We caught up with Jasir Fortes to talk about his music. At Indiy we champion musicians.

Let's get to it...

What do you enjoy most about being an independent musician?

I get to create my own vision & show the world what I see.

Nobody else can dictate what should be said or done.

If we were to peek over your shoulder, what does your studio look like? What gear do you typically use?

My studio is honestly in my spare bedroom! My wife and I are both in the military and I figured I’d keep doing something I love...so I have my mic stand with my pop filter and sound guard, my MacBook Pro.

I have a Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface, & last but not least...I use GarageBand, sometimes Logic Pro X.

Do you enjoy recording and production, or do you like performing live and promotion?

I enjoy it all! I feel like while recording and producing I have time to think and formulate the exact picture I plan to capture.

When I'm performing live and in production, I’m just in my zone vibing! Enjoying the atmosphere!

How would you want people to describe your latest project in a tweet?

"Lyrically inclined", "a mastermind", "the underdog" but I got you next!

Do you plan your music releases, or do you just finish a song and release it?

I finish a project, get it mastered, then it’s a must I release it!

What can we expect from you within the next 6 months? Any releases planned? Future gigs?

Hopefully, if things go back to normal, I’ll be performing at SXSW music festival, do a couple of open mics...

I’ll definitely be dropping an EP in June called “King of the Jungle”.

Are you planning any videos for your music? Are there any videos we need to know about!?

Yes! I will be planning a music video. It’s going to be like a short film/a movie. The visual, I will be bringing.

I would like to keep the suspense hidden until it’s drop, but that video will be entitled “Home Sweet Home”.

Are there any collaborations, past or future that you are excited about?

As far as the future looks, I definitely hope to do some work with Da Brat, Da Baby, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper, Jay Z, Dave East...I have a lot more on my list.

Shoutout to K.E. on the Beat who has produced multiple songs of mine.

What inspires your creative process?

Instrumentals or other artists, when I hear their songs, it helps with my creative process.

What are your top five favorite albums of all time & why those albums?

Nipsey Hussle's Victory Lap - This album came out in 2018 when I was probably going through my worst time in life.

It just helped me pushed through and keep going. To go hard and to never stop doing something that you strongly believe in.

Da Brat - Funkdafied - So, Da Brat inspired me in so many ways. This album had me walking around thinking I was her at the age of 3.

I had my mom do my hair the way she had hers, even her fits! She inspired my creative style!

Kendrick Lamar- Damn - This album had me proud to be black...A black man! Then it also gave me mixed emotions because he told a story.

A true story of things that I’ve endured. That a lot of people like me have endured. That was a lit album and I’ll play it any day like it just came out!

Who makes up your existing creative team?
i.e. photographers, video directors, social media managers, paid media specialists, stylists, hair, and makeup…Name someone who you think deserves a special shout out?

My only existing creative team currently is my wife, Breanna, and big shoutout to my parents, Charles and Jackie Gray.

They all have a part to do with why I’m where I’m at, and where I’ll be going...I’m thankful for them.

Where can we find you on social media?

Facebook: Jasir Fortes
YouTube: Jae
Instagram: @jasirfortes

You can also hear my single “Easy” on Spotify and all other streaming platforms, all are soon to include my upcoming single “My Year”.