Jax Yohana

I pride myself on having a ton of “I told you so” moments when it comes to Houston music. So far this year, I have amassed moments with Open Source, Lyssa, Mike C, and mark my words when I tell you, Jax Yohana is up next.
I recently introduced the Day and a Dream audience to Jax Yohana in the series I did on must-see Madness on Main artists. Now is your chance to listen to me if you didn’t the first time: Jax Yohana just released a single on all streaming platforms called “In a Minute,” where he warns in the hook, “You gon’ see in a minute.” Sounds like Jax, along with his producer, the “lowkey legend” DJ IV of Killem Collective, are in the studio, preparing some additional heat for the summer. By no means an introduction (the artist and producer both have multiple projects out on the Internet), “In a Minute” serves as a halfway point from where the artist was to where he is going – all the way up.

The song, which features another obscure rapper, Alonzo KNOW, talks about the mission Yohana and his team are on. One thing that I have noticed about the Killem crew is that they are the Houston indie rap Frank Oceans – they aren’t always on the scene just to be seen. If they out, they are working, networking, or thinking about going back to the studio and working. Jax Yohana says, “I just came for the business,” and that is the mindset he and the Killem crew have when they show their faces at functions. That kind of diligence pays off in all of their final products, which are well thought out and smart.

In the rap, Jax Yohana mentions that he and IV “killed it, nigga, Madness on Main.” Easily one of the most energetic sets at the festival, the Jax/IV Project ripped the outdoors stage at the festival as Jax rapped while DJ IV backed him up on the turntables. “In a Minute” rides that wave smoothly, and one could effortlessly imagine the track as the easygoing, calm yet poignant interlude on an album full of bangers. Only time will tell what the artists do together, but if I were you, I would strap in for the ride now. - Day and a dream

Jax Yohana will be performing at the Raven Tower stage at Madness on Main this weekend. Here’s what you need to know before the show.

A newcomer to the scene – and really to Houston, as a whole – rapper Jax Yohana is eager to share his talents with Texas. The producer/rapper (who sounds quite a bit like Jay-Z to me) is partnering with DJ IV for the “Jax IV Project” in which the two combine their musical talents and rap over a mixture of genres that is aesthetically striking. The pair will perform together for the first time at Madness on Main this weekend. Before hearing the Project Sunday, here’s a bit of what you need to know about Jax Yohana, in his own words.

HC: First off, where are you from and what was it like growing up?

Jax: I am from California and I mean CALIFORNIA. Growing up, I lived in eight different cities. My parents (mother and stepfather) were traveling ministers, I guess you could say. It was very interesting growing up – due to the moving I had to learn great social skills. I always found myself connecting with different types of people. By California being so vast, each region is its own feel. Also, being in church, I was always around music. I was in band playing saxophone or drums, from the fifth grade until junior year. I picked up keys around 18.

HC: How has all of that affected the music you make?

Jax: My childhood experiences allow me to approach music and beats in the same manner…looking back, it’s a major advantage. Each record is a person, an audience in itself. Your connection/conversation is different each time. The music speaks to you and you just speak back, ya know?

HC: So taking all of that into account, what would you call your musical style? What kind of music does Jax Yohana make?

Jax: I would say, grandiose and ambitious, simplistic minimal tones but not lacking soul. It’s a sound you that makes you move, feel, and think.

HC: Deep. Who are you, as a person? On a normal day, what would I catch you doing?

Jax: I like brights colors – they inspire thoughts for me, but I also wear black, a lot…OK maybe too much. When it comes to writing music, I approach it with an open mind – rarely will you see me writing things down. Ninety percent of the time, I prefer to capture that raw emotion on the mic the first time I hear the beat. The other ten percent I’ll write…it just depends on the music and vibe. My personality is very much upbeat. I come alive when others around me feel good. I like to see smiles. However, more times than not you’ll catch me starring off into space. I’m a dreamer at heart.

HC: Well, where do you see yourself musically when you dream?

Jax: I feel my place in music today is to offer lasting moments and spark ideas, inspire fun with truth. My truth.

HC: Who have been your influences?

Jax: My influences are John P. Kee, Fred Hammond, Jay Z, Kanye West, Pharrell, ’90s R&B, Jazz, Michael Jackson, Prince, to name a few. If I could have, I would have recorded with Prince, hands down. He was an amazing artist, producer, musician, songwriter, etc. What you could learn from him would be priceless.

HC: So we don’t end with both of us just being depressed about not getting to hang out with MJ and Prince, here’s a random question: If they had gone through with it, would you have had money on Chris Brown or Soulja Boy in that fight?

Jax: (laughs) You know I’m taking Breezy.

For more information about Jax Yohana and to preview his music before Sunday, check him out on Instagram and Twitter as @longlivejax. Check out www.JaxYohana.com for music and show dates. - Day and a dream