Jase Interview

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1.  How old are you?

28 years old

2.  Where are you from?

30 minutes outside Philly in PA

3.  How long have you've been Beatboxing for?

Since I was 14 or 15

4.  What got you into Beatboxing?

I did a lot of vocal sound effects and imitate voices, then I heard this guy Chuck beatbox, and said, I could do that, and I’ve been doing it ever since.

5.  What type of equipment do you have?

I have a Mac Powerbook laptop with Pro Tools Mbox, Cubase SX, Logic 7, Reason, and like 10 other cool programs. MPC1000, a pedal board with Boss loop, distortion, flange, tube screamer and delay (I run my mic through that). A SHURE SM58 & SM86 mic, two Technic 1200’s with Vestax 007 and Rane56 mixers and a Mackie 1604 mixing board. I also work in a studio so I have access to 50 different mics, Pro Tools HD systems, SSL, Oxford consoles and butt loads of outboard gear.

6.  Have you ever done any live shows, events, concerts?

I have done quite a few shows in my time, either as a beatboxer, DJ, or sound engineer. I’ve also produced about 10 to 15 events on my own. I try and do as much as possible. You can never be too busy.

7.  How do you feel about the Beatboxing Movement?

It’s good to see people getting into it and pushing boundaries. What isn’t cool is how most beatboxers listen to just a couple of the top beatboxers (like Rahzel) and copy those people and there routines. That doesn’t help the movement; it just keeps it the same.
How can you as a beatboxer take credit for something that someone else did first, use his or her signature cover songs, then record it on video and put it out. Bitters that’s all they are. Get your own shit.

8.  Who have you performed with?

Black Sheep, Executioners, DJ Klever, DJ Excess, Junkie XL, DJ Big Wiz, MC Squared, AFRA, Kid Lucky, DJ IXL, Jungle Brothers, Phife Dawg, Nakia, Bless, DJ Synapse, Mr. Dibbs, Mya Azucena, DJ Grandwizard Theodore, Jazzy Jay, Shabazz. That’s all I can think of off the top of my head, but there are lots more.
 

9.  Who is your favourite Beatboxer?

Shlomo right now, I like his style

10.  What other stuff (besides beatboxing) are you involved in?

I’m also a DJ/Turntablist, I do voice-over for radio and TV, an Audio Engineer, actor, event organizer. I’ve been doing a lot of filming and editing movies and comedy skits. And now I’m getting into graphic design. My skills are limitless, people call me super Jase. (Not really but that’s how I feel sometimes)

11.  What are your future Beatboxing goals?

I got some cool stuff coming up, but I’m not going to say it. Last time I did that another beatboxer took my idea. (See, a damn bitter) But I’m working with a couple big companies on some new ideas and it should start rolling in the next couple months.
Also, I’ve been making ring tones for the past two years and that is going good.

12.  Is there anyone you would love to work with?

Justin Timberlake, and I’m not sure why.

13.  What are your musical influences?

All types of music or sounds influence me. I don’t have any specific artists that I really like but I’m more into the sounds that make up music or how the groove makes me feel. I like everything from Jazz, DnB, Hip Hop, to Dance, Country, and Rock. As long as it makes me move.

14.  What other elements are you into (i.e. Turntablism, Graffiti)?

I’ve been doing some rapping lately, and I’m getting pretty good at it, so watch out 50, I can rap like I got down syndrome too. I’m also a Turntablist, I scratch while I beatbox. Check out the video. I also created and teach at a DJ school in Miami that started three years ago for SAE Institute. If you want more info www.sae-miami.com.

15.  Where's your favourite spot to beatbox? In the shower?

The shower is always good, but I like the back hallway at the studio where I work. The natural reverb is sick.

16.  What's the best Beatboxing memory that you have?

Performing at the college up in Mass. There was like 4000 people screaming and going crazy when I started beatboxing. It gave me chills on my neck.

17.  What advice do you give to someone who wants to get into Beatboxing?

Don’t bite other people’s style or songs they do. Be original, practice techniques and different sounds then create your own style. Listen to different Drum Patters, it helps.
 

18.  What's the best collaboration you've done with Beatboxing?

I live in Miami, for now, and I have met some incredible musicians that I like to perform with. We have a great time. It’s all about having fun and doing what you love.

19.  How do you think you compare to other Beatboxers?

I hear a lot of beatboxers that have the same style, and then there are the others that have their own style. I’m a beatboxer that has my own style but can do any style. I have a signature low-end bass that no other beatboxer can do, that’s what the guy at Shure told me.

20.  What do you like better: Freestyle or Layering?

Freestyling always gets the crowd hype, but layering is a true art form that many can’t do. I like them both.

21.  Do you have a website?

Yes, www.verbalbeats.com

22.  What do you think about Beatboxing.com?

Good stuff, it’s like hot grits in the morning after ridding my bike for seven hours. Keep up the good work and push the boundaries.

23.  Any shout-outs?

Mom & Dad, with out there support I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing. And they didn’t think I could make money by making noises from my mouth. (insert Scottish voice) But I luv ya’s, always have, always will.