Daily Inspiration: Meet JT Bethea

Today we’d like to introduce you to JT Bethea.

Hi JT, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always seen myself as a storyteller first. My foundation started in performance. This shaped how I see creativity. It was never just about making things, but about creating a feeling people could step into.

By the time I was a kid, I was already experimenting with music, remixing songs, and figuring out how sound could shift a mood. That curiosity grew into a deeper understanding of production, which I later developed at Montclair State, studying Film and Television. There, I got into radio and live production, and that’s where things really clicked for me. I wasn’t just creating anymore, I was learning how to build and control entire experiences.

My time at 90.3 WMSC was a major turning point. I wasn’t just focused on content, I was focused on people. Training over 100 DJs, producing large-scale broadcasts, and helping shape the station’s voice showed me the power of creative leadership and what it means to build something bigger than yourself.

From there, my career naturally expanded into live event production and operations. Now, working in AV and event management, I’m responsible for bringing large-scale experiences to life, managing teams, overseeing technical execution, and making sure everything runs seamlessly. That world gave me the structure and discipline to match my creativity.

At the same time, I co-founded Golden Fleece Collective, which is really the heart of everything I do. It started as an idea: to create a space where artists could come together without the usual barriers. But it’s grown into a living, evolving community. We host live showcases, open mics, and collaborative events that blend music, performance, and storytelling into one experience. But beyond the events, we’re building something deeper: a network where artists can find each other, develop their craft, and actually feel supported in a way that’s sustainable.

Golden Fleece is about access, visibility, and connection. It’s about giving emerging creatives a real platform while also holding a standard of quality and intention in everything we produce. We’re working toward becoming a central hub for artists, not just a place to perform, but a place to grow, collaborate, and build something long-term. The goal is to create an ecosystem where creativity isn’t just expressed, it’s nurtured and sustained.

Where I am now is the intersection of all of that artistry, storytelling, and infrastructure. I’m focused on creating experiences that feel intentional and human, while also building systems and communities that allow that creativity to live on and expand.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course, none of this came without struggle. Growing up highly neurodivergent, I often found it difficult not just to express myself, but to be understood. As someone with a lot to say and a different way of seeing the world, that created a kind of isolation early on. Being heard felt nearly impossible at times, and my growth was anything but linear.

I also had to come to terms with the reality that support doesn’t always come from where you expect it. I became very familiar with feeling alone, which forced me inward into reflection, into faith, and into a deeper understanding of who I am. My walk with God played a major role in grounding me and helping me make sense of those experiences.

Over time, I realized that if I wanted to exist fully in my creativity, I had to build that space for myself. And in doing so, I found purpose in creating something bigger – something that makes it easier for others like me to be seen, heard, and supported without having to fight as hard just to exist.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At my core, I’m a producer. I started as a songwriter and aspiring performer with dreams of being a show-stopping pop and R&B artist. I was heavily inspired by artists like Usher, Ne-Yo, and Michael Jackson, artists who didn’t just make music but created full experiences.

As I grew, I had to be honest with myself about where I was and what I needed to improve. That led me down a path of self-teaching, not just in vocals, but in performance, stage presence, and overall artistry. I didn’t have access to formal training, so I learned how to create from instinct and emotion. I became a songwriter, a topliner, a poet, and eventually a rapper. From there, I stepped fully into production, building my own sound and shaping records from the ground up.

My work blends hip-hop with elements of Broadway, rock, and R&B. There’s a strong emotional core to everything I create; melodic, theatrical, and often intense. Songwriting and lyricism are at the center of my identity as an artist. I focus on telling stories that feel real, layered, and human.

What I’m most proud of isn’t just awards, though I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition for my songwriting from a young age. What means the most to me is being respected as a writer by my peers. In a time where production and trends often take priority, being known for having something real to say (and saying it well) means everything.

What sets me apart is my perspective. I create from contrast. I’m both romantic and conflicted, inspired but grounded in reality, hopeful while still carrying a certain weight. That duality shows up in my music, my storytelling, and even how I present myself. There’s a tension there – a push and pull between light and dark. And that honesty is what makes my work resonate.

More than anything, I lead with heart. That, combined with my persistence and willingness to build from nothing, is what defines me.

How do you think about luck?
Growing up, I genuinely believed I was cursed with bad luck. I was extremely neurodivergent, and because of that, connecting with people, especially at a young age, was difficult. My peers weren’t always kind, and even in spaces where you’d hope for support, it was often missing. For a long time, it felt as if something could go wrong; it would go wrong for me. I even went through a period where I questioned my faith and felt like there was something working against me.

Over time, that perspective shifted. I began to understand that what I saw as “bad luck” was really shaping me. It was refining me, forcing me to grow, to reflect, and to develop a deeper sense of empathy and awareness. Those experiences gave me a level of emotional intelligence and perspective that I carry into everything I do – my artistry, my leadership, and the way I build community.

Now, I don’t really see my life through the lens of luck anymore. I believe everything happens for a reason. The challenges I faced early on ultimately positioned me to receive the opportunities, relationships, and clarity I have now. I’m surrounded by incredible people, and I’ve been able to step into spaces that align with who I am.

So if anything, what once felt like misfortune turned out to be preparation. It shaped my voice, my purpose, and the way I move through both life and business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jtuntamedproductions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjtuntamed/?igshid=n8s4of9cfoz0
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/JT-Bethea/pfbid02KRsqKjVaTGo8H3T78tpugabzPhcfEWw15Ac3DUnYxJaN1vEPZ7ntCZSCuf4zNwTPl/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jermaine-bethea-6653a6230
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAtZV0xkDIkgYNH-L_dbKxg

Image Credits
Emily McCormack
Joseph Ferrara