Celebrating the release of his new single ‘Kept my heart for myself’, VIPER caught up with Jerry – fka Hodgy Beats – to chat about his creative process, short film and upcoming album…

Tell us about your single, ‘Kept my heart for myself’. 

Imagine a person having a conversation with themselves elves while rapid cycling through memories.
Now, imagine how that person feels in order to be in such a state of heightened emotion. Our brains are interesting. 

What inspired your short film? 

I feel that with where technology is today, our minds are in a box that projects artificial light and information. It is a challenge to retain information while holding my mind in this box. Communication is typed out and not felt. We’re becoming computer like minded – algorithmic. I get off to the process of things and less of the outcome. Fortunately the outcome of the short film is positive. 

What five words define your sound? 

Jay ee are are why. 

Tell me something unique about your creative process. 

For a lack of better words, I don’t have a process. However, from time to time I get obsessed with hearing my own new records. 

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first? 

When I listen to an album that is new to me, I look for three songs and if I find a fourth – brilliant. We are programmed to take a stand and say what you like or don’t like. What happens when you stand neutral? Interesting. 

What inspired you to make that song? 

We try and describe what we are feeling with words when words and emotions are two separate entities.
Imagine a couple at a dinner table, making up for lost time. 

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music? 

‘LOVEMESOONER’ album is definitely the most vulnerable I’ve gone musically. Hell, I didn’t know I could sing until I began. I pushed for a stomach that went unfed. “Love” is similar to life – we’ll never fully understand. 

What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage? 

That was a lifetime ago. 

What is your favourite song to perform? 

The ‘LOVEMESOONER’ album comes out this week so I have not performed it live yet. My plan is to perform some secret shows this year. Sign up at Poortrait.com for more details. 

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music? 

Music runs through my veins. At the age of six it found me. 

What’s the meaning behind your name? 

My name is Jerry. 

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead? 

Find an island. Have a daily routine. Live off of the land. 

What’s success to you? 

Being content with oneself. 

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction? 

I looked up and the light changed. I fell asleep and the sun rose. Life takes its turns. Either turn wit it or quit it. Haha! 

Where can people keep in touch with you? 

@monkmiyagi and Poortrait.com. 

Photo by Scott Soens