The Jerry T Funky Interview.

Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
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(00:27):
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Speaker 3 (00:47):
Hey, Hey, Hey, what's up? Guys. Welcome to another incredible
episode of Vigilantes Radio live right here on iHeart to
Radio and I am your host Dini. We have a
very special guests for you, guys, so you definitely want
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text your buddies, your family members, or even share it
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(01:10):
we are about to dive deep into another interview before
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just want to say, don't lose sight. This is the
frequency of the fearless. You know, guys, there is a

(01:31):
moment that happens when the music hits just right, lights flashing,
energy rising, and suddenly you're not thinking about anything, not fear,
not judgment, not expectations, just freedom. Tonight's guest creates music
for that moment, but it goes deeper than the dance

(01:55):
floor because behind the beat, there is identity, there's expression,
there's the courage to show up fully as yourself in
a world that doesn't always make that easy. Their new single,
Vogue isn't just about fashion. It's about owning who you are,

(02:16):
stepping into your confidence and letting your presence speak before
you even say a word. Because real style, real energy,
real power comes from authenticity. You're not just here for
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revival for your mind, body, and spirit. This is Vigilantes

(02:40):
radio life. My name is Coach Deni and change is possible.
Are you ready?

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Speaker 5 (03:17):
Are you ready?

Speaker 3 (03:23):
Are you ready?

Speaker 5 (03:30):
Are you ready?

Speaker 3 (03:34):
But let's go, let's go, Let's go, let's go, let's go.
What's up guys again? You're listening to vr L. That
is Vigilantes Radio live right here on iHeart Radio, and
I am your host, Deny. Our interviews are designed to
go beyond music, news, books, art, acting, films, technology, education,

(03:59):
entrepren newership, entertainment, spirituality, and sometimes even past that thing
that we call the ego. Our interviews are designed to
go behind the scenes into the minds of these brilliant people,
you know, the ones that are out there giving it.
They're all for me, for you, and for the world. Well,
ladies and gentlemen. Tonight's guest is Jerry T. Funky and

(04:23):
he is a non binary DJ, producer, electronic artist whose
music blends techno, jazz, funk, and cultural dance influences and
to abode and expressive sound with the musical journey that
began just three years at just at three years old,
Jerry has developed a unique creative process, often starting with

(04:48):
lyrics before building the music around them. Their latest single, Vogue,
celebrates empowerment, fashion and identity while connecting deeply with the
LGB plus community. Through their work, Jerry continues to push
boundaries and inspire self expression through down So please join

(05:11):
me in saying welcome friend you. Jerry, Hey, hey, hey,
welcome to the show.

Speaker 6 (05:19):
Hey Danny, how are you doing?

Speaker 3 (05:20):
Pretty good? Man? It is Friday. How are you?

Speaker 6 (05:25):
I'm okay? Yeah, how about yourself? I found up?

Speaker 3 (05:32):
I can say it again, man, it is Friday. I'm
doing exceptionally well. Thank you for asking. So, Jerry, welcome
to the show. We are super excited to have you
with us tonight. Before we really just dive into all
things Jerry T funky. What's been on your heart and
mind lately? As Vogue starts connecting with listeners and communities

(05:54):
that really resonate with its message.

Speaker 6 (05:59):
Thanks, that been on my mind lately? You know, trying
to be a positive influence for you know, the young
kids coming up and coming out, you know, showing that
you know, despite the pushback that they might receive, that
they can still be themselves. You know, some of those

(06:23):
things have been coming up as I've made my music
more public.

Speaker 3 (06:29):
Absolutely, does that create any kind of pressure for a.

Speaker 6 (06:33):
You No, No, you know there'sn't. There's a lot of
pressure living authentically as is, you know, so I suppose
I'm used to it. When I was younger doing sports
and stuff. I always thought I thrived under pressure, So
you know it, Uh, yeah, it doesn't seem to be

(06:57):
added at all, at least nice.

Speaker 3 (07:00):
So you started playing music at just three years old
and even begin composing at six, I have to tell you,
at three and six, I was probably playing with Batman
and Ninja Turtles and you know, thinking about Saturday Morning cartoons,
not not music. Even though I had a career later
in music, it just wasn't on my plate at three

(07:22):
and six years old. So, man, my hat goes off
to you. What drew you to music so early in life?

Speaker 6 (07:31):
So I was surrounded by music from a young age,
and you know, coming from an Indian family, there's a
lot of dance music on my mom's side and my
great grandmother. Actually, you know, I was the one who
kind of started me on piano. But like you, I
was also you know, playing with boys, and also you know,

(07:55):
doing kids things like reading comic books and watching TV.
But music was a really, really big, big way for
me to express myself.

