Meet J.M3, the Singaporean artist taking the global music scene by storm. This bilingual rapper and singer, a Spotify 2024 RADAR artist and Live Nation “One to Watch,” blends energetic rap with sensual melodies. Her debut EP, 180: Athena, and collaborations in film and gaming, have propelled her to international recognition. This interview explores her journey and future plans.
What’s your secret to crafting live shows with electric energy, like your Singapore Music Matters/One Love Asia sets?
To me, that moment that the audience and the performer get to share is one of the most magical moments of connection. And it’s a privilege to be able to entertain the audience for that moment, to bring them into a vibe and world where for a while all the worries and problems that they may have could be forgotten.
What’s the most memorable performance you’ve given so far, and why?
I got to take part in the Sing浪 concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium last year. The venue is one of the most iconic performing venues in Singapore and to be performing in that stadium where the cheers of the audience is just reverberating like crazy all around is absolutely electrifying.
What sparked your interest in music, and when did you realize you wanted to pursue it as a career?
Dabbling in musicals as a kid, and then getting into hip hop dance…music was and is always a super prevalent part in my life. Then one day as I was strumming on the guitar, I felt compelled to write something and I did.
I got opportunities along the way and I decided why not? Let’s see what magic we can make and where this journey would take
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while starting out, and how did you overcome them?
There was a lot to learn about the music business (that I’m still learning everyday!), which I feel you won’t truly understand until you’re in it. I guess you just gotta take the dive and learn the real lessons along the way. Do it.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
Kanye West, Aaliyah, Doja Cat. The vibe and attitude they bring with their music hits you hard and that’s what I want to bring with my music as well.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting out?
Hesitate less, worry less, do it first. Know yourself. Do what you love.
Tell us about your latest release (song, EP, album). What inspired it, and what message do you hope it conveys?
The last song I had out was “30,000”. It was the idea that I realised in our limited lifetime, we would not get to have 30,000 days in total. If you lived till 80 (would I even live that long?), you would have about 29,200 days, and that number surprised me.
I had expected a bigger number. Everyone i told that too was also very surprised at that fact. At that time it was also coming to the end of the year and I was in my reflective state and I thought that if life was indeed that short, then I want to make the best of it. That song was exactly about that.
Describe your songwriting process. Where do you find inspiration, and how do you translate your ideas into music?
The world and life really, my thoughts about life reflected back at me. When a particular thought comes on that I feel very strongly for, and that I need to share with the world, then I’ll put it down in my music. I’d prefer to set the vibe of the song first – once I find that direction I set out to create the melody and the lyrics that would bring out that vibe.
What are your favorite aspects of the music-making process?
At its core, it truly feels like “play” and that I am just having fun creating. There’s a lot of satisfaction when you create something that makes your heart soar.
What are your goals for your music in the near future?
I’m working on my next project, and I’m excited for my next batch of songs because my approach is this – write what I’m afraid to say.
What are your long-term aspirations as a musician? Where do you see yourself in five years, ten years?
I think I’ve learned that I’m done with trying to please everyone. I want to continue to explore and push boundaries in music, while maintaining a focus on artistic freedom and personal growth. Playing the long game is tough, but in the next five to ten years, I’m hoping to be a part of the group of artists that showcases what it means to be an Asian artist on a global stage.
What are some of your dream collaborations or performance opportunities?
I would love to perform overseas, I have yet to fulfill that so far so here’s hoping I’ll get to tick off that bucket soon. As for dream collaborations, ØZI from Taiwan is my number one right now.
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