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Interview: Producer Yonatan Watts talks early inspirations, working Ariana Grande & Eric Bellinger, and more

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Yonatan Watts has already had an impeccable 2021, working with high-profile artists and defining himself in the music industry. Yonatan will be someone to keep an eye out for with his incredible producing capabilities; it is only a matter of time before he becomes a household name.

He has co-produced records like “Main Thing” by American singer Ariana Grande, “GLE” by American rapper Desiigner, “Weak all Week” by American singer Eric Bellinger — which says a lot about his reach and what he’s capable of.

His production style is unique and distinct. In a recent interview, Watts said that artists such as Stevie Wonder, Usher, B2k, Tank, Justin Timberlake, Tyrese, played a major role in his musical influences.

As someone who has a lot more dope projects on the way, he can’t wait to show people what he’s capable of. Keep reading to learn more about his journey and how he got started in music.

What city are you from/ Where are you based now?
I’m from Toronto, Canada but now based out of Los Angeles, CA.

What is your producer name? What is your real name? How did you get your producer name?
My producer name is actually “Yonatan Watts” which is my birth name, I felt as if it was unique enough to standout and be my stage name so I kept it as that.

At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?
Believe it or not, I started music really early in my life and it came from a love of Japanese/ anime culture mixed with black culture soul and R&B. I used to listen to the these songs of my favorite manga/anime and used to sing them and make my own versions. Eventually people kept telling me that I had a natural gift for singing.

Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
My parents having such a rich pallet when it came to music, inspired me to define my sounds based off of what I was hearing in the household on a regular basis. It shaped my taste and when it came to singing, I would eventually make better decisions based from the music I was hearing and mimicking.

How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
My sound would best be described as the perfect fusion between generations. I’m born between 1989-1995, which was the time in which you were perfectly between two different generations and saw technology when it emerging, to what it is today. That being said, I’ve always aimed to blend the old with the new.

What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to a music career?
Based off my success at a young age, I knew that singing was going to be something that stayed with me for a long time. When I was 18, I was in the national TV show “Canadian Idol” in which i made it past the Top 100 all the way to duets, at this point I knew that I was meant to do music.

What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?
To me, it’s the feeling and the transformative nature of music that can shift moods and can make people feel. When I used to listen to old CD’s and vinyls, the music touched me in a way that nothing else could. This feeling I knew I had to continue feeling for the rest of my life.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
My hobbies outside of music involve culinary and outdoor activity and travel. Anyone that knows me, knows I love to eat great food from some of the best restaurants, wherever I can find them.

Who are some of your main musical influences?
Stevie Wonder, Usher, B2k, Tank, Justin Timberlake, Tyrese, the list goes on. (This list is my list from when I first started making music).

What are some of your music career goals for the future?
To work with Beyonce, Jay-Z, Bruno Mars, and a few other individuals who inspire me. In the future, I will also be creating a label and signing new acts and developing them.

Tell us about your most recent project?
The project I’m currently promoting is my production input on a Billboard No. 1 album, Ariana Grande’s positions (deluxe) album. The song is called “main thing.” And I’m proud and honored to be apart of the production on this song. It’s currently out so please go stream it!

What has the response been like to that project?
The response has been phenomenal, my inbox has been filling up and my phone has been ringing; I’m blessed.

What are some projects you’ve done in the past that you are most proud of and why?
One of the biggest breakthrough’s of my career to date, has been the record I just co-produced for Ariana Grande called “Main Thing.” This was released on Feb 19, 2021 and has already garnered millions of streams worldwide in short amount of time. We expect the album to go platinum sometime this year. I recently co-produced Desiigner’s latest single “GLE” with Akeel Henry, this came out January 2021 and is already an instant classic for Desiigner fans worldwide. Also produced a single for Eric Bellinger called “Weak all week” with Xeryus (guitarist) in which also recently dropped in December of 2020. Eric dropped visuals for the song almost immediately creating a depth and longevity to the song. I also did “Material“ with Eric Bellinger and Hitmaka, later last year. Also did two records from a recent Def Jam records artist “Saint Bodhi” on her album “Mad world” and I co-produced the title track “Mad World” and also one of her singles “Zombie” in which she created visuals to accompany the song. Another notable song I had a hand in production with was “Bestie” with Dame Dolla and Lil Durk with Omar Grand and Marley Waters.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?
I have some pretty amazing things coming out soon, we have a song with Jordin Sparks that’s going to be amazing, music from Tamar Braxton coming out soon; and some massive projects that I can’t mention but will be phenomenal.

What message do you hope fans take away from your production skills?
One thing I want fans to take away is that I’m a real producer/singer/songwriter … I’m diverse and can’t fit in a box because I was always surprise people with what I can do. I’ve always had a motto which is “no limitations.” I can’t wait for everyone to hear what’s coming next. 

Artist To Watch

OnlyJahmez Heads To SXSW

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OnlyJahmez is on the rise in the music scene, and he’s not slowing down anytime soon. His hit “Thug” has been catching ears and eyes, racking up over 143k views on YouTube. That’s a clear sign his sound is resonating with people, marking a high point in his journey this year.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. OnlyJahmez is gearing up for something huge – he’s heading down to Austin, Texas, for the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. This event is a big deal in the music world, a melting pot of music, film, and interactive media where artists from all corners come to showcase their talents.

SXSW 2024 is buzzing with anticipation, set to feature more than 350 artists, including OnlyJahmez. Being part of this lineup is a testament to his rising star, offering him an incredible platform to share his music with new audiences and connect with other artists and industry pros.