Speaker 3 (08:11):
Absolutely. I don't know. For some reason, when artists tell
me that they start at a young age, like three
to six, I just imagine, like the Michael Jackson story,
you know, where he doesn't really get a chance to
be a kid because it's all practice in all music business.
But I guess it wasn't like that for you, right.

Speaker 6 (08:30):
Well, because I had music in the family, and you know,
my great grandma she knew about the she knew about
how you can break the rules and how jazz is
kind of inspired by that. I felt like it was
playing right. I didn't think that it was like this

(08:52):
monotonous thing. In fact, I told one of my teachers,
she made music like unfun, right, and I made her cry.
I do, but you know, I thought it was play,
you know, And like you know, they say a few
work work work right, or if you work on something
that you love right, you'll never work a day in
your life, right. So that's, uh, that's kind of what

(09:18):
got me all the way here all this time later,
you know, not treating in like a chore otherwise, Yeah,
I don't know how I would have gotten this far.

Speaker 3 (09:30):
Absolutely. So you're surrounded by music at a young age. Uh,
when did you begin to Well, first of all, how
did you how did you soak in music? How did
you enjoy it as a listener versus a performer or player?

Speaker 6 (09:51):
Oh so, as a listener, I would I'm old enough
to say that I used to make my own mixtapes
and you know, burn CDs from the radio, and yeah,
that was probably the first way that I used to
consume music. Afterwards, I was given like an iPod that

(10:15):
was a hand me down from my mom, and I
really really loved that, you know. But yeah, I broke
a lot of CDs before that as well.

Speaker 3 (10:28):
Nice. Okay, so when did you begin to perform music
or play music on your own?

Speaker 6 (10:37):
Let's see, I began to perform music on my own
at around eighteen. Actually a little bit before that, I
began to perform music and with a group in high school,
in a small band where I was like the front person,
and yeah, I would, you know, just do the singing.

(11:01):
And later I began djaying my own music at around
eighteen at bars up in my hometown Albany.

Speaker 3 (11:12):
DJ. Wow, what kind of music did you dj?

Speaker 6 (11:17):
I DJed house music to start off with, which is
ironic that now I am back into the house scene
full circle. Yeah, I moved to dubstep for a little
while and then later trap music and yeah, as a
DJ though, I do like to sometimes like spend multiple
genres what with the experience that I do have now,

(11:40):
it can be fun to mix it up.

Speaker 3 (11:44):
Okay, So the idea for Vogue started from a playful
thought about cameras and evolved into something much bigger. At
what point did you realize this track had real meaning
behind it?

Speaker 6 (12:00):
Hm?

Speaker 1 (12:00):
Hmm.

Speaker 6 (12:01):
I realized it had real meaning when I started recording it.

Speaker 1 (12:07):
Really.

Speaker 6 (12:08):
You know, sometimes you don't know if your ideas are
going to stick or not unless until you're like throw
it at the wall, right. So basically that's what I do,
and it did work out. And when I heard the
baseline come in, I was like, dang, that's that's a
good one. You know, that's a banger. So h.

Speaker 3 (12:36):
You mentioned that you know, you try out ideas to
see what sticks, uh, but I think you you also
like craft your lyrics before the actual melodies and beats
starts to happen. Is that correct?

Speaker 6 (12:51):
Yes, that's right.

Speaker 3 (12:53):
Yeah, So man, that is a superpower on his own.
I did that for a little bit when I first started,
but I kind of got into the mode where I
would create around the music because you know, some music
have breakdown and it brings out a different type of performance.
But from your perspective, from your approach to music, how

(13:15):
does your process work for you? Creativity or great creative raws?

Speaker 6 (13:21):
So I mean at that heart, I've always been instrumentalist. Yeah,
that's because when I was younger, I had a lot
of issues with writing, and you know, at an early
age because I was so young, I like came out
as non binary when I was seven, Right, I had issues.

(13:45):
I didn't know about the concept of pronouns right and
how like you know, what they meant and how they
made you feel. Right. So when I was writing about
like being the boy in a romantic relationship or something,
it made me feel uncomfortable and then equally so right,

(14:06):
it made me uncomfortable like writing about being a boy
at all. Right, So when I'm writing now, I often
write about either you know, actually I write about both.
I write about like being the girl and being the
boy and kind of like fluidly rotating through that. I'm

(14:29):
sorry the question was I'm trying to circle back into it.

Speaker 3 (14:33):
Yes, No, I just asking like, how does the creative
process work for you? Since you start with lyrics first?

