HEADS KNOW TAPE 006: JWords
An interview and DJ mix from the hip-hop and electronic music producer.
Photo: Kenya Meadows
HEADS KNOW TAPES is our mix and interview series, curated to introduce you to the most exciting innovators, selectors, and artists from New York City and beyond.
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If “effortless cool” was a person, it would be JWords. Whether she’s gracing the decks in the middle of a museum, walking backwards along the streets of New York City or even spinning at a Brooklyn nightclub basement, you won’t catch her sweat.
The electronic music producer isn’t just a staple in the dance music world, she’s also one-half of the hip-hop duo H31R, along with maassaai, and she’s a frequent collaborator of other femme and nonbinary artists including Nappy Nina and Semiratruth. The thing about JWords is that she doesn’t only effortlessly exude an air of cool, but she also seamlessly shows what being a supportive, collaborative woman in the music industry looks like and where it can get you.
After being a fan of JWords’s music for a couple of years, I had the honor of booking her for one of my first shows ever in early 2023. Until the end of the night, she mesmerized the crowd with her hypnotic selections and deliberate blends. She’s someone I admire a lot, so show her tape some love and read our Q&A below!
I'm a few months late, but congratulations on the success of HeadSpace! How did it feel to see such a positive response?
Thank you so much! Last year was a bit rough for me and since dropping the album my life has changed a bit in a positive way. I’m glad people are gravitating towards it, it brings me so much joy!
The record was included on so many end-of-year lists—Pitchfork, Bandcamp Daily, and our friends at Cabbages. Has anything changed for you since receiving those accolades?
More opportunities I’ve dreamed of since starting to make music are presenting themselves. I feel proud of myself for creating all the beats on the album, I truly feel like a good producer, ahaha.
I read that your sister was the one who pushed you to take music seriously. It's not every day a family member will encourage a less conventional career path. What did she see in you that made her support the idea?
I’m so grateful for my big sister, I would always look up to her. One day in 11th grade, I was thinking about my future and what I wanted to do, we were talking about it and she said “Why don’t you do something with audio engineering, since you love music so much,” when she said that I felt a rush of excitement like yes oh my god, that’ll be so sick! After that, for my last year in highschool, I took advantage of taking piano, music engineering, and graphic design classes.
As someone who sits firmly in both the hip hop and electronic music space, have you ever been through an identity crisis or is the versatility freeing?
I feel like it’s pretty freeing, I get to be in a unique world I created for myself.
When I have to DJ at a party, I know I have to be ready to be "on" and talk to a lot of people—it's definitely not always easy for me. In your experience, is there any difference in prepping—mentally, physically or technically—for a set at a hip hop show versus a club night?
Well, hip-hop shows are more of listening and paying attention to each act that’s on rather than electronic shows. I feel like it’s more like a party where you can close your eyes and dance or feel the music without having to fully pay attention to each act that’s on. Usually, I always prep myself to be social.
You collaborate with rappers often, but your music career actually started as an emcee for a band called Jumanji. Do you ever think of getting back on the mic?
I have a couple of songs I’ve added vocals to. I’ve been making more songs where I’m adding vocals as well, if it comes naturally I don’t ever fight it.
As a Teenage Engineering ambassador, how did you feel seeing those "Teenage Engineering should make a…" memes on Twitter?
Ahaha, I honestly never even seen these memes.
You've been there for a while now. How did that partnership come about?
I became acquainted with them back in 2017, I was wearing a pocket operator as a necklace and a friend I knew told me about them looking for someone to perform a mini set for them at a workshop that was happening at the urban outfitter store in Brooklyn. She recommended me and from there I met the guy who was conducting the workshop, I ended up playing the mini set and from there every time the TE folks were in town they would hit me up to either perform or teach people how to use the gear. From there they took me on tour in 2019. We’ve built a longevity relationship since then and are kind of like family at this point.
I feel like I always catch you at the most unexpected events, but it's always great seeing you! What about a show draws you to it?
I love checking out new music or supporting friends, but usually am a homebody so I really have to feel motivated to be out that night haha.
What makes a great party?
Great soundsystem, great music, great quality!
Is there something you wish you did more of in 2023 that you're adding to your 2024 schedule?
I wish I collaborated more last year since we were working on the album I was locked in. This year, I feel more free to work with new artists, I’m excited!
Give us a hint of what we'll hear in this mix.
The mix is songs I’ve really enjoyed the past year, from rap to electronic.
Is there anything I haven't asked you that you want to talk about? Anything you want to promote?
I’m coming out with a new EP soon of songs I’ve created on my Switch. Still tryna figure out the name but it's sounding sick!
Support JWords on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and SoundCloud, plus find her tour dates via Resident Advisor.
TRACKLIST
Lianne La Havas - Read My Mind
John Glacier x SURF GANG - MINDMAP
Mercury - BOUNTY
Anysia Kym x Jadasea - Nothing Comes to a Sleeper But a Dream
Semiratruth - i tried to meditate on a ship
Nala Sinephro - Space 5
JEWELSSEA - Last To None
Call Super - Apro
JWords - ID
Parris - Dreaming Of Sunflowers
Nappy Nina x JWords - Wanted
Lionmilk - the gift of sunshine
Mercury - MAC11
454 - STITCH + LILO
Vayda - prima donna
H31R - Air it Out
Kryptonyte x Lord Byron - Casts Pears Before Swine
Fatboi Sharif x Roper Williams - Arsenic
H31R - Rotation
H31R - All Over the Place
Niontay - Da City of a Hunnid Plays
TiaCorine - Yung Joc
King Vision Ultra x Desde - Cold Hex
JWords - ID
