Last month we gushed over emerging artist Jamogi and the Jammers. We’ve been privy to their music for a few years now, but are finally seeing this wonderful musical act emerge into the live scene. Their performance at Lawrence PRIDE definitely turned some heads thanks to their engaging crowd work and unique homage to (and modern take on) vintage sounds. Now, after releasing the hit single “Hollaback” earlier this year, Jamogi is finally out with the new album “J’Day,” and would you believe this is just part 1? We chatted with Jamogi on the eve of the album release, which you can list to after the interview below.
IHLM: You seem to come out of nowhere and explode onto the scene. Can you tell folks a little more about what you were doing with music prior to this?
Jamogi: Haha, you’re definitely not the first person to tell me that. Maybe that’s a good sign! But honestly, music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was constantly singing around the house, daydreaming about performing, and if there was a talent show sign up sheet anywhere nearby, my name was probably already on it.
Before people started seeing me on stages around Kansas City, I was actually teaching music and finishing up my degree. From the outside, everything looked fine. But creatively, I was restless. I had all these ideas, songs, and visions living in my head, and I felt like I was trying to squeeze them into a space that wasn’t quite meant for them. So, after work and classes, I’d go home, open my laptop, write songs, study live performances from artists I admire, and just create. I remember watching a video one day that asked a simple question: “If not you, then who?” For whatever reason, that hit me right in the chest.
During the pandemic, I made a list of goals I wanted to accomplish over the next three to five years, and instead of waiting for permission, I decided to bet on myself. I spent that time developing my craft, building a vision, and figuring out how I wanted to show up as an artist.
So, while it may look like I came out of nowhere, this has actually been years in the making. What people are seeing now is the result of a lot of preparation, faith, and a kid who never stopped believing he was meant to make music and bring people joy.
IHLM: You seem to have a really unique relationship with your audience. What are all the ways you keep them so engaged and interacting with you at every show?
Jamogi: Well, I can’t give away the entire recipe, that’s one of the trade secrets! However, I’ll say this: a lot of it comes from my background in education. When you’re teaching, you learn quickly that every person engages differently. Some people want to participate, some want to observe, some respond to humor, some respond to storytelling, and some just want to feel seen. I carry that same mindset onto the stage.
When I’m performing, I’m constantly reading the room, and drafting up ways to bring people into the experience rather than just performing at them. I want everyone to feel like they’re part of the show. The other piece is that I genuinely love being on stage. I’m having just as much fun as the audience is. People spend their hard earned money and valuable time to come see a show, so I take that seriously. If someone leaves one of my performances, I want them to feel like they witnessed something special.
Of course, there are a lot of little techniques here and there, but I’m also a student of the great performers. I study artists who know how to command a stage and connect with people. Then I take those lessons and filter them through my own personality and style. At the end of the day though, my goal is simple; I want every person in that room to leave feeling a little more joyful then when they have walked in.
IHLM: It feels like it took a while to get your music in front of the public. What was the benefit of slowing down and taking your time?
Jamogi: It definitely took me a while, and part of that is because I care deeply about the work. I can be meticulous when it comes to songwriting, asking myself questions like, “Do the lyrics make sense?” “Is this what the music is asking for?” For some people, they believe that music is just about inspiration, which is somewhat true for me too, but I find it more to be about listening. Sometimes, that means stepping away from a song for a few weeks or even a few months. After you’ve heard something a hundred times, it can be easy to lose perspective. Taking a break allows me to come back with fresh ears and experience it almost like a listener would. I’d rather take my time and make something that lasts than rush something I’m not proud of.
IHLM: What did you want listeners to takeaway from this album?
Jamogi: More than anything, I want listeners to walk away feeling joy and love. I think we’re living in a time where people are craving connection, encouragement, and reasons to celebrate. There’s so much noise in the world, so if this album can a source of light for someone for just 32 minutes, then I feel like I’ve done my job. Each song carries a different message, but they all point back to that same feeling. A song like, “Go Big or Go Home” is about believing in yourself, being unapologetically you, and going after what you want without holding back. I Want people to hear that song and feel empowered to take the leap they’ve been afraid to take!
With “Treasure,” it’s about appreciation and recognizing value. If you have that special someone in your life, cherish them, but even beyond that, I hope people remember that their own worth isn’t determined by anyone else. You are a treasure too!
At it’s core, this album is a celebration of love, life, growth, and the many facets to who we are. My hope is that when people finish listening, they feel a little lighter!!
IHLM: This is just part one! Please tell us what you have in store for part two.
Jamogi: I can’t give away too much, but think big, loud, and eccentric. With many different cultural influences.
IHLM: Why do you feel it’s important to approach music in the manner that you do.
Jamogi: Because wholeheartedly, music changed my life, and I honest to God believe that it has the power to change other people’s lives too. Some of my favorite memories are connected to music. There’s been songs that gave me confidence when I doubted myself, songs that expressed emotions when I didn’t have the words to say them, and songs that simply made me smile when I needed it!
That’s why I approach music the way I do. I never want it to just be background noise, I want it to be an experience. I want people to laugh, dance, feel inspired, and maybe even discover a little bit more about themselves.
I also think that joy is important. Sometimes people hear words like “impact” or “meaningful” and assume that everything has to be serious, but I don’t believe that. Joy is powerful. Celebration is powerful. Dancing with your friends, falling in love, believing in yourself, chasing a dream, driving downtown at night with the windows down and blasting your music at full volume singing your heart out, those things matter too. If my songs can connect with people and leave people feeling more hopeful, then I feel like I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.