OnlyJahmez’s journey to SXSW and the success of “Thug” highlights a pivotal moment in his career. It’s about more than just music; it’s about making an impact, telling stories that people can connect with, and stepping into the spotlight on some of the biggest stages. As OnlyJahmez prepares to take on SXSW, fans and new listeners alike are in for a treat. It’s an opportunity for him to showcase his talent on a grand scale and for us to witness the ascent of a music star in the making.

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/onlyjahmez/

TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@onlyjahmez_

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From The Block Invades Austin w/ Official SXSW Stage, Star-Studded Lineup and Rising Talent Showcase!

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Get ready to experience the hottest stage at SXSW 2024 as Kim SoMajor, Charismatic Solutions & 4 Shooters Only present From The Block Invades Austin. This can’t-miss event March 16th at Palm Door (508 E 6th Street, Austin Tx 78701) from 7pm -2am promises raw talent, next-level vibes, and a platform for rising stars to shine alongside industry heavyweights. 

This year’s lineup boasts an incredible array of headlining performers, including D-Roc of the Ying Yang Twins, Sauce Walka, Erica Banks, DJ Chose, Propain, BHM Pezzy, T-Rell, Peso Peso, Kollison, Big Jade, DJ X.O, & HoodTrophy Bino. But that’s not all, the future is also taking center stage!

From The Block is introducing new rising talent from around the globe:

Maleign Zan (Atlanta)
Alexander Blane (Chicago)
BabyMac (Johannesburg)
Khai Noir (Atlanta)
Bamsworth Belli (San Antonio)
All Hale Skinny (Isola)
Flow Gamble (New Roads)
TLewGt (Brooklyn)
Blasian B3 (Nashville)
Influence (Los Angeles)
Tobias (London)
Azai (Longbranch)
YBN Lil Bro (Detroit)

Sticky Lo (Atlanta)

Mac Young (Houston)

From The Block promises an unforgettable experience:

The evening will be hosted by the legendary Shawn Grant of The Source with music by DJ Shawney, DJ Nemo, and Lil Zac The DJ. The buzz won’t be limited to the stage – special guests and music executives will be in the building, scouting the next breakout stars. 

Don’t miss the special freestyle cypher – a showcase of raw lyrical talent that will leave you speechless. This is your chance to be seen, heard, and amplified!

“We’re bringing the only mic that matters to SXSW,” said the organizers. “And we’re bringing it in style with a lineup that’s guaranteed to blow you away. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable night of music, talent, and vibes!”

For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or to secure your spot at the From The Block Official SXSW 2024 Stage, please contact fromtheblockaustin@gmail.com.

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Kato On The Track & B.o.B Are Offering A Unique Collaborative Opportunity With Audius

This is an amazing opportunity for the right artist!

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Kato

In the bustling world of music, where dreams often intertwine with stardom, the dynamic duo of B.o.B and Kato On The Track have embarked on a quest to unearth the next viral talent in the same vein as artists such as Lil Nas X. Their vehicle for this musical exploration? The eagerly anticipated social media phenomenon–the “Over Night Success Story (ONSS)” challenge.

This collaborative venture was unveiled earlier this month when Kato disclosed his partnership with B.o.B and the contest platform Audius. The ONSS challenge was conceived as an exclusive global event, carefully crafted to link the duo with an ambitious indie artist for an unparalleled collaborative experience. The winning artist, chosen through their ingenuity in crafting a viral hit over Kato’s expertly produced beats, would be granted a golden ticket – an all-expenses-paid journey to Atlanta. There, they would join forces with Kato and B.o.B to create music, generate content, and bask in the realm of possibilities.

Much like Lil Nas X’s meteoric rise with “Old Town Road,” the challenge grants artists the power to select their favorite instrumental via Audius, utilizing the internet and social media to catapult their creation to instant stardom. A unique aspect is the low-risk nature of the competition, as streaming numbers play no role in Kato’s final decision on the winner.

To enter, eager fans simply need to create an Audius account, purchase any ONSS instrumental from Kato, upload their track, toggle the “identify as a remix” option, and promote their creation. The trio encourages participants to tag @KatoProducer, @bob, and @audius for increased visibility.

Kato, no stranger to viral challenges with over 65 open verse challenges under his belt, has a history of catapulting artists to fame. Notably, his previous “No Sucka MC’s” contest boosted the careers of mainstream lyricists like Joyner Lucas and Token.

In a recent interview, Kato shed light on the challenge’s genesis, expressing that the collaboration with B.o.B was a long-awaited endeavor. Having a history with B.o.B and fueled by the desire to offer more opportunities to his community, the ONSS challenge was born.

When asked about his favorite part of the submission process, Kato highlighted the transformation from a piece of production to an artist’s creative expression. He emphasized the significance of recognizing the unseen effort behind the scenes, a sentiment rooted in his own journey to success.

For Kato, the challenge is more than a contest; it’s a chance to provide aspiring artists with the opportunities he wished for early in his career. While it may not create an “overnight success,” it symbolizes a moment of recognition for the tireless hours of dedication artists invest.

Looking ahead, Kato envisions the ONSS challenge as only the beginning of a series of opportunities. With plans for contests every 4 to 6 weeks, he aims to unearth more exceptional talent and share it with an eager audience. And given the fact he’s worked with artists such as Joyner Lucas, Token and more, there’s no telling who might be apart of the next ONSS challenge.

Submissions are due by midnight on February 4. Additional details on the contest are available on Audius’ official website.

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