SXSW Pop: What inspired you to start making music, and what was your first musical experience?

Jesse Medina: Initially, I was drawn to music because of my favorite artists, but over time, it evolved into an outlet for expressing myself and releasing pent-up frustration and aggression. For some reason, I've always been drawn to music. I distinctly remember as a child watching music videos and listening to songs, knowing that's exactly what I wanted to do. My first attempt at writing my own songs happened when I was around 9 or 10 years old.

SXSW Pop: Can you tell us about your songwriting process? Do you have any specific habits or rituals that help you get creative?

Jesse Medina: Honestly, I don't have a fixed process. Sometimes it begins with a cadence, other times it's as straightforward as hearing a beat and writing, or it's based on a preconceived concept I aim to execute.

SXSW Pop: How do you approach the process of creating new music, and what kind of themes or emotions do you typically explore in your work?

Jesse Medina: I approached the process of making new music by just letting it come to me naturally. I feel like it's taboo to force anything. If the vibes are right, it always seems to kind of work itself out. As far as themes go, I like darker, trippier production for the most part—anything that sounds different or cutting edge. And as far as emotions, I always speak from the heart regardless. I go off 100% emotion.

SXSW Pop: What's been your favorite collaboration or project you've worked on, and what made it so special?

Jesse Medina: I'd have to say my song with Kool Keith, he is one of my all time favorites. It was special because I'm a fan 1 and two he's the king of psychedelic rap.

SXSW Pop: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a musician, and how have you overcome them?

Jesse Medina: Some of the biggest challenges I've faced as a musician, I guess, would have to be just getting the music out there and heard. The funny thing is, you can make music till you're blue in the face, but a lot of the time, the music will just sit there on platforms like YouTube, Spotify, etc., because if nobody knows it exists, it literally doesn't. I've overcome this by investing in myself, running ads, and self-promoting, etc. I feel like as long as I feed the machine and keep creating timeless material, I can't lose.

SXSW Pop: How do you balance your creative pursuits with other aspects of your life, such as touring, promoting your work, and maintaining relationships?

Jesse Medina: My creative pursuits coincide with my day to day, all day, every day, they don't separate..

SXSW Pop: Can you walk us through your approach to recording and producing your music? Do you have any favorite studios or engineers?

Jesse Medina: As far as recording goes, thanks to technology you can be anywhere, I go wherever the music takes me. As far as my favorite engineers I got two, Steve Glaze and Jerry-D aka Jerry Dialo @ Tone Freq recording studios San Jose CA

SXSW Pop: What's the most important thing you've learned about yourself as an artist, and how has that changed the way you approach your work?

Jesse Medina: The most important thing I've learned about myself as an artist? Hmmm, my life is art, and as long as I can be creative and tell the tale, and push the envelope, I'm happy.

SXSW Pop: Are there any artists or genres that have influenced your own music or style? Who are some of your biggest inspirations?

Jesse Medina: I'm influenced by all types of genres, but never to the point of emulating. Im influenced by Hip Hop, Alternative Hip Hop, Rap, Death Metal, Metal, Grind Core, Dark wave, Classic rock, Pop, R&B, Punk, Alternative, just the name a few. As far as groups or artists, I'm influenced by anything from The Deftones, to Nas, Bad Brains, Gorillaz, Souls of mischief, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, TDE, The Beatles, Organized Confusion, Portishead, The Misfits, Trevor Something, Outkast, The Growlers, Freestyle Fellowship, Sad night dynamite,The Neighbourhood, Leaders of the new school, blah blah blah!

SXSW Pop: What's next for you in terms of upcoming projects, tours, or releases? Are there any exciting developments that you can share with us?

Jesse Medina: As far as projects go, I have three dropping in the coming months: the first titled 'Extra Sensory Modes of Perception,' followed by another 3-song EP called 'This Way Westward,' and a third mixtape called 'Nostalgia Nuggets.' which is a mix of released and unreleased material.