Jarv Dee is a Seattle-based musician who makes rap, dance and house music.
Seattle Refined: How long have you been writing/performing?
Jarv Dee: I started writing lyrics when I was about 8/9 with one of my childhood friends, but I really started putting lyrics to songs when I was about 14/15. Performance was at the same age (8/9). I danced a lot when I was younger and the first time I rapped in front of an audience was my 4th grade talent show. I was doing Chris Cross. So I guess 20+ years.
Tell us about the artistic process and the different stages that go into it.
I start with an instrumental and the first thing I like to do is come up with the hook. I LOVE hooks because they are the catchiest and [memorable] part of the song. After the crochet I go back and fill in the blanks or what I like to call “letting the beat breathe”.
Where does your inspiration come from? Which artists have influenced you?
My biggest inspiration is of course life itself. I can’t talk about something you haven’t really experienced or felt. My musical influences range from Devin The Dude to Jamiroquai to Tech N9ne and the list goes on.
What genre is your music? What kind of things do you write about?
My genre right now is rap/dance/house. Sometimes I write about flies or my view of the world or maybe struggles I face in my personal life.
Do you have a song that means more to you or is extra special to you?
“I Just Wanna” and not because everyone really liked it, but because I was really going through it at the time and I remember just loving the hook so much before I even started really getting into the writing process. I just felt it so strongly that it brought tears to my eyes as I sang it. I’ve been playing this song since 2011 and it’s never felt old or played before, which is really rare for me.
What experiences in your life have shaped your music?
I think every year that I make music I really shape it in a different way. Music grew with me. I feel your music should grow with you, fans and supporters like to travel with you. Some might say I love the old songs or I wish this artist was doing the old style, but if you’re doing the same stuff, people start saying, ‘Does he have new stuff? He does the same things over and over again.” You can’t please everyone, but don’t be afraid to grow into yourself.
If we want to hear more of your work, where should we go to find it? What about upcoming shows (virtual or in person)?
If you want to find my music, you can go to Spotify or whatever streaming platform you use. My next show is April 21st at Nectar Lounge where I will be talking about one of my favorite artists, Devin The Dude. I’m definitely excited about it, but if you see JARV DEE & THE BLAKHOUSE BAND, come see us because with my band, it’s quite an experience.
What’s next for you? Something you’re working on right now that you’re really excited about?
I’m finishing up my second collaborative EP with producer/artist Bad Colours, which you can expect around the summer. There’s more I’d like to talk about, but it’s a work in progress, so I’ll just say I’m working with some people across the pond. 😉
Finally, how do you drink your coffee? We ask everyone!
To be honest, I don’t really drink coffee, but if I do, just give it to me straight, no sugar and no cream. I might not finish the glass, but I’ll drink enough to stay awake a little longer lol.
About Artist of the Week: This city is full of artists we love to feature every week on Seattle Refined! If you have a local artist in mind that you’d like to see featured, let us know at [email protected]. And if you’re wondering what art is, that’s its beauty; up to you! Check out all our past artists of the week in our special section.
