Mr 305 Inc's Jamie Drastik carved out his own
distinctive and remarkable sound which exudes through his music. Pitbull once
said Jamie was going to be the Ben Affleck of music. This 'White Boy Wasted' came 'Outta Nowhere' and is storming through with hits that positively
slap you in the face, stop you in
your tracks and take control of ears and mind.
Praised by other key players in the industry
such as P.Diddy, Jadakiss and fellow Mr 305 Inc's Fat Joe, Jamie has a list of
collaborations under his belt not only with mentor Pitbull himself but also the
likes of Havana Brown, Kelly Rowland, Flo Rida, Danny Mercer, Shawn Vanbrocklin
and many more.
Jump The Decision is packed with varying
sounds, themes and rhymes that leave a lot of 'food for thought'.
The first track is The Decision which is incredibly 'moving' with the capacity to strike a strong chord for anyone chasing dreams and wanting to be successful. Not only words of encouragement such has having to jump and "take a leap of faith". But Jamie also takes us through other associated thoughts and emotions that we can relate to in one context or another "Butterflies in my stomach. There's a chance that I could plummet, you know how much I want it.." With where that sink or swim feeling sets in "When I jump imma die or fly, I make my decision in the sky" To the other side of the many 'advisors' in different shapes and forms "Telling me what I shouldn't do, funny thing is that tells me all about you, can't let your fears be my fears" Time to take things in his own hands as Jamie tells us "There's no difference from doormat to dormant" fighting through and being in the "Eye of the storm with the eye of the tiger"
Broken Boomerang featuring Shawn Vanbrocklin
vacuums you into a whirlpool of emotions with the story in the song "They
told me if you love her then you let her go, I learned if you love her then you
never let her go, whoever said that was not credible..But I believed that.
Incredible" and the song goes on as verses show hurt and mixed emotions,
things getting sour, regrets. Another MUST listen to song on the album.
From the deeper tracks to the lighter such as
Set You Free featuring Andrew Martinez with an infectious hook and have you toe
tapping and head bopping or to straight 'dance, move, slide and groove' just
let loose go with it and let Jamie set you free! He thinks he likes it/her but
I'm pretty sure I love this song. Be Mine featuring Stephen Gage is a feel good
mellow and soft summer track.
Switch Kicks is a refreshing song about looking at and respecting things from a different perspective, something his mentor Mr Worldwide also lives by and begins with Jamie living through the eyes of a woman getting the kids ready and heels on (and later complaining about walking in those mother f***** heels all day! ) to other thoughts and strings of questions of being with someone pursuing their career. To being true to yourself and doing what you do. Listen out for that verse when the email comes through as Jamie's flight lands that starts with "Word up Pit"
Who writes songs thanking fans, who REALLY thanks their fans personally as a true heartfelt thank you? Jamie Drastik that's who. The final track on the song is Thank You in which Jamie personally addresses fans with appreciation with a lot of familiar #Pitbullgirls featured too- Netty, Kira Marie, Karen, Carla Ivey, Michelle in Miami, Bertie,Tori Ribas, Hannah from Indiana, Gillian from Ireland, Kristen, Rose Camacho, Larissa in Brazil, Donna, Amira, Chris. The list goes on as Jamie thanks the #pitbullgirls that stay active and also support Jamie Drastik.
Be sure to check out and get your own copy of Jump The Decision. The
exceptional album that arrests attention with it's varied and addictive songs
that transports your mindset and takes your heart along to live through the
song while others make you want to just dance. A Lyrical genius with
rhymes that sting from one angle to another. Jamie Drastik's music is one to
watch out for. But that's enough from me, let's hear what Mr Drastik had to say
when I caught up with him earlier...
When
did you first realise your passion for rap and wanting to pursue it as a career?
At a young age,
when I was 16. I
was already traveling and performing.
Who
are your influences in and outside of music?
I am drawn to
great song writers. So I look to Smokey Robinson, Billy Joel, and Jay Z.
Influences outside of music can come from anyone. Everyone is exceptional at
something, I try to learn from everyone. Especially kids, they are too young to
worry about being politically correct. They are the best music critics.
What
albums did you grow up listening to?
Mostly hip hop.
Jay Z's Blueprint spent a lot of time in my headphones. Eminem's Eminem Show as
well. At a younger age grew up in a "Motown" house, so there was a lot of soul music going on.
