5 Q&A With J Rosa
What was the creative process like for this particular song?
"Temperance" was born out of a deeply personal journey. I’ve been through some intense health struggles, battling an autoimmune disease that made me think I’d never make music again. This song represents my fight back, my refusal to give in to fear, and my determination to find my voice again. The creative process was like rediscovering a part of myself—I was digging through layers of pain, resilience, and joy to create something that felt honest but also simple. I love the simplicity of life - of small moments. The art of noticing. I wanted to express how simplicity can be just as impactful and meaningful for day to day life. I wanted to also capture that feeling of coming back stronger, and to remind myself—and hopefully others—that art can be a form of healing and resistance. I wish for others to connect with that message and take from it what could help heal them as well.
Can you talk about the recording and production process for "Temperance?"
Recording "Temperance" was both cathartic and challenging. I worked closely with collaborators who understood the personal weight behind the music, and we approached the recording with a raw and organic feel. We didn’t want it to sound overly polished; instead, we leaned into imperfections and moments of vulnerability. There were moments when my voice would crack, or I’d push beyond what I thought I was capable of, and we kept those takes because they felt true. Production-wise, I wanted the track to feel textured and layered but simple. Almost like the sound was evolving as you listen—like a journey in itself.
What impact do you hope "Temperance" will have on your audience?
I hope "Temperance" speaks to anyone who has felt silenced, beaten down, misunderstood or disconnected. Music can be a lifeline—a way to express the things we can’t put into words. I hope this song makes people feel seen and understood, and that it gives them the courage to keep pushing through their own battles. More than anything, I hope it resonates on a level that inspires action: whether that’s reclaiming a lost passion, advocating for yourself and others, pushing past the things that scare you or simply refusing to give up.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in music?
Music has been engrained within me from an early age. Starting with my Late father - Sam. Growing up - he would bring me to his band practices. He played congas in salsa bands. He would even let me jam along sometimes! From a young age - I also absolutely loved the radio and listening to casette tapes. I would even create my own "radio stations" where I would play music I'd recorded on the casette.
I come from a rich heritage of percussion, and my work often centers on elevating those ancestral rhythms.
I’ve always seen music as more than just entertainment—it’s a form of activism, a way to amplify voices, and a space where we can celebrate our roots and resist the systems that try to silence us. I fully believe that music can change the world! It's so powerful and influential.
Can you discuss some of your favorite production techniques or tools that you frequently use to achieve a specific sound or texture?
I love blending organic and electronic elements to create a sound that feels alive and unpredictable. I’m drawn to analog synths for their warmth and depth; they add a human touch that digital sounds can’t quite replicate. I also incorporate field recordings, especially of natural sounds and cityscapes, to bring in texture and atmosphere—these small, ambient details can make a track feel more immersive and rooted in reality. Layering is key for me; I like to stack sounds in unconventional ways to create a sense of movement, almost like the track is breathing. It’s all about finding that balance between chaos, simplicity and control, which feels like a metaphor for life itself.
