J.T. Hiskey is stepping into a reflective new chapter with his latest single “Purpose,” a collaboration with wifisfuneral that pushes listeners to examine why they’re here and what drives them.
In an exclusive interview, the Salt Lake City native looks back on discovering hip-hop as a teen at Highland High, the friendships that shaped his path, and the creative spark behind “Purpose.” Now 28, Hiskey speaks openly about growth, inspiration, and the mission guiding his music today.
What inspired you to start making music?
I have been so musically involved since I was very little. It wasn’t until I was around 15/16 years old I started getting involved with creating the genre of hip hop. I went to Highland High School in Salt Lake City, Utah and that’s where the hip hop journey all began. Time sure flies fast. I am currently 28 years old now and looking back at all of it, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Tell us about your latest release.
So my latest release is my newest single titled “Purpose”, which features my brother wifisfuneral. Wifi and I met earlier this year, when I was opening for D Savage on select dates. Ended up becoming good friends and created this song together. “Purpose” is a song that makes the listener ask themself, what is your purpose in life? What is the reason you are here? Everyone is born with a purpose and sometimes we forget what that purpose may be. The song is fully produced by main producer Gregory Goose, and has a new style to it when it comes to the way I deliver the flows and hook.
Describe your creative process when you write new music.
The creative process really comes in many different ways. For this song “Purpose”, Gregory Goose made the beat as I mentioned prior. With the beat being made, I sent it to wifisfuneral for his thoughts on it. He laid down his vocals, and the rest was history.
Who’s your ideal artist to collaborate with and why?
At the current moment, wifisfuneral, and we made it a reality! The song “Purpose” is out now. Go check it out!
Are there any musicians who inspire you? What qualities do you admire about them?
My brother wifisfuneral inspires me every single day. He came up from nothing, the same way I did. Please go check out Purpose. It’s an awesome song! Other than that, I always think about all the inspiring artists who are coming up within the music scene. So many I personally know in LA, and so many other places. They always inspire me as well.
Describe your favorite venue for performing.
Great question. Seriously! My favorite venue is hard because I have performed at so many this year alone. I used to always say The Whisky a Go Go because that place has so much history to it alone, but it’s hard to only pick one. I have been able to play the Whisky three times now. Other notable venues I was able to perform at this year were The Observatory in Santa Ana with Dave Blunts, Brooklyn Bowl in Las Vegas with Mike Sherm, and even a venue called Cyprus in Reno, NV with Chris Travis earlier this year. So many great memories. So many more to come!
Which skills have you gained that help you perform effectively as a musician?
I’ve always enjoyed having so much engagement with the audience. Engagement is everything, and I try my best to get better at it every single time I perform on stage. Knowing how to engage with the ones who are watching you, helps your set go much further when it comes to people remembering who you are and wanting to be involved with future shows by buying tickets and attending them.
Tell me about your favorite performance in your career.
What’s the best piece of advice you can give to aspiring artists?
Keep catching your dreams. It’s important. And keep things rad always!
What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five years?
Hopefully more shows and awesome collabs while living my best life! “Purpose,” featuring wifisfuneral, is out now.
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