What
are you listening to right now?
A folder of beats
to write more songs to mostly.
What
would be on your drinks list for a 'party in the basement'?
Voli
Jack Daniels
Coors
Margaritas for
the women.
And some fireball
shots.
How
did you meet Pitbull and become part of the Mr 305 Inc. family?
I had a song on
my local radio station and it got the attention of one of his business
partners, Robert Fernandez. Pit and I were both on the bill for a big radio
show in my town and we met backstage and hung out afterwards and clicked.
What
is it it like working with Pitbull?
He gives you all
the freedom you want. He gives you little gems and it's on you to either listen
and apply or not. I try to be a sponge. I am aware that some of the business
conversations I get to witness not everyone gets to hear.
Has
Pitbull ever shared any words of wisdom or valuable advice with you?
Don't look back,
not even for a push.
Loved Outta Nowhere, Chasing Shadows and Castle Made of Sand with Pitbull.
Can
we expect another collaboration together in the future?
I think that we
can always collaborate. We are continuously sending music back and forth. It's
important for me right now to continue to build my brand.
You
opened the Planet tour and also headlined the after party of the Pitbull and
Enrique tour a few years ago, what was that like? Were there any memorable
moments from that time?
Every moment was
memorable. I was not even supposed to be on that tour. Originally it was Nayer.
I heard that she wasn't going and before they could make a choice to replace
her I flew to Vancouver with my show cd and a bag of clothes. Pit appreciated
my ambition and let me stay on the whole tour.
Are
there any other artist/s or bands out there you would like to collaborate with?
Gavin DeGraw.
He's from an area right by me and he's a great artist.
How
do you keep yourself motivated and driven?
It's just in me.
There's nothing I have to do to keep myself going. I love to hustle and grind
and watch things grow.
Are
there any lessons you have learnt on your journey so far?
Yes, there are no
rules. Do what works for you.
What
do you want fans to take away from your music?
I feel like they
have yet to really get to know me. That's mostly my fault because I was trying
to make records to fit on a radio playlist rather than just give myself and let
the music find it's own place to fit in. That's what I'm doing with Jump.
The
lyrics and the video to The Decision really hit home. The song and title of the
album itself is encouraging to those of us wanting to pursue our dreams. Do you
have any more words of advice for those wanting to pursue a career as an artist?
Don't spend all
your time chasing new fans, pay attention to the ones that support you. If you
service your present fan base with quality music they will help you get new
fans.
What's
been the best or most memorable parts of recording the new album Jump The
Decision?
The decision to
do it. Once I made up my mind to make this album and the other ones for this
year, it's been a great experience.
Your
songs and lyrics are very moving and leave a lot of 'food for thought' - are
there any songs out there that you have been moved by?
Hmmm. Eric
Clapton's Tears in Heaven will get ya lol.
You
have such a strong fan-base and I have a question from one of your biggest
supporter, Bertha Seymour (@Bertie8689) about your new album Jump The Decision: "Each song is different in vibe but each song lyrics sound personal
in the sense that you are sharing your life with us, was that the intention of
this CD - Kind of get to know Jamie?"
One thousand
percent yes! Love Bertie!
I
absolutely love how you are REAL, appreciate fans, interact personally and am
filled with admiration of how you went as far as writing rhymes with specific fan names making it that more personal and meaningful - thank you for this. When is Thank You Part 2 due to be
released?
Thank You Pt 2
will be on April 1st release. Jump The Takeoff. This record is so important to
me. The people who support my music are amazing people. Mothers, service men
and women, teachers, honor students. People from all walks of life. They have the
choice to listen to so much music and they decide to support me amongst
others... That's amazing to me. Thanking them is necessary. I will finish every
album I ever come out with, with a version of Thank You.
If
I was to come to New York where could we hang out, what's your favourite spot
in the Big Apple?
Rooftop of the
Gansevoort
Hotel or Yankee Stadium.
What's
next?
Jump The Takeoff
comes out April 1st. I CAN'T wait for very one to hear this one.
Thank
you Jamie, it's been an absolute honour, I wish you all the best for your
future projects and look forward to more fantastic songs.
Thank you so much
for these amazing questions. Thank you for supporting my crazy dreams.
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