Daily Inspiration: Meet JP Aquino

Today we’d like to introduce you to JP Aquino

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my musical journey as a vocalist, guitarist, and pianist in 2018. After three intensive years of classical and contemporary study at Concordia Irvine, I released my first EP with my great college friend, Daigo Ikeda. As I continued to release music, I took on a choral directing/worship directing position at Good Shepherd Irvine. After a year of work, I pursued my masters degree in songwriting and music production at Berklee NYC; kick-starting my adoration for performing and working collaboratively with other artists, producers, and performers. Now I’m constantly looking for new and creative ways to tell stories from my own unique perspective, through intricate composition, thoughtful sound design, and poetic lyricism.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I chose to study music, my parents did not approve. It wasn’t until they saw my first solo performance in a choral concert that they began to see my value as a musician and performer. During my years of study, I had plenty of supportive professors, but unfortunately I also worked closely with professors who created a toxic and unhealthy competitive environment with obvious student hierarchies. However, since my intensive studies, the road to artistry and musical excellence has been smooth.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a Filipino-American artist, I write, produce, engineer, and perform original and collaborative music. I specialize in creative composition influenced by Filipino folk, jazz, rock, and pop music. I am known for my vocal proficiency and harmonic creativity. I am proud of my own musical authenticity and peculiar musical background that has pushed me to work countless hours towards the mastery of my craft over the last 6 years. My diverse musical influences and accelerated study of music is what sets me apart from others.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In 5-10 years, I see the music industry going into a renaissance of musical creativity, parallel to the rise of jazz during the roaring twenties. Alongside this awakening could very well be the breakdown of large record labels and record deals; transforming into smaller, self-sufficient artist-producer-management agreements. This is foreseen by the rise of independent artists and continued accessibility of music technology.

Pricing:

• $25/hr – artist/musician performance
• $40/hr – worship leading

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jpaquino.info/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpaquino456/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jpaquino_info?si=kMgwwIrvwqBWduyk
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jp-aquino-840814247?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Image Credits
Liam Read
Caterina Sabra
Liam Gallagher
Abby Schwichtenberg