This A-Profiler we bring you J-ricz, a musician and vocalist whose latest album, Genesis, was a two year project in the making. Find out what part of performing J-ricz enjoys, what his dream is for his music career, and his favorite and least favorite Filipino foods.

Your site URL:
www.jricz.com

Can you describe the difference singing in a group versus singing as a solo artist?
I think singing in a group is a lot harder than singing as a solo artist. Besides the fact that there are other individuals in your group involve in the decision making, we all have to sound together as one. I also believe that it takes years and a good chemistry to be a singing group (i.e. Boyz II Men). That's why you don't see them last as long. I've been fortunate enough to have been a part of a former singing group that formed a lasting brotherhood. We are always friends first. Unfortunately, we decided that for some of us music is just another avenue to achieving our own version of the "American dream." I'm fortunate for that experience because I learned a lot about music, performing, and the music business. Although I will always miss my brothers in the singing group, I feel that I have more control over my choices of music now that I am a soloist. I also make my own mistakes now and I learn how to make myself a better singer and songwriter. In addition, I am able to make more time for my loved ones. When I was in a group, we didn't have time to spend with our families because of all our conflicting schedules. So overall, I am glad that I was able to experience being in group and transition to a solo artist.

Where does the name J-ricz originate from?
My real name is Carlo Ricafort. I got the "J" from J-ricz because my dad called me "junior" when i was younger, and "ricz" was a nickname that people called me in high school.

As a musical artist do you believe there's a certain image you have to portray?
As a Filipino-American artist, I believe that I do have to portray a positive image for my audience. Music is very influential in our society. So it is always my goal to contribute songs that will inspire others and put them in a positive mood. I also want to be able to express the lessons that I have learned in life through my songs and hope that others will find it helpful when they are going through their own life challenges.

Can you describe yourself using a chorus from one of your favorite R&B songs?
Here's one. "Work it, make it, do it, make us, harder, better, faster, stronger n-n-now that that don't kill me, can only make me stronger" Hmm not exactly an R&B song but every time I listen to this song by Kanye West, it helps me get through the tough times. I have a tattoo of an alibita (ancient tagalog script) on my right arm that says, "persevere." I am a very persistent person and I believe this has helped me throughout the years.

How did your parents react when you told them you wanted a career in music?
You know Filipino parents! My mom would always say, "no Lucky (my nickname), you're going to be a doctor, or a nurse." So I had to make a bargain with them. I told them I will finish college and become a Dental Hygienist but also move out to Los Angeles after graduation to pursue my music career. Fair trade.

Have you ever considered going on American Idol or Making the Band to break into the music industry?
I believe that there are other ways of making it in this tough competitive industry. As long as you make good music, I believe that you will get to where you wanna go whether you join a TV show or whether you do it the old-fashion way through distributing your songs to different record labels.

Do you believe Asian Pacific Americans are well represented in the music industry?
I believe that Asian Pacific Americans have great talent and passion for music just like all the others. We are very talented at what we do and it'll be just a matter of time until people will recognize us for the hard work that we do and the talent that we have. This phenomenal Internet era is definitely helping in opening up the music industry for Asian Pacific American artists.

What does being Filipino mean to you?
Being Filipino to me means God, Family, and Life. God - I believe that there is a greater being out there watching over us always and guiding us to make the right choices. Family - I love my family because they keep me grounded. They are always supportive of me. Life - No matter how tough it may seem sometimes, I always try to remember that Life is a blessing. I try to always live my life to the fullest and I am grateful everyday. As a Filipino-American, these are the things that have been instilled in me since childhood.

Who was your allegiance to at the Pacquiao versus De La Hoya fight? Do you think Pacquiao will beat down Hatton?
Haha! Pacquiao all the way even if he fights Mike Tyson. I would like to see him retire at his prime though. It just makes him more invincible that way.

What kind of music are you jamming to on your MP3 player?
Lots of 80's, 90's, and slow jams. I also love R&B and Hip-hop. I listen to a lot of music especially during road trips. I travel a lot for shows and music is a great companion. Last month I believe I logged in 5,000 miles!

How does it feel to perform in front of a live audience?
I love performing in front of a live audience. It gives me a sense of accomplishment especially when I see them mouth the words to my songs.

Where do you hope your music career will lead?
My hope is for the whole world to hear my music. I also would love to one day see an Asian American artist beat all the odds and make it to the big leagues in music. Also, I would love to retire from my other job at 35 years old! That way I can focus solely in music and make crazy beats. Then spend the rest of my with my wifey.

Do you consider yourself a role model?
Yes. I believe that I represent a fraction of independent artists out there trying to make it in this industry. We all are trying to teach the younger generation that with enough hard work, perseverance, and faith, anything is possible.

What's your favorite Filipino food? What's the one Filipino dish that you aren't a fan of?
I love lumpia! There's no one that I know of who do not like this delicacy. When it comes to a Filipino dish that I'm not a fan of, it's pancit. I don't know why but I hope I don't get hate emails from this.

How long does it take to record an album? Are you a perfectionist with your music?
This really depends. Depends on budget, resource, and producers I work with. My album Genesis (now available on www.cdbaby.com or www.itunes.com) took me two years to finish because I had to drive back and forth from Los Angeles to San Francisco on weekends to meet with producers and recording engineers while at the same time doing shows, live interviews, etc. I wouldn't really say I'm a perfectionist but I do value the opinion of my family, friends, and especially my wife on how my new songs sound or how I can make some of my songs better.

Who is in your Fave 5?
Okay here it goes. Wife. Mom. Sis. Niece. 911. Haha!

Are you a Lakers or Clippers fan?
Lakers baby! I just hate it when Kobe gets tired in the fourth quarter and pretty much gives it away to the other team. Anyhow, I still like them.

How do you spend your down time when you're not creating music?
I usually spend it doing road trips and visiting places with my wife. I also call my family and friends. But one of the most important of all, I sleep.

Thanks for taking time out to do this interview, do you have thing you like to say to your fans?
Love you guys! Watch out for my stimulus package later this year when I give out free music download. (I'm serious!) For more info please sign up to my newsletter at www.jricz.com

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This issue of A-Profiler is brought to you by Ray Lam.
Special thanks to J-ricz.

Photos used with permission.
Copyright retained by original copyright holder(s).