Before the ASCAP “On The Come Up” New York Showcase, we got a chance to talk to IV Jay and discuss some of her musical influences and how she began her musical career through Instagram.
She also discussed her Latin background and what her upcoming plans are.
The Knockturnal: In an article I read recently, it said that a couple of years ago you gained 20,000 followers overnight on Instagram off one video, how did that happen?
IV Jay: Yeah, I was like 15 or 16, but yeah I did a challenge on Instagram and the challenge ended up going viral and it just kind of sparked everything up.
The Knockturnal: Did you ever think you could start your music career off of Instagram?
IV Jay: It was always a dream of mine. I was always posting covers and stuff, but I always believed I was destined for something with music.
The Knockturnal: That’s crazy, at such a young age you were able to navigate social media and accomplished something that brands even struggle to do
IV Jay: Yeah, I guess like you kind of just get used to it. It naturally came to me, how to deal with everything with posting and interacting with fans and stuff. But I love it, and it’s a young crowd.
The Knockturnal: Embracing your Latin background, I know that you’ve been around it and growing up in the Puerto Rican community, how did the culture, artists and music influence you in your music career?
IV Jay: Well, it’s kind of crazy. I am a Latina but I don’t know any Spanish. I know how to dance Salsa and everything since my grandma was big on it. I grew up hearing a lot of different types of music so that definitely added on to my different taste. I actually performed yesterday at the Selena for Sanctuary that was in Central Park.
The Knockturnal: Oh yeah, with Kali Uchis. How was that experience?
IV Jay: It was amazing, it was so much fun to see so many Latinas and Latinos and hang with everybody. It was a great experience and very good energy.
The Knockturnal: Now that J Balvin and Bad Bunny are very popular and Spanish music and Latin music has gone to a whole new level, not only in the U.S. but worldwide now, are there any artists you’re looking to work with or inspired by?
IV Jay: I would definitely love to work with Bad Bunny or Ozuna. Those are my top two, I listen to them all the time. Even though I don’t understand sometimes but it’s still like a vibe and you still want to dance to it.
The Knockturnal: 2019 is more than halfway done is there anything you’re dropping this year or looking forward to an upcoming tour?
IV Jay: Yes, we’re looking into a tour right now. So I might be popping up in a tour very soon, but if not I’m planning on dropping my EP at the top of the year in 2020.
