Having already garnered songwriting credits for the likes of Black Coffee and Chance The Rapper in recent years, New York-based artist J. Hoard continues his upward ascent with the vibrant new single 'Devil Is A Liar'.
Conjuring a beautifully warm and alluring neo-soul aesthetic throughout, 'Devil Is A Liar' makes for a wondrous listen from start to finish. With its broad and inventive textures, sweeping atmosphere, and his own captivating voice at the helm, he is returning to the fold with one of his most impactful offerings to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Trumpet. I played trumpet in elementary school; it was my introduction to notation and strengthened my understanding of breath control. Now, I record and tour with Brasstracks, gotta love the connections!
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
BRANDY! And Shania Twain. My family is filled with amazing musicians and singers - literally the best singers, they’d hit the group chat strong if I don’t acknowledge “Gospel” music as my roots and 1st love.
What was the first album you remember owning?
“Bringing It Back Home” The Clark Sisters. Found it in a rental car during a family trip - changed my life. The harmonies, the lyrics, THE SANGING.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“New Rules” Dua Lipa, it’s so smart and pop at the same time - absolutely brilliant song.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Voice memo. (Puff) and listen again if and only if it comes back then I go to the piano/loop pedal if it sticks. (Puff) Try new chords if I feel the movement is too stagnant, then trim melody - lyrics - and chords (again lol). Then to Garage Band or Logic for a very rough demo. If it’s real, it makes it to the stage. Then, like with “Devil Is A Liar”, to the studio and then to press.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Coco Jones (“ICU”)
Beyoncé (I’ve recently been playing Renaissance start to finish, she and Brandy influence me toooo much so I don’t immediately listen to their new releases)
Melanie Charles
Madison McFerrin
Kendrick Lamar “Rich Spirit” - anthem for a while
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Harry Styles. It would be epic.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Watching or hearing how your music affects someone positively.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Making music with expectations. The blessing is the music. The luck is to be heard. So I try to return my focus to the blessing when things become frustrating in this music artist journey.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
“Stay hungry.” - DJ Premier
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J. Hoard's new single 'Devil Is A Liar' is available to stream now. Check out the new video for it in the player below.