Coming straight outta the bustling streets of NYC, Robert Campbell aka JARR Head is an electronic music producer specializing in crafting mind-bending beats. In this super exclusive interview, he lets the whole world know that music is still his ultimate passion, lighting up his soul and fueling his unstoppable creativity.
1 — How did you develop JARR Head, your artist name?
JARR Head comes from a play on the movie title Jarhead, I specifically chose this movie because its central theme is very powerful and speaks to the complexities of life, especially during difficult times. The spelling JARR comes from the first name initials of my immediate family.
2 — What tunes or artists from your teenage days shaped your style now?
The three (3) that immediately come to mind are:
Darude – Sandstorm
Armin Van Buuren – Communication
Gareth Emery – Between Dreams
3 — How has growing up in the Big Apple impacted your sound?
It definitely helped my style growing up in and around NYC. Everything from the food, the people, the music at the time, and the environment itself, each lasting experience was tremendous in shaping my unique style and sound.
4 — What first sparked your interest in electronic music and got you started as a producer?
My mom was an avid gym-goer, as was my father, but when I was a teenager I would go to the gym with my mom. Usually, we would go late at night when the gym was basically empty. The manager was always blasting electronic dance music and I just loved the sounds and energy. It always got me through my workouts! And I told myself one day I’d make this kind of music too!
5 — How supportive or involved is your family in your musical projects?
My family isn’t too supportive because they don’t really understand it. They are the kind of family that always expected me to be an Engineer or Businessman or something like that. So basically I did follow my family’s advice and am now a Vice President of Engineering and Manufacturing, and the music is a very fun hobby right now! But I’m hoping to make it more than a hobby and actually a way of life.
6 — What went down during the creative process for your latest drop, “Protohype”?
I usually start my tracks with either a new, funky bass line or a lush chord progression. This track was definitely on the chord progression side. And from there I built the entire sound. Since I felt I was really pushing the envelope on this one, it was a creative journey throughout!
7 — Where do you usually snag your inspiration, and what’s your secret sauce for turning ideas into finished tracks?
Inspiration comes in so many forms, it’s hard to pinpoint. It can come from something as simple as trying out a new VST or MIDI keyboard and hearing a new sound.
Sometimes I create groovy bass lines. I love sound design and engineering. Sometimes a melody just comes to me and I can’t stop humming it until I put it down on a piece of music. Also, it could come from a certain mood or point in my life, and I curtail the track around those feelings.
8 — If you had to describe your music in 5 words or less, what would you call your style?
Powerhouse Trance.
9 — Do you see yourself as still in the learning phase or have you gone full pro in your music journey?
I strongly believe that as an artist and musician, I am constantly learning and challenging myself. It helps keep me motivated and also allows me to showcase my true abilities, even when I feel I couldn’t create any new sounds.
Then inspiration strikes, and there I am producing a new anthem! It’s very humbling but also very rewarding to allow myself to keep learning and growing as an artist, as well as a person in general.
10 — What advice would you give to aspiring producers just starting out in the industry now?
Definitely, don’t be afraid to push the boundaries and make sure you can stand behind your music and style. Keep an open mind and just let yourself get creative.
And don’t forget to have fun every step of the way!
CONNECT WITH JARR HEAD!
Hi, I’m Erick Ycaza — a music blogger with a BA in Advertising & Graphic Design. I created this blog to keep you updated with daily music news. Surprisingly, I’ve been writing about music since 2007. If you’re an artist and would like to be featured, feel free to reach out: info@electrowow.net
