Jarv Dee is a Seattle-based musician who makes rap, dance and house music.
Seattle Refined: How long have you been writing/performing?
Jarv Dee: I started writing lyrics when I was about 8/9 with one of my childhood friends, but really started putting lyrics into songs when I was about 14/15. Performing was around the same age (8/9). I used to dance a lot when I was younger, and the first time I performed a rap in front of a crowd was my 4th grade talent show. I performed Kris Kross. So, I guess 20+ years.
Tell us about the artistic process and the different stages that work into it.
I start with an instrumental and the first thing I like to do is come up with the hook. I LOVE hooks because they are the most catchy and [memorable] part of the song. After the hook, I go back and fill in the blanks or what I like to call “let the beat breathe.”
Where does your inspiration come from? What artists have influenced you?
My biggest inspiration, of course, is life itself. I can’t really talk about anything you haven’t truly experienced or felt. My music influences range from Devin The Dude to Jamiroquai to Tech N9ne, and the list goes on.
What kind of genre is your music? What kinds of things do you write about?
My genre currently is Rap/Dance/House. I sometimes write about fly stuff or my outlook on the world or maybe struggles I’m facing in my personal life.
Do you have one song that means more to you or is extremely special to you?
“I Just Wanna” and not because everyone really liked it but because at the time I was really going through it, and I remember just loving the hook so much before I even started really going in on the writing process. I just felt it so much, it made me tear up as I would sing it. I’ve been performing that song since 2011 and it has never felt old or played to me yet and that is really rare with me.
What experiences in your life have shaped your music?
I think each year that I have been doing music has really shaped it in a different way. The music has grown with me. I feel like your music should grow with you, fans and supporters love to be on a journey with you. Some might say I love the old songs, or I wish this artist would do the old style, but if you do the same stuff, people start saying, “Does he have any new stuff? He’s doing the same stuff over and over.” You can’t please everyone but don’t be afraid to grow into yourself.
If we want to hear more of your work, where should we go to find it? What about upcoming shows (virtual or in-person)?
If you want to find my music you can go on Spotify or whatever streaming platform you use. My next show is on April 21 at the Nectar Lounge, where I’ll be opening up for one of my favorite artists, Devin The Dude. I’m definitely excited about that, but if you see “JARV DEE & THE BLAKHOUSE BAND,” come check us out because, with my band, it is quite the experience.
What is next for you? Anything you’re working on right now that you’re really excited about?
I’m finishing up my second collaborative EP with producer/artist Bad Colours, which you can expect around the summertime. There are more things I would love to speak on, but it’s in the works so I’ll just say I’m working with some people on the other side of the pond. ;)
Lastly, how do you take your coffee? We ask everyone!
To be honest, I don’t really drink coffee, but if I do, just give it to me plain, with no sugar and no creamer. I might not finish the cup, but I’ll drink enough to stay awake a little longer, lol.
About ‘Artist of the Week’: This city is packed with artists we love to feature weekly on Seattle Refined! If you have a local artist in mind that you would like to see featured, let us know at hello@seattlerefined.com. And if you’re wondering just what constitutes art, that’s the beauty of it; it’s up to you! See all of our past Artists of the Week in our dedicated section.