Portrait by Aram Bedrossian
Getm Jaf is a videographer, producer and a talented up-and-coming musician. Originally from the Bay Area, M-Jaf now travels the world with artist Ryan Leslie producing his music videos, working on his own independent projects and collaborating with artists such as Catalyst. Jaf’s songs are powerful, honest and consistently deliver a precise commentary over relaxed instrumentals and an addictive beat. Photographer Aram Bedrossian (previously featured on our site) recently sat down with his friend to have an intriguing conversation for TheCultivate. Read ahead to learn more about Jaf, an artist, a producer and an overall talented force.
M-Jaf Why do you make music?
I make music because its fun and I feel as though I am a medium and an interpreter of the sound around me.
What instruments do you play and how long have you been making music for?
I have been making music for 10 years and luckily I have been blessed with the ability to pick up most instruments and play them with optimism. Thanks to my mom I am classically trained on the violin, and that has given me the ability to play other instruments.
How do you feel about NY music scene v. The Bay Area?
I think that the Bay Area is stronger in creativity and interested in the creative process, whereas in NY, people are more receptive to new music and its more amenable to the promotion of music.
Is there a dream place where you would like to create an album?
I’d like to create an album in Sweden in the dead of winter.
Whats your creative process before/while youre making a record?
My creative process is dependent upon the people around me and the environment that I am in. Whatever is the most dominant emotion during that time influences the sound of every song I make. Creating/recording music can happen at any time and any place so long as the means are at hand.
Do you consider yourself more of a producer or an artist?
Like many of the people I work with I consider myself more of a producer and I feel that I am only an artist when I have something to say.
Name your top three musical inspirations?
Madonna, Nirvana and Depeche Mode
How would you define your musical style?
The sound that i create comes in a array of “styles” I would define it as a realistic perspective on social behavior, but if I had to say a specific genre it would be hip/hop.
Dream life?
My dream life is to be able to make music all the time, eventually raise good kids, and before I die I would like to have made a significant contribution to the world and its development.
What do you live for and what would you die for?
I live for the experience, and I’ll die for my family.
Whats the normal day in the life of Jaf?
From the moment i roll out of bed, drag the comb across my head, I am rigorously working and contemplating its relation to life.
If you could play a beat or spit a verse for one artist (dead/alive) who would it be?
Hard question to answer but I’d have to play a beat for Eminem.
What is one other passion in your life other than creating art?
At this juncture I don’t really think I am passionate about any other thing in my life.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
I see myself alive and having made an extensive impact on the music industry.
If you weren’t making music what do you see yourself doing?
I would most likely be a student of sociology.
Whats the main source of your musical inspiration?
My inspiration is every emotion and experience I’ve been exposed to thus far.
How do you feel about the state of popular music today?
Sub-par.
What advice would you give to the millions of aspiring musicians in the world?
I would recommend that they allow their creativity to be fully in control and to get money nine ways.
If you could sit down and have a conversation with anybody in history, who would it be?
A historical figure I would like to have the opportunity of speaking with would be Thomas Edison. The reason is because he invented the first sound recording device. I consider this a monumental discovery because he took something invisible (sound) and made it visible (the etchings in the wax on a record). People are so emotionally invested in music. The idea that people are capable of walking around with thousands of songs all stems from Thomas Edison’s invention of recording and capturing sound.
If you had one more day to live, how would you spend your day?
Easy, I would eat oranges, drink tea, and play chess with my grandfather.
At this point in your life, is there anything that you would have done differently?
If I could change anything, I would be more forgiving.
Simply for Pleasure by GetmJaf
Interview conducted by Aram Bedrossian for TheCultivate
More of Getm Jaf’s amazing beats.
