Back in town for shows and song drops following a tour: NYC queer indie recording artist J-LINE!
Thotyssey: J-LINE, hello! Thanks for chatting with us! I understand that you’ve been touring and were recently in Canada… how did that go?
J-LINE: I love touring in Canada. We played Montreal and Toronto, and I try to get over there twice a year. The audiences are so warm and welcoming, and we do the worst thing you can do as a tourist: talk in a fake French accent. Ha!
Yazzz! I mean, ouiii! I imagine that the touring experience really brings out all that is both amazing and challenging about being an indie music artist. You reap all the rewards and learn so much about everything, but also you’re doing the work of a hundred people when your you’re planning this all out.
Yeah. It really helps that I’m a pretty organized person, but I really do it all. I book the shows, hotels, drive us everywhere, choreograph, write the music, and then perform every day. Good thing I love what I do.
In regards to the whole package, what’s your absolute favorite part of all of it? Writing, recording, performing, shooting videos, art directing everything, etc.?
Performing is my favorite part. Every time I write a new song, I’m thinking about the choreography, the performance, the lighting. It’s the best feeling, sharing my art with people and vibing with them in the same room.
Can you tell us a bit of your origin story: where are you from originally, and were music and performance always parts of your life?
Originally I’m from upstate New York, and I always loved singing and dancing. I just never put it together that it could be a career until seeing pop stars like Janet, Britney and Michael doing their thing and I thought, “yes, that’s what I want. Write my own music and put on a show.”
What’s been your history as a recording artist… when did you start writing and performing original music? And does “J-LINE” have to do with the train your ride?
Ha! J-LINE is a combo of my first and last name. I started performing as J-LINE a few years ago, and have been writing music my whole life. I love performing, and have performed literally thousands of shows. I feel you honestly can not get really good at something until you throw yourself into it, and learn what works and what doesn’t. Especially if it’s just you up there doing your own music trying to engage an audience.
You have some recent tracks with full, flashy, sexy videos out there like “Separated” and “Take a Chance.” Are these going to be part of an album or EP, etc.?
I’m hoping to release an EP this winter–one of two about my recent breakup, and how I’m moving on after a decade of being in a relationship. Everything I’ve experienced, I’m putting in the music.
You just did a show at C’mon Everybody, and Friday night you’ll be at Pianos. What else is coming up for you?
I’m taking a break after this week of shows, and will begin touring again in March / April 2025.
Okay let’s conclude with: what’s your best advice for a new indie recording artist who wants to be true to their art as well as successful?
Save your money! LOL. It takes a lot or resources to record, mix, make videos, tour. Instinctively, I knew I needed to save a lot of the money I made because an idea is only as good as the budget you have to see it through to fruition. I can’t be more honest than that. Don’t be precious with your art. Make it. Release it. Stand by it.
Well said! Thanks, J-LINE!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for J-LINE’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkTree.
Thotyssey 