24: Introduce yourself to everyone that doesnt already know who you are.
Jamal Roncarlo: I am Jamal Roncarlo. From Cecilia, Louisiana. Singer/writer/dancer/editor/
24: Before we get into your music, can you describe your history about how you got into and what inspired you?
Jamal Roncarlo: I haven’t been singing as long as I can remember like a lot of artists. Dancing was always my thing. I enjoy making music now because I’ve practiced so long to become great. Dance is something I always just had.. I’m really inspired by the horrible artist that have major success. It may sound harsh but everyone probably has heard a song and thought, “They got famous off that?! I could make a song better than that!” So I just do. I wanna prove that normal people can make music just as good as the majors.
24: What was the Hip-Hop scene like for you growing up where you’re from?
Jamal Roncarlo: There really was no Hip-Hop scene for me. I went to a private school till 6th grade. I only listening to Michael Jackson and Mc Hammer till around junior high school. Then I started getting into what the other kids were listening to.
24: What makes you Unique as an artist and different from other rappers out now?
Jamal Roncarlo: I’m not really a rapper per-say. I do it on occasion but I’m more Pop/R&B. My style is different because I have all styles. My upcoming release starts as R&B, moves to party records, to Hip-Hop, to Trance music, even 80s feel songs. I do a variety because I feel I’m good at all of it and I like it all.
24: Tell us about what you are working on.
Jamal Roncarlo: I’m preparing to release a mixtape, I’m editing my own upcoming music videos as well as the single I have out now “Fake ft. Chalie Boy” was edited by me.. Then I’m going to put out a full album which will be my first official one, called “Self Titled.”
24: What producers have you worked with and who would you like to work with in the future?
Jamal Roncarlo: I’ve only worked with local producers in my area, which is just fine, because everything done is top notch. Yung Na, Big Bout It, and Struggle. Everything is done in house where I live. Why go looking for producers when we can do it ourselves? Everything is done in house by me and my team from graphics and cover art, photoshoots, producing, mixing, mastering, video shoots…list goes on. .As far as producers I wanna work with, it doesn’t matter. I’m willing to meet up with anyone as long as they are good people.
24: Are you happy with the feedback you have been getting from people on material you have released?
Jamal Roncarlo: Of course, the people that do discover me let me know how much they like what I do and that’s awesome. But, no. I’m not satisfied. I feel I need way more recognition than I’m getting because I’m better than a lot of major artist, I’m just not famous. If I ever got my foot in the door of a major, I’d kick the door down off the hinges, then break the wall the door frame was in.
24: In today’s free download age, what do you need to do to make yourself a household name?
Jamal Roncarlo: I’m in heavy promotion mode right now. Lot of my work is done so I’m able to put it out all over until my album comes through. All I have to do is be myself, and the rest will follow. That’s not a Disney channel statement either I actually believe that.
24: How do you feel about the current state of the Hip-Hop scene?
Jamal Roncarlo: The scene now is ok. Just depends on what you like. But for the most part it’s not people music that’s makes them famous anymore. With the Internet age anyone can make music and put it online for the world. People invest in the artist and creativity more often because labels can take anyone with half a singing voice and make them famous. Sometimes I here music on the radio and realize just how basic it is, which makes me want to make people smarter about the music choices they make. Whatever you feed the people is what they are gonna eat. Lately they haven’t been properly nourished.
24: Outside of the music, what else are you currently working on?
Jamal Roncarlo: Not much else besides music. I don’t have anything else. I have a day job just like regular folk. I’m looking for a buzz in music to retire me from the mundane.
24: Where do you see yourself going in 2013 and how do you plan to separate yourself from the other artist out today to get the recognition you feel you deserve?
Jamal Roncarlo: I’ve been focused on 2013 and 2014 for this whole year anyway. As long as the world doesn’t end in December 2012 like the Mayans predicted, I’ll be in 2013 in shine mode! My songs are way too different and good at the same time to not be noticed sooner or later. Promotion is key. A hit song isn’t a hit until its heard.
24: How can fans go about contacting you?
Jamal Roncarlo: As I gain a fan base I would like people to subscribe to my YouTube channel, TheJamalRoncarlo. One of the best places besides Facebook and Twitter to stay in update of what I’m doing and when I do it.
24: Thank you for providing 24HourHipHop with this exclusive interview, do you have any last words for your present and future fans?
Jamal Roncarlo: I do so many different styles, that there is something for everyone in my vault of ideas and recordings. Ordinary people can make amazing creations to become extraordinary. I believe I’m one of those people.
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