Unveiling The Creative Mind, an Interview with Javi Vera

I had the pleasure of interviewing Maryland Alternative Rock/Indie singer-songwriter Javi Vera, where we delved into the intricacies of his musical journey. From his initial introduction to the world of music to the profound influence of living in the dynamic DMV area on his sound, our conversation traversed various facets of his artistic evolution. Moreover, we explored his innovative approach to leveraging platforms like TikTok to create captivating content and cultivate a dedicated fanbase, as well as the inspiration behind his latest single, “SOFARLOVE.” Join me as we uncover the layers of creativity and inspiration behind Javi Vera's music.

Sam: So, what was your first introduction to music?

Javi: I've always been a kid who really likes soundtracks for movies and whatnot. I remember I had an MP3 that my dad would buy me. It was the Spongebob movie that I watched. To me, the music on there's something you can give yourself, and I thought it was so sick. That was the first time I genuinely took music and repeatedly listened to it.
Sam: That’s dope. That's a pretty nostalgic movie too, and the soundtrack was great. Did you happen to grow up playing instruments, or were you self-taught? 

Javi: No, there was no position where I needed to learn. It was more like I just saw my dad and brother play. I wanted to do that, and I taught myself from there. My dad taught me a few chords, but then I'd say pass, and a few years later, it's self-driven.

Sam: Gotcha, gotcha. That’s impressive. I always find it cool when people can teach themselves or learn by ear. At what age did you start putting out music or know that you wanted to make music?

Javi: I learned later on it was always in me, but it was super intimidating. I also came from a place that could be more creatively accepting. I don't hear kids doing this artist thing from where I'm at and whatnot. So, I felt comfortable with myself in my senior year in high school, and that's when I just started. I tapped in and got my first interface to connect my guitar to my phone. From there, it all felt like that was the only thing I could think about. Since I got that interface, music production has been on my mind ever since.

Sam: How do you feel the DMV has influenced your sound as an artist?

Javi: This is going to sound negative, but in a way, the DMV was very boring. I wanted to make high-energy music.

Sam: I feel you; I feel like we have a particular sound that’s harder and in your face.

Javi: Music-wise, it's boring. It's more aesthetics, and I needed more liveliness. Baltimore is not like major cities like New York City or LA, where there’s this energetic atmosphere. I felt like I needed something like that in my music. I’ve always been a super energetic kid, which also comes from that.

Sam: Yeah, I totally understand; how would you describe your sound to someone who has yet to listen to your music? If you could, in three words.

Javi: High energy, guitar-heavy, and unexpected.

Sam: Solid three, you just dropped your latest single, “SOFALOVE,” and I saw that it's getting a lot of traction on TikTok leading up to the month of release. What was the inspiration behind the song, and what was your writing process like?

Javi:  So, with the song, I came up with the chords and the beat without having any lyrics. But once I played the chords, I knew the direction of the song, and I didn't want to take it seriously. I always wanted to make a stupid story because I've been trying to be a lot better at storytelling within my songs. But sometimes I need more experience to do that. So, I used a story my friend told me the night before that he had in a past relationship. I thought it was funny, and the word sofas kept coming up. I knew from that point that I was just gonna make it about his story. I asked him for permission since I didn’t know if he would be proud.

Sam: That's a cool concept; who produced it? 

Javi: Me.

Sam: Do you produce primarily all of your music?

Javi: Yeah, from the songs that I've produced, that's what I enjoy the most, and then everything just flows from the direction of that.

Sam: How has TikTok played a part in cultivating an audience and fan base for your music? You're good at making content, and I see your stuff doing big numbers.

Javi: I think TikTok is just like, we're in an era of music where you need to be tapped into that aspect. Especially if you want to grow faster; there was so much trial and error that I just wanted to learn to get good at it. So TikTok has been important, and I'd not be as good if it weren't for Instagram or TikTok. From day one, I knew I had to put my energy into it. So far, it's worked out, even though I have been doing well for the longest time. I knew I would get good at it in one day, and I've gotten better. 

Sam: Do you feel that coming up with ideas for the content comes naturally to you?

Javi: I do not think it was natural. Shout out to my friend who helps me with the content and whatnot. I'm trying to change it up, but when I first started, I had yet to learn how to market my music without saying my new song is out now and whatnot. I turned to tapping into making it myself and something other people want to be a part of. Slowly, I changed some content, and I was nervous about asking him to help me record videos and whatnot, but he was super supportive off the bat. I thought people would think it was stupid, but he was supportive, always telling me ideas and just trying to brainstorm together to make something that would do well and be eye-catching. It also makes hooks interesting in terms of cue and relatability. It's like sewing; I'm also just a kid having fun.

Sam: What's your favorite part about the songwriting process? Is it writing the hook or the production element?

Javi: That's a good question when you find the hope that works after trying for a while and trying to find the words to it. Once you find what works, it's like finally something that's in the right direction. It's a song essentially at that point because I feel like once you have the hook, the rest is not there yet; you have what you need to keep going, and it's cool to hear that part and hear that product and finally feel like I'm making something like this. 

Sam:  That's a solid answer. What do you think has been a positive and a negative thing so far that you've felt you've encountered on your path of being an artist?

Javi: I think there’s so much negativity, but there are days when you don't want to put in the work or don't feel like anything is going well for you. And I feel like you get desensitized to what you kind of have. It's easy to give time and take it for granted. I think I've done better with that within the past two or three months, and I'm just being more grateful for what I have. Obviously, millions don't or whatnot, but I am grateful for what I have now and stop playing this comparison game in my head like it's super duper vital so I can keep going. The more positive my outlook is, the better things will go for me.

Sam: Yeah, that's a really good outlook. What are some things coming up, on the horizon, or that you're hoping to achieve for 2024?

Javi: So I'm doing a show in LA this month. That’s gonna be my first time doing this show outside of the East Coast. I also am doing my first merch drop I worked hard on; it's been a couple of months already, but I've been trying to put something together that I like because I don't want to just put stuff out there without enjoying it myself, I want it to represent my music and whatnot. Then, I'm also working towards an EP, which is the next big step. I have stuff I haven't put out as singles I want on it, and I'm very excited. These songs are a combination of the songs that will be on a project, and they show my taste and the variety of creativity within the music in my head. I’m very excited about that and will take my time working on these songs until that time arises. 

Sam: Great. I'm looking forward to it!

Be sure to follow Javi Vera on Instagram and TikTok for more as well as follow PLAYDATE. on Instagram for more music recommendations like this.