We had the good fortune of connecting with Joshua Kemp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joshua, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Music has always been my life . From an early age it was like I learned how to walk then I was thrown in front of music . My family was heavily involved in the music scene . So I was blessed and fortunate enough to see a lot from an early age . Growing up in a gospel legacy family “The Hawkins family “ you had to be nice at your craft ! Can you imagine the anxiety … lol . They taught with discipline but also with love . I learned how not to only value and appreciate the gifts God has given to me but also how to be prepared and professional .
I saw the way their music and music in general moved people . How a simple song or groove could make people dance . Music is simply another language. It can heal ,, restore , even make you happy or sad . I knew music was how I wanted to leave my mark on the earth .

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
1. Well my first love in music will always be drums but I am also an artist and producer . I started producing music back in 2010. I started producing because everyone around me was doing music and I felt like I had something to add to my environment more than just drums. I had mentioned my interest in production but figured id just do it whenever the time was right. Little did I know one morning my cousin “Jamie Hawkins” would be dropping off studio equipment for me to use . This was maybe a year after I spoke interest somehow he heard about it while he was out on tour . He only spoke these words to be exact ” Here you go , You’ll figure it out !” and ;literally walked out the door. Ive been producing ever since. I remember growing up and music was always in the background. My family had a well rounded taste, They got to travel the world so one day we would be listening to Gospel , smooth jazz , or even Artist like Sergio Mendez and Dori Caymmi . Their music selection was literally like traveling the globe. The music I grew up listening to I feel really shapes the sound of my production ,music & style of playing. I would spend hours and hours playing to these records in the garage of my child hood home trying to replicate the sounds and grooves I was hearing on these different records. This was before the time of social media so it wasn’t about approval . Practice Time was just practice time . You had to love your craft and you had to WANT to practice.

2. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

Whats gotten me where Im at now ?
1.God
2. Hard work
3.Practice
4. Making the right connections .
5. remaining humble
6. Being teachable

I wouldn’t say it was easy but I wouldn’t really say it was hard either . I guess you could say I just had a made up mind . I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I knew this was one of gifts I was given to flourish.

Being in a music industry at a certain level can be a tough thing but it is possible . With being in such a flooded market rather im drumming , producing or creating as an artist . My whole purpose is to have my own sound. I would tell musicians to “be you” , “play like you” don’t try to replicate or duplicate don’t be afraid to make your own sound . ” Be ready in season and out of season” . Don’t stop practicing or perfecting you craft just because you done have a gig . Practice when you have the gig and when you don’t . Always be ready! In the time where we live in where its all about posting your most perfect content. Its ok to go back to the basics practicing its ok to mess up while you practice. Extend your self and try new things . You may sound bad but hey. Thats why its called PRACTICE lol .

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

That anything is possible just have faith & believe . Most circumstances are only temporary , & you have the power to change your now . You can still be cool and love GOD !

I was born in Oakland CA into the world renowned Gospel singers the “Hawkins family”. Edwin Hawkins the writer of the popular song “Oh Happy Day” and the late Walter Hawkins most known for his Love Alive Choir albums I through V. I spent most of my time from junior high to high school in jazz band and drum core during the summers. I would spend majority of my evening after all that in the studio trying to perfect my producing & mixing craft . After I graduated high school I started playing drums for a church called The House Modesto” Where I became MD and served for 10 yrs. While serving under that ministry I continued to play for my family & other artist both gospel & secular .

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Man so some of my favorite spots in the DFW area

Food

1. You gotta try “rusty taco”
( Good tacos & drinks )

2. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
( Good food & Drinks)

3. Maki & Poke
( For some good Sushi or Poke Bowls )

4. Ocahi Thai

( Fire Thai food ! lol )

5. Taco Y mas in dallas

( Fire tacos !)

In spare time I also like to shoot & fish

We would GO hit some lakes & the gun range

Hang out places

Stock yards downtown FW
Clearfork Mall FW

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My uncles : Edwin & Walter Hawkins

Huge influences on my sound and career . Before I could walk I would travel with them to different rehearsals , shows , concerts . This was my season of honestly soaking it all up . From the age of 3-13 I was in Musician training camp you could say .

Cousin Joel smith

Some weeks or weekends I would be with my uncles and if I wasn’t with them I was with my older cousin Joel smith . Now Joel was my guy . I would sit behind him and watch him play any chance I could. I remember the feeling of the first time I saw him playing in a concert. I always knew he was dope but when I got to see him in his element my god … “GAME CHANGER “
He was one of the most dominant & influential players I knew . As big as he was he always remained Humble & and kept God first . Two of the biggest things he taught me .

Jason wright

Another cousin of mine who is Joel smiths younger Brother . Now jason was the cousin you wanted to be around because he always knew what was fresh & new as far as the sound of drumming and if you hung around him he was go get you right . I would try to be around Jason as much as I could when he was home . He and a couple of his Musician friends had a house I would go to and stay the whole summer . We called it “The spot “ . They had a drum room , studio space & hang out area . Why would you want to leave ! He was usually out on the road with our other cousin “ Jamie Hawkins “ who was the MD for en vogue , Jodeci & Lauren hill.

1-O.a.k

My God brother

He is an amazing r&b artist who took the time out to allow me to play for him . I started working with B At age 13- til now . He put me in so many opportunities. From playing with artist like

Kehlani , ying Yang twins , Miguel ,& many more .

He never asked questions or doubted he just believed in me .

My mom and family for allowing me to make countless hours and noise and to getting me where I needed to be before I could drive .

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avnno/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayKempp/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7bEBXIvtXpnEItVSx_88fg

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