Chicago Art Life Media

Check Out my interview with the Bad Ass Jazz Man, I heard a sample of his music through his soundcloud page and its awesome

What’s your occupation/ brand?
~I am an urban jazz artist and producer, and overall badass, lol.

When did you realize that you’re an artist/ musician?
~I started to take myself seriously as an artist while performing at various Open mics while attending Columbia College Chicago. The reception that I got as a saxophonist was out of this world, so I wanted to see how far i could go with my instrument in the forefront.

Where you afraid to call yourself an artist/ musician?
~I wasn’t afraid to call myself an artist, but I was nervous about labeling myself as a “Jazz” artist. When young people hear the word jazz, they often think of either old complex music, or Kenny G. I didn’t want to be labeled as a “smooth jazz” artist, but I remembered what jazz is all about-self expression, fun, and freedom. Once I accepted that, my music started to develop even further.

Did you attend school for your craft, or were you self taught?
~While learning the saxophone, I learned through several different ways-private lessons, school, and working on my own. I’ve been grateful to have teachers who have shaped my sound into what it is. The biggest influence though has been my high school teacher, Mr. Phillip Crews of Rich Central High School. He taught me that not only does good music come from practice, it comes from the heart, and it’s something you should be passionate about.

Where do you see yourself in your career 5 years from now?
~In 5 years, I want to have my music heard around the world, and spread the message that it’s still fun and pretty awesome to make jazz music. Jazz is what you make, how you make it, and you gotta put your soul into every note. I want to be in a position where my music has a positive influence on people, and its something they can enjoy, no matter what the age, race, orientation, etc. And to have a badass dog. His name is gonna be something cool….like….Optimus Prime…or something. lol

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, portfolio website?

http://www.youttube.com/ThurstonLive
http://www.facebook.com/IamTheSaxman
http://www.twitter.com/IamTheSaxman
http://www.soundcloud.com/IamTheSaxman

Any future events or shows where you are showing your work?
~I’m currently working on a project called Mile High™, slated for a fall 2013 release. A couple songs from it have been put out, and have generated positive response. I’ve also just put together a new group called Juss Cause. All I can say is, it’s going to be a VERY busy summer, so stay tuned!!
I also have a nice lil feature on some upcoming projects, one being a Chicago R&B artist named C. Rich. check me out on “The Truth” feat. Vic Spencer on http://crichmusic.com

Advice for beginner artist?
~Advice…have confidence in your projects and whatever you do, because it all starts with you believing in your message. No matter what your art is, you won’t get better if you don’t practice, practice practice! Immerse yourself in your art, go to shows, venues, increase your knowledge, you’ll be amazed at your own progress. And never be afraid to go out there and just do it!! Some of my biggest opportunities have come from just walking up and asking to play on stage, so you never know what can happen.