Jeystone is an artist from the UK. I’d like to place emphasis on “artist” because not only does he create his own music, but he also directs and creates 2D/3D animation.
IB: I saw your music video on youtube, checked out your myspace and then your website. After viewing all three I couldn’t help but notice that on your website http://jeystonemedia.comtheres 2D-artwork, 3D-Artwork, 3D-amination etc. That’s not the usual for most music artists on the web.
I started off as a visual artist first. At the age of 13 I got a demo copy of a 3D program called Simply 3D and I have been involved in digital art ever since.
How did you get into all of these different areas?
M: I started off as a visual artist first. At the age of 13 I got a demo copy of a 3D program called Simply 3D and I have been involved in digital art ever since.
How long have you been doing working in all these different areas?
I have been working in 3D and computer art for almost 12 years now. By age 20 I was pretty accomplished as a visual artist, or at least I felt so. I decided to pursue another interest which was music production.Do you find it difficult to divide your time, especially when working on your own projects?
Currently I live on my own in Cambridge and follow a strict daily routine. Right now music production is my key focus so that receives most of my time. I don’t feel like I need to ‘train’ in the visual side anymore. I can do it at the speed of thought.
As a music artist who are you inspired by?
Kanye West is one…The mainstream still seems to think that rap is associated with a gangster lifestyle, when in fact it is simply another musical tool, similar to singing. I follow the more ‘art rap’ side of things, so people like Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West and even Dizzee Rascal are big inspirations to me.
As a film maker who are you inspired by?
As a filmmaker I like the more edgy directors like David Lynch, David Fincher, Michel Gondry and Chris Cunningham. All these directors are involved in music videos too, or at least started off that way. I also love sci-fi films. I am trying to incorporate sci-fi and futuristic settings into my music.
Your show reel from 2008 has a lot of great work on it. What do you do to stay busy in music and in film/animation over the year?
Basically it starts with a hot beat. I then try and write and record the song. If it works and it’s all sounding good I shoot the video. I only got into the swing of this last year, so next year 2010 I am planning on being a lot more productive, following this work structure.
Are you working on any projects currently that we can expect to see?
Yeah I am always working on the next project. I am planning on releasing two more music videos before the end of this year. I usually upload snippets to my website. But you can follow me on Youtube also, under the pseudonym Jeystone.
Where can more of your work be found?
All the visual stuff is on my website www.jeystonemedia.com. For the music visit my youtube channel ‘jeystonemusic’.
Anything else you would like to add?
I am trying to become a completely self-sufficient artist. My dream is to be able to produce music and make visuals at the speed of thought, being able to create anything I can imagine. This is the end goal.
Johnny T. is the Video and Design page editor as well as a contributor to the music Page for IVYBetty.com.
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