m okay with losing as long as I can keep you. I tried to keep post production pretty simple because I wanted the song to do the storytelling. This made the mix and master easier as the project only consisted of 7 tracks. I wanted it to feel authentic.

What was the recording process like?
I recorded everything in my studio. I like to write while I record. Most of the melodies and lyrics came in the studio while tracking parts. I’ll usually freestyle a few phrases then pick me favorite then take time to think of the new phrase then track it. Just like recording is fitting pieces together so is writing. In my process the two are hard to separate or differentiate. They usually happen at the same time

What is the message you want listeners to take from the single?
For me it was a way to get through anxiety and doubt. I’m happy if listeners make the song there own and take what they need from it. That is one of the main reason why I make music–to allow other people add to the story.

Describe the single in two words
A promise

Will we see an EP or Album in the new year? If so can you give us some teasers of what to expect?
I plan on releasing a single every month for most of 2019. Then an EP or a full length near the end of the year. I want to set up a few collaborations with brands especially in fashion. I am also working a lot in music licensing. I hope to have a few syncs lined up with commercials and TV shows.

Do you have any shows or a tour in planning? If so where will you be heading?
My next show is at The Mint Jan 21st. I go on at 11:30pm just before my debut single comes out on the 22nd. I plan on following that up with a few shows in LA then a west coast tour. Then after the west coast tour we are planning doing the rest of U.S. by the end of the year.

What else can we expect from you this year?
A lot more music. I’m excited to share what I have been working on. Also excited to get a merchandise line finalized. A debut music video will happen this year as well–maybe more depending on how things progress.

What does 2019 hold for you as an artist?
It is time to see what the people think. I have spent the last 3 years writing and producing to figure what exactly what I want to say and what sound I need to use to say it. I am sure that I have found it and I am excited to see how gravitates to it.

Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
No not yet. I am producing for a few artist but nothing to publicly announce yet. I am always looking for amazing singer songwriters (preferably in RnB or soul) to work with. I have a hard drive full of beats that need to find a home.

Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Yes and they can contact me at michaeljameswhittle@gmail.com

Do you play any instruments?
I play guitar, bass, piano, and a little violin

Who are your influences?
Daniel Cesar
Joji
dvsn
Sabrina Claudio

How do you get inspiration to write songs?
From life experiences. It usually starts with an emotion or a scene from my past. I try as best as I can to take myself back to that moment. I also have special spots to get me inspired. I think it helps to consistently physically go to place that help you get into a creative mindset.

Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Doing the same thing I am right now. Writing new music and then finding ways to share it with others. I see myself being able to do international tours and continue to create the music that I am proud of and that is authentic to me.

When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Reading and eating good food. I love to long distance run, surf, box, and do crossfit.

What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more into the music scene?
Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead

What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Only take the advice that helps. Don’t always trust everything that is given to as advice. always question things so that you can come to an understanding and a belief for yourself. Know the source of the information that you are consuming.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Trust what feels right over everything else. Trust yourself and know that you are sufficient. You do not have to be what the industry tells you that you have to be.

What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Be consistent.

When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Be present
Don’t focus on technicalities but just on expression
Be honest
Breathe don’t force anything
My guitar

Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?

Fb/Insta/Twitter