Earlier this year, we spoke with artist, teacher, producer and positive force, Chadwick “Niles” Phillips. He talked about the Catalyst Music Artist Collective, an initiative for young performers ages 14-24. Tonight we got to speak to two of those young performers J-WLKR and Jazzy. You can see them both perform at the (new all ages venue) Treasury grand opening celebration on April 21, 2022.
Both are so talented. J-WLKR is a rapper, singer-songwriter and beats producer. He performs with a great passion. Jazzy is an R&B artist and singer-songwriter. Jazzy’s compassion for community comes through in song. Both were confident and charming. I think the charm was probably nature, but both spoke about how the Collective has helped build their confidence on stage and off. In fact, while both mentioned having a love of music from a very young age but both were on the shy side. Fast forward a few years and each has performed in the Catalyst Music series The Next livestreamed from The Garage. Jazzy performed in Volume 3; J-WLKR in Volume 5.
Interesting to talk about the impact of the program but also about being a young person, a young artist during this strange time. Both have a song inspired by the pandemic: Am I the Only One? by Jazzy and Lonely Nights by J-WLKR. Musically very different but thematically both demonstrate the frustration and yearning for community. Their music just what the community needs – giving voice and starting conversation that makes community.
I think we will be seeing more from these artists. They are building a career and legacy that will should make their future selves proud.
Mostly Minnesota 