Hi. My name is DeJuan and I’m a producer under the alias JIGGZ PATEL. I’ve been producing for 7 years. I describe my sound as nostalgic, groovy, peculiar, and original. My influences range from Prince to Three 6 Mafia. From J Dilla to Miriam Makeba.
Where are you from?
Pittsburgh
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been making music for seven years.
How many songs /albums have you released to date?
I’ve released 13 projects from 2011 to now. I’ve had a few monikers over time RYVNRD and ¢olor$ with more projects coming from RYVNRD.
Can you tell us about your latest release and the background and inspirations behind it?
My latest release “ATIME2:4GET” is a double sided album under my new and permanent alias JIGGZ PATEL. Its really a compilation of sounds, atmospheres and emotions I’ve experimented with over the last two years. I was influenced by J. Dilla, Prince, lots of insence, and the 90s. It’s characterized with lo-fi moods, billowing bass, nostalgic chords and funky drum grooves.
What do you think of the music industry in 2017?
It’s pretty much anything goes at this point. Music is the universal language and you don’t necessarily need to understand the words to connect anymore. Whether it be instrumental music, “mumble” rap or foreign music, at least from my relationship with music, it’s gonna impact in some way. Personally, I’m not with 360 deals and artistic exploitation, but if it can potentially get a young black man – or anyone – out of a bad environment and situation so be it. But after you sign and get a check, what’s next? I think if you have the chance to sign a real deal, take it. Test the waters. If things are the way they’re supposed to be between you and your label, great! But if things aren’t functioning correctly use them as a stepping stone to your independence.
Who do you think the most influential artist?
Prince. To be able to render many different genres into one timeless sound is purely genius. His prolificacy is inspiring. The abundance of music only drives me to create more. He is music. To be so creative, intelligent and as independent as he was as an artist impacts the way I think as an artist. To revert to your last question, Prince should have been the music industry. Things would be alright.
Who have you collaborated with so far in your career?
I’ve created with local artists and friends from Alex Tyson, Grease Brown and Chris Vance to name some.
How do you think you differ from other artists?
I don’t compare or contrast myself. It doesn’t matter to me. As long as I create what I love I’m good. I’ll leave the comparing and contrasting to the listeners
Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaboration?
I never thought Prince would collaborate with young artists of today but on his HIT N RUN: PHASE ONE album a 23 yr old dude, Joshua Welting, co produced. Had that been me…FIREEEE. I would love to link with Erykah Badu or Q tip.
What was the first album you bought?
The first albums I’ve owned as gifts were Lou Bega’s Mambo No.5 and the WWF entrance music soundtrack. Actually the first album at 10 years old I’ve bought was a pirated copy of Musicology when I visited Detroit. Sorry Prince.
What’s your favorite song at the moment?
At the moment, I’ve been listening to a bunch of Iman omari. Mercury has been a banger as of late
If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your draw?
I would leave my recent work ATIME2:4GET in the vault. It’s my most extensive and intricate body of work so far.
What is your favourite saying?
Whenever I want new music, I just make it.- Prince
What other hobbies or interests do you have?
I do graphic design. I created all my album art.
Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
I got my septum pierced. I didn’t know what I wanted as a that so I decided an additional hole in my face.
Tell us more about your upcoming project or this new project?
I have a beat tape honoring Prince. I titled it “ALOOPDONTMATTERIFTHESAMPLEDONTFIT” a line from The Good (life big city remix). That line is truth right? I plan to release on the anniversary of Prince’s unfortunate passing. Loops, samples, and classic vibes.
Thank you for your time and may you carry on making great, fresh music.
Thank you ARTISTRACK for your time and attention. To everyone who listens, or has listened to my work, you are love. I have more grooves and tunes coming very soon. Stay tuned.
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