Speaker 6 (14:40):
Okay? Yeah, So as an instrumentalist, I start with lyrics
first because lyrics are the most challenging part because of
that feeling of like dysphoria or whatever it may be,
as a child with hearing and feeling the wrong pronouns
being used for me. Right, So that's why I start

(15:03):
with it first, because you know, you do the hardest
thing first and then you have it easier the rest
of the way. So for me, this means I get
to use more lyrics in my tracks versus making an
instrumental and not finding the words for it. Mm.

Speaker 3 (15:19):
Yeah, I get that. I get that. Sooth Vogue, it
ties fashion in empowerment together in a powerful way. What
does fashion represent to you personally?

Speaker 6 (15:34):
Okay, A few things. You know, I'm from well upstate,
New York, right, Allbany in New York, and fashion was
a big thing they're growing up. Secondly, I'm Indian right,
and fashion is a huge thing in my culture and
in my family. It's how you represent your health in
the family. And thirdly, fashion means to me basically, well,

(16:04):
you know, I found a lot of representation on RuPaul's
drag race growing up. And yeah, coming from that small
town in Albany, New York, there was only like a
one percent population of LGBTQ people, right, and that's one
out after every hundred people. So that's where I got

(16:27):
a lot of like representation for queer people growing up.
That is, until like I went to college, and you know,
I suppose you know, you are what you're exposed to.
So for me, it's like embraces that sense of identity.

Speaker 3 (16:47):
Yeah. Yeah, you mentioned several times about the LGBTQ plus community,
and your work speaks directly to the community. Why is
it important for you to create music that reflects and
supports that space?

Speaker 6 (17:08):
You know? Really, I think I'm writing music to inspire
or to reflect and support myself, you know, And I
feel like the being relatable part is just kind of
a side effect of that, right, And I feel like

(17:29):
that's echoing something somebody I heard say a long time ago.
But I really took that to heart because it's just like,
you know, when you write for you, it just comes
off as so much more genuine and authentic. When you're
doing it just to be relatable, it comes off as
a little bit surface level in Hillah.

Speaker 3 (17:53):
Yeah.

Speaker 1 (17:54):
Well.

Speaker 3 (17:54):
Also also, Jerry, when it comes to like labels in communities,
does that put you in a box?

Speaker 6 (18:06):
No, I don't think so. I mean, like, when it
comes to communities, I can see this being created like
a Vogue runway show, not just like an episode of
drag Race where their lip syncing. Do you know, I
feel like, you know, it fits the broader communities overall.

(18:28):
For example, one of my previous songs, Ride or Die
also has that runway feeling. Right. However, is also accompanying
a greater audience, and you'll see that on some of
the other songs that I'm yet to release. They don't

(18:48):
really you know, fit inside the same box as Vogue,
but you can see it being adjacent to absolutely.

Speaker 3 (18:58):
And you mentioned to bases like Vogue and Runaways.

Speaker 4 (19:04):
But.

Speaker 3 (19:06):
I think even those particularly events are style of fashionists
for people who are interested in those type of things
per se. So virtually would that still be considered a box.

Speaker 6 (19:28):
I mean, you know, songs have themes right, so like, yeah,
I suppose you can put any song in a box
right when it's on its own right for sure.

Speaker 3 (19:46):
Okay, And you mentioned adoration admiration for artists like Sam Smith,
who we've seen evolve into a I guess is greatest
expression as an artist. I would say, what do you

(20:08):
think artists like them have done to move the culture forward?

Speaker 6 (20:15):
Hmmm? You know, I think coming out for Sam must
have been extremely difficult, and I can't imagine how many
doors may have closed for them. It must have been
pretty tough thing to deal with, you know. And I
know from my own experience as well. You know, I've

(20:36):
lost a good chunk of friends. There are people who
I thought were my friends. Yeah, so yeah, I can imagine.
It's really great to have and I appreciate that as well.
It's really great to have other non binary people in
the dance music scene, which is historically clear.

Speaker 3 (20:59):
From the house looking in, it doesn't seem like too
many doors closed for him. I mean, he's on the
top stages. It's like, like I said, it seems like
he evolved. You know, we had the simple Sam Smith,
who was all vocals, you know, nice vocals, but the
Sam Smith we have now is a true performer. If

(21:22):
you go see Sam Smith in concert, you're going to
see a show. You know. He has the costumes, he
has the choreography, he has the background, he has everything
that's needed to tell a story or the evolution of
the artist that he once was.

Speaker 6 (21:41):
Yeah. Well, it's kind of like, you know, we don't
see all the battles that people fight, right, we don't
see all the losses it takes for them to get here.
So I know all the things that I've experienced, you know,
and my journey, and you know, I agree with you

(22:03):
though the other side of it is beautiful, right, The
victories that we've seen from them is beautiful, you know.
And the outfits, I must say, are my favorite part.

