In an age where lyricism is not as crucial in music, it is refreshing to see rappers like Jahleel FaReaL using clever word play and references that may go unnoticed to the average listener. We got the chance to sit down with the young Texas musician to talk about his recording process, his inspirations and more.
So I guess we should begin with introductions, how old are you and where are you from?
I am 27 and coming out of Austin, Tx. Born and mostly raised in Killeen but been all over due to my parents being in the military.
What got you started making music?
I always had a deep love for music since I was young. I actually wanted to sing when I was younger. I think that’s where my melodic side comes from , but in high school I wrote poetry then begun producing music once I got to college and met a few friends (ThisIsDavidRuiz, Snxxz3, KloudNoir) they taught me the basics. Once I started making beats I began rapping on them to show off how dope they were, people told me keep going and it evolved from there.
When you’re not making music what are you up to?
That’s tough, I spend a lot of time making music but I would say painting and spending time with my family and friends.
Do you have a process for song creation or is it more of a spur of the moment thing?
It mostly works off spur of the moment. I’m usually making a beat and as it’s looping something comes to mind and I build off that. Lately I have been laying a bunch of hooks down, then freestyle a verse. If I like it I will mold it into a full blown record. If not I’ll leave it be and come back to it in the future. I have a ton of unreleased music ready to go at any time this way.
Did you have any early music influences? Who were your favorite artists growing up?
My heaviest musical influences were always mostly Texas artist such as UGK, anything Swisha House (Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Z-Ro, Chamillionaire) , Big Moe . Outside of that I was heavenly influenced by Outkast to Big Krit and even a lot of R&B music as I mentioned before I use to want to be a singer.
In what ways have your music changed since you began making music? Were these changes consciously made, or did they naturally happen?
Everything naturally happened. I made a ton of mistakes. At the time I thought a lot of records I was making were dope and they sounded right and for that time being it did and was someone acceptable for that moment. But over time I naturally evolved lyrically, melodically, production wise and even strategically the way I market myself and my music.
What has been your proudest moment in this process? What was a moment in which you could see the results of your hard work?
My proudest moments are always the shows. Being able to perform the music I created and produced on my own for fans that genuinely enjoy my vibe is like a drug. Taking pictures, hearing what their favorite record is and why always keeps me going.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/696428293″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]You’ve been releasing music steadily for a while. How has the industry changed over the years, and how have you had to adapt to it?
Everything is way more digital. Although it may be good promo to still walk the streets and pass out CD’s in my opinion that path is slowly if not already dead. So adapting to marketing online and making solid connections I would say. But it is easier these days to make plays nationwide from a single location. It’s always a work in progress.
What is your most personal song, and why?
That’s tough. I would say every record I made is a piece of me giving myself to the world and is personal in a way. I don’t think I’ve made my most personal record yet. Maybe “Bleed” .. I definitely have a few songs that I wrote that are deep and exposing my feelings but I have not recorded them yet. Timing is everything.
If you were to describe your sound, how would you describe it?
My sound is appreciating. Hard hitting edge with a melodic touch. One of a kind in it’s own lane that I created just for it. It’s a sound that may not be accepted to most at the moment but will be appreciated and understood in the future. I’m certain on that.
What’s your recording process like?
Mostly living room home studio, by myself free-styling records. My recording process is pretty quick maybe a half hour recording and I’ll spend a few days testing out mixes. If I’m not at the home lab I’m with the homie Zeus808 creating bangers at the Music Lab or in LA with the “Hometeam” and management label Entourage.
What is next for OG FAREAL? What do you want your supporters to know about you?
What’s next for me is always unexpected. More content. Doper music and visuals. More connections. Bigger shows and announcements. 2020 is gonna be a huge year for me so we just gonna finish this 4th quarter strong and start off next year with nothing but pressure. I hope to see you tuned in.