“This song is about being on top of my game and never giving up. There is so much negativity in the world, and no matter the obstacles I will pursue my passion for music.” – @juniorsparks11
Listen to the Interview
Episode #292 : A.V.A Live Radio Behind The Music with Jacqueline Jax : http://www.blogtalkradio.com/avaliveradio/2016/01/27/episode-292-ava-live-radio-behind-the-music-with-jacqueline-jax
GETTING TO KNOW JUNIOR SPARKS
by Jacqueline Jax host of A.V.A Live Radio
Interviewing: Brendan Sparks
Music business…
I believe it’s easier than ever with different social media platforms to promote music, but much more competitive since everyone nowadays wants to make music and put it online. You no longer have many street teams passing out CD’s, you have fans asking others to listen to your music using Twitter, Facebook, etc.
Pros and cons…
I have had the luxury to open up for Big Sean, Petey Pablo, Machine Gun Kelly, Bizzy Bone, and upcoming local artists. This was a great experience and I learned much from it. A con that I experienced was driving all the way to New York, in my ghetto 95 Chrysler Concorde with no heat, for a New Years performance. The whole thing was a scam and turned out to be an experience I would never forget.
Hurdles and pitfalls…
I’ve learned to spend my money wisely on promotions and never trust but to verify. I also used to make music that had no relevance to my life. Although clubs and parties are what I was surrounded by, I made music that I thought others wanted to hear. As I’ve grown, so has my music. I learned to keep it real and let those people who can relate, relate. There will always be haters and people who don’t like my music, but that’s ok, you win some you lose some.
Singles vs an album…
Releasing singles is exciting. I can’t wait for people to respond to a song that I post. I have yet to release a full album but I think that it could be difficult to figure out the best songs to put on it, as well as not promoting some of the songs that would be on it.
Social media…
I like the convenience. I like how easy it is to share a song with someone who can share it with someone else, all within a click. I also like how easy it is to find other indie artists that have talent. I like to study others and learn how to make myself better.
Challenges that you’ve had to overcome…
My biggest challenge is time management. I give those men and woman who spend all day in the studio, if I could I would. Being in the military married with my son and new born daughter is a lot of work. This doesn’t mean making music is my hobby, because every chance I get I’m either studying other artists, vibing to music, or working on my next song.
My personal definition of success is…
I was deployed and I had a plan to get as much school done as possible. I ended up doing over 23 credits and completed my Associates Degree. This was a huge success for me. I pretty much dedicated all of my time to it but I knew when it was over it would be worth it. I also wrote my single Long Way to Go during my deployment as well.
My over all goal for my life & career is…
always stay true to myself and reward all of those who have given so much to me and help support my journey.
3 Ways that I challenge myself…
1) Make short term goals so that long term goals are more achievable. This is more realistic for myself or anyone. Aim for a smaller target, and keep moving towards the big one.
2) Engage myself with as many fans as possible. Listen and learn from their critiques. I can always get better.
3) Never give up hope and believe in my music. This is the most important because this is my motivation, the reason I continue to pursue my dreams.
I’m Up ft. Prynce Tha Writer…
This song is about being on top of my game and never giving up. There is so much negativity in the world, and no matter the obstacles I will pursue my passion for music. I had relationships that didn’t work and I’ve had people tell me I should stop making music and do something proactive with my life. Currently, I am thankful where I’m at in my life, and that ultimately inspires me to share that positivity with the world. I am currently in the military and you learn really quick to be thankful and push yourself to exceed your expectations.
My wife went to the mall with my son, and I ended up at home alone, which doesn’t happen often. When I was sitting there I realized all that I’ve accomplished and how my life would be completely different without them. The positives, as well as the trials in my life, inspired me.
I plan on releasing a mixtape…
which the name is unknown at the moment. I plan to be as open about my life as possible. I am not trying to be a positive rapper, I just live a positive life and that is what I am currently inspired by. I also plan to explain the hard times and obstacles along the way. I feel there is so much negativity in the world and I want to shine light on everything we have to be thankful for and when times are hard, we can always bounce back. I hope to release it early next year 2016 on itunes, etc. I don’t want to be heard as another rapper, I want to be known as an artist.
My hometown is Detroit, Michigan…
Being in the military, I am currently stationed in Germany. The locals actually love Hip Hop which is a great opportunity for me. I plan to start promoting my music out here in the near future.
I love Call of Duty. When I get the chance to play, I’m all in. Video games in general actually, I’m a bit of a nerd. I love cartoons and chilling on the PS4 gaming it up when I’m not changing my kids diapers.
It was 7th grade…
when my teacher had the class write poems and submit them for prizes. Although I did not even place, I found an interest in writing poetry. After that I never stopped writing. Later in high school I ended up meeting my friend Gavin. We made a band called Bandit Boyz, and I realized my passion for music when we started getting a large fan base and started performing.
I would love to have 5 minutes alone with…
Without a doubt in my mind, Eminem. He has always had a story to tell and has never held anything back. He talks about his troubles but then talks about how he made it through it all. The man is a lyrical genious. It is not because I lived a couple miles away from 8 mile, but because he is an inspiration.
Do you find that there is to much emphasis on being current and trendy…
Yes, I think there is too much emphasis. Music is constantly changing but history repeats itself. I don’t see the current trend lasting too long. Being in Germany, I don’t really follow the trends from music in the states because I don’t have much of an opportunity to listen to it. I think this leaves more creativity to just be me at the moment.
I am most afraid of… not being able to support my family.
https://www.reverbnation.com/juniorsparks11
Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juniorsparks11/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juniorsparks11
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/juniorsparks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/juniorsparks11
Reverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/juniorsparks11