INTRODUCING: Javeon
Friday, March 28, 2014 at 2:37PM 
I recently caught up with PMR Records signee Javeon to chat about his forthcoming debut album, life on the road and working with Julio Bashmore. Check out what he had to say after the jump and pre-order his brand new single 'Intoxicated' HERE now.
1. For those who don't know, who is Javeon?
Javeon is a singer that was once an MC. In around 2011-12 I came into my own and I’ve gone from doing Dubstep, underground House and Grime stuff to a more refined sound and what I’ve always wanted to do which is R&B mixed with electronic music.
2. As you’ve already hinted at over the last few months I’ve heard your music be described as everything from Electronic R&B to Soul to Dance, how do you envisage your sound and who are your biggest inspirations?
I think the good thing about what I do and what I’ve been seeing so far is that my music is very open to interpretation. I’ve always been really into R&B and Garage, so in my music I’ve tried to mix the two, but obviously as I’ve been getting older I’ve also been influenced by other forms of dance music too.
3. You’ve recently signed for PMR Records, one of the most successful & well-respected independent music labels in the UK today, what kind of additional support have they been able to offer you since you signed and what is it like having them as a label?
They’re great. I’ve been signed with them for a little while now, but I haven’t put much out because I’ve just been developing my sound, trying to find me as an artist, as cheesy as that sounds. The great thing about PMR though is that they give you that time and space to grow. They’ve been like a second family to me and they really are just normal people putting out music that they like and that’s what I love about them.
4. It might surprise many people to know that you started off your music career in the grime outfit Kold Hearted Krew, how did you end up making the leap from grime to the music you’re making now and what inspired you to go out on your own?
[Laughs] I’ve always been into grime and I’ve always done what I’ve been into. I’ve even had a few Rock ventures in my time, working with bands trying to mix that with Hip-Hop and stuff! I think it was when I met an artist called L-Vis 1990 though, he was managed by the guy who manages me now and who signed me to PMR Records, it was around about that time in 2011-2012 that I was actually able to have the time and space, not to mention accessibility to other producers, to change my sound and make what I saw in my head happen.
5. How important a role did living in Bristol play in the formation of your musical tastes and sound?
It did a lot man. There are a lot of people doing different things here and it’s all happening pretty central, nobody is ever too far away from someone else. I also find everybody respects each other’s art forms here, whether it’s music or art/design, it’s just a generally bless and supportive place. I’ve had the space to try things here I wouldn’t have had in a big city.
6. You’ve recently collaborated with Cyril Hahn, Julio Bashmore, Tourist & MNEK – do you feel more comfortable writing alongside a dedicated producer or are you just as happy writing on your own?
I’m just as happy really. I think subconsciously there is less pressure writing for someone else, I mean there is a bit of pressure to deliver, but in the back of your head you know this isn’t my thing so I don’t really have to worry as much. At the same time it is good to put yourself in different situations and really push yourself. I’ve been really luck so far, everyone I’ve worked with the inspiration has just come naturally and it’s been great.
7. How many of the tracks on the album are collaborative and how many are you on your own?
I think most of the tracks on the album have been collaborative efforts really. I’m not a producer, but I know what I like to hear, so for pretty much all of the tracks I’ve been in with the producers and I’ve told them what I like and what I don’t like and we’ve crafted the songs together. I also co-wrote half of the songs with MNEK, I co-wrote a song with Jimmy Naples and there are a couple I wrote completely on my own.
8. Fans of yours will know that your last 3 music videos have all been directed by Ben Strebel, in what will eventually make up a 5 part short film entitled ‘Mercy’ (which is also the name of your forthcoming debut album), whose idea was it to team up with Ben and are you pleased with the result so far?
Firstly, my manager and me sat down and we spoke about exactly what we wanted, because we didn’t just want a standard music video. Then we both went out and looked for people. He came to me with Ben Strebel and we all met up, first off we both liked and respected each other as people and then we were like lets just do this, because we realised we were both on the same page. We did the first one, which was 'Lovesong', and then we had ideas after that and decided to do the other four parts as well.
9. When can we expect to hear your debut in full and how does it compare with the songs you’ve released so far? Can we expect any surprises?
No huge surprises. It’s hinted at R&B already, but you can expect a few less dance focused tracks, because everything I have released so far has been very upbeat. You can expect some more soul.
10. You’re currently supporting Ella Eyre on her countrywide tour, what’s that been like so far?
It’s amazing, but it’s a lot more tiring than I thought it would be. I’m having a great time though and I’m picking up a lot of new fans. After the shows I’ve also been making a point of going into the crowd and just being there if people want to come and speak me, because I think it’s important to come across to the fans as a normal person, who doesn’t think he’s any better than them, because I’m not.
11. You’re playing at Bristol’s own Love Saves the Day this year and you’re on the main stage for the Sunday. How excited are you for that performance and in addition to yourself are there any other acts playing you’re really keen to see?
I’m mad excited. It’s the third year running, I didn’t play last year, but I went anyway and I don’t usually do that. It’s a home gig and it’ll be exciting to see how people react to the new stuff. I’m excited to see Clean Bandit play, I’m going on tour with them in May and I haven’t had a chance to see them play properly yet so that will be cool. Also Miss Dynamite and SBTRKT.
12. Finally, other than the release of your debut album, what does the rest of 2014 hold for Javeon and is there anything coming up your particular looking forward too?
I’m playing Ibiza and Mallorca Rocks after the Clean Bandit tour; Parklife I’m playing and I just got confirmed for Wireless festival today so that’s cool. Mostly I’m just excited to play more shows though and see how the music resonates with people.
Electronic, Ella Eyre, Interview, Introducing, Javeon, PMR Records, R&B
Reader Comments (5)
Great song actually, i had never heard of Javeon until today, nice video aswell.
This is very much a work in progress whenever I find out about one who is more beautiful than any of these I will add her and kick out number ten Thanks for sharing the informative post......
Happy Parents Day status
Parents Day Quotes
gold rate today