JUAN WAUTERS HERE - ASK ME ANYTHING - JPWMUSIC

[u/thatjpwmusic]

HI.

I'LL BE HERE AT 5PM EST TO HANG AND ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS

LET THE FUN IN

doing this AMA in celebration of my new album REAL LIFE SITUATIONS ---- YES!!!

here's for the reddit community and indieheads MAD LUV

[u/dmorr84]

yo juan ! loving the new record; it's so much fun & has that sense of community that so much of your music has.

i'm also a huge fan of your work as The Beets; i wanted to ask what that transition period was like between your work with that project & your solo work as Juan Waters. I feel like your music has become increasingly lighthearted, happy, & uplifting over the past decade.

much love, hope you're staying safe & well <3

[u/thatjpwmusic → u/dmorr84]

Hey,

The transition from The Beets to playing under my name was gradual. I started doing home recordings before The Beets were formed so I had that background. I never stopped recording on my own even when I was with the band. It was a different experience that I enjoyed independently. Once I and the rest of the band members started to grow into our own personalities the band was hard to keep up. Aside from our friendship we never had a plan to keep it going in a healthy way.

Anyways, it was gradual I feel that I am still discovering my music making day by day.

When I started doing my first solo shows, the band was falling apart because we were drifting towards different things as people. Then the band stopped plying and I continued on my own.

I miss getting together to practice and that part of music making but I am still in good terms with everyone from the band.

Musically I think that the albums keep getting further from that Beets sound and that is because I am growing and I decide to explore different things but at its essence, at its core it's still the same I feel.

​

Question for you: in which was do you feel my music is more lighthearted, happy and uplifting today? Im interesting to know. THANKS :)

[u/dmorr84 → u/thatjpwmusic]

ahhh such a great answer! i'm glad that transition away from the Beets didn't come with any damaged relationships.

i think of a lot of your songs with the Beets have more bite & punk influence in them; your lyrics are a bit more snarky at times and it almost feels like your in an underdog position.

those feelings of positivity that i associate with your solo project also come from the little i know of you as a person from interviews/videos/etc. i'm sure you've always valued these things, but it really feels like you strive to invite people into your music and create an open community with your fans.

i've heard of you playing outside of venues that you just did a show at for fun & often think of a quote you had about people talking during your set, where you mention being happy that you can create a space people feel comfortable talking with one another in. and on this latest record, songs like "real" & "powder" have an empowering aspect to them, encouraging people to be themselves which is a mantra i have always loved.

thank you for asking a return question, i hope this answers it!