JTM is the Utah rapper whose records combine progressive production, pop sounds and relentless positivity.
The product of a broken home, whose childhood story travels from Russia, to China to Uzbekistan and to Maryland, JTM (aka James Curran) first heard a rap record aged 14. The anger, passion and storytelling he heard from the likes of DMX, Eminem and Ludacris resonated. After a life spent on the edges of multiple communities he found a place he belonged.
At 21, after years of typical teenage rebellion James went on a two-year Mission through his church to educate Russian speakers in Washington State. He abstained from making or listening to music for the duration of that time.
After returning to Utah, he began releasing music, rapidly gaining local notoriety and eventually international acclaim for the albums I’m Not A Rapper and We Came to Play. His latest release – “Dem Waves” – features Polynesian reggae band Common Kings. Layering JTM’s deft lyricism against Common Kings’ rhythm-heavy backdrop, the track rises to a tidal, house-inspired chorus as JTM maintains his track record of obliterating genre constraints and finding hooks and happiness in the melée.
Describe your music in three words.
Real Life. Hi-Fi. Organic.
Who is your greatest influence?
My Grandfather. He grew up in the Great Depression with less than nothing, joined the military in order to pay for college, became a lawyer, then became a stock broker and truly made something of himself. He used his abundance and success to bless his kids and grandkids. He’s showed me that if you work and hustle hard enough literally anything is possible. My parents never gave me anything an instilled that work ethic in me. My music often illustrates how powerful your work ethic can make you even if you’re the underdog in life.
Who was the last person you called?
Jay Warren. He’s one of my best friends and a really talented musician.
What did you talk about?
I asked him what three words would describe my music.
Would you rather have time or money?
When you have money, you can spend your time doing what you love rather than worrying about making enough to survive.
What’s one item of clothing you couldn’t live without?
I wear my white low top Air Force 1s almost every day.
What’s the best way to spend $10?
Simple. Raising Canes.
How about $100?
Cheesecake. Yes. $100 of Cheesecake. Its my $100. Don’t judge.
One album you couldn’t live without?
My favorite album is Drake’s If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.
What’s the story behind “Dem Waves”?
“Dem Waves” is probably my greatest achievement to date. Six years ago I came home from a two year Russian speaking mission for my church in Washington State and was first introduced to Common Kings. On a mission you give up all media so I hadn’t listened to any music for literally two years and they were the first music I listened to. After hearing tracks like “Wade In Your Water” and “24/7” I was hooked and a certified super fan. Common Kings is a Polynesian Reggae group and since I had collaborated with a lot of Polynesian Artists like Junior Maile and Sione Toki, this gave me enough credibility that when I reached out, to my surprise they were willing to collab.
“Dem Waves” is about the independent entrepreneurial hustle especially with music that the Kings and I have put out. Often I feel like regardless of how much success I achieve I’m still the underdog in the music industry. “Dem Waves” is about not giving up, staying loyal to the people who helped you get there, and taking advantage of every opportunity God puts in front of you.
Follow JTM here.