Speaker 3 (22:17):
Sure, man, if you if you had like one creative control,
you had one of those black cards that didn't have
a limit on it. When it comes to like financial aspects,
what would a Jerry T Funky concert look like to
its fullest potential?

Speaker 6 (22:38):
Oh so if I had a black card and I
could just throw away money? Yeah, interesting, Well, I'd probably
start with everybody getting glow sticks. I'd probably make sure
everybody had a drink of their choice. You know, I

(23:01):
probably have a ton of lights going everywhere, maybe, like
I don't know. I went to this one show at
the Brooklyn Mirage where they were playing one of my
favorite techno acts, and you know, there was something like that.
You know, if you've ever been to the Mirage before
it closed, it's like like probably like twenty thirty feet

(23:22):
maybe fifty foot screens all around each side of a
cute kind of fashion with an open courtyard style skyway
where you can see this guy and you know, you
just see me scratching, you know, playing dance music or

(23:45):
like my songs, or you know, scratching in a little
bit of crowd pleasers here and there, and yeah, just
everybody having a grand old time. Maybe you see some
some flags, you know on totem poles, and you know,

(24:08):
everybody's just having a great all the time.

Speaker 3 (24:11):
Right, all right, all right, guys, are you ready for
some music? We have Vogue by Jerry T.

Speaker 6 (24:17):
Folky.

Speaker 3 (24:18):
We'll be right back. Day two.

Speaker 7 (24:20):
Vogue lights flash expose framing, compose, shut o, snap and close,
Export jpeg and Vogue lights Flash Expose framing, compose, shut o,
snap and close, export jpeg and Vogue lights flash expose framing, compose, shut, o,
snap and close, export jpeg and Vogue lights flash Expose framing, compose,

(24:47):
shut o, snap and close, export jpeg and Vogue lights
flash Expose framing compose, shutter, snap and close, export jpeg
and Vogue Light slash and Vogue lights, flash in Vogue lights,
flash in Vogue lights, flash in Vogue Lights, flash in
Vogue lights, flash in Vogue lights, flash in Vogue lights, flash.

Speaker 1 (25:13):
In Vogue, m Vogue light, slash.

Speaker 6 (25:27):
Flash, flash slash, flash, flash flash flash flash, flash flash
flash co.

Speaker 1 (25:32):
Co co co co co co co.

Speaker 8 (25:39):
Go go go go go go go go go go
go go go go go go go go go go
go go go go go go go goo.

Speaker 7 (26:01):
Vogue, touch your toes, art your back, change clothes. Look
at him like so ten years ago. It's like gross
and I'm like Vogue, pick your jaws up off the floor.
Check the price the barcode, add to card, get some more.

Speaker 1 (26:16):
It's giving. You know, we slay.

Speaker 6 (26:18):
It's on your tray.

Speaker 7 (26:19):
You know she ate that that me cake y'alls and
flakes show you way off your frontway.

Speaker 1 (26:23):
We still risky.

Speaker 7 (26:24):
I'm serving face a little taste of what it takes,
make no mistakes and stray pose. Remember this is full
the Vogue Vogue Lights Flash Expose, Framing, Compose, shut Her,
Snap and Clothes Export jpeg. And Vogue Lights Flash Expose, Framing, Compose,
shut Her, Snap and Clothes Export jpeg. And Vogue Vogue, Vogue, Vogue, Vogue, Vogue,

(26:49):
Vogue Vote and Vogue, Vogue, Vogue, Vogue, Vogue, Vogue, Vogue
Vote and Vogue Vogue, Vogue, Vogue, Vogue, Vogue, Vogue Vote
and Vogue Vogue, Vogue, Vogue, Vogue, Vogue, Vogue and both
go Go Go Go go and so go Go Go

(27:10):
Go Go Go go and go go go go go
go go go go go go.

Speaker 3 (27:21):
All right, all right, welcome back, Welcome back. That was
Vogue by Jerry Te. Here's what I want you guys
to do on our social media or on our blog
or in our email. Make sure to leave us some
feedback and let us know what you think about this song.

(27:41):
If you're dancing, if you're up for it, fire you
love it. It's your soundtrack to your life right now.
If this is your mood, your vibe, we want to know,
so drop us some comments email us. Yeah, let us

(28:02):
so you can also lead comments own this interview, so
we would love to see it. All right, let's go
ahead and bring Jerry t Funky back. I actually forgot
to mention Jerry that we have a segment called a
hot seat and that's where we let our special guests
perform for us if they want to. You could sing,
you could rap, you could tell a joke, do some

(28:24):
spoken word, tell us a story, give us some advice,
play an instrument, or do nothing at all. That is
cool as well. Would you like to participate?

Speaker 6 (28:38):
Huh? I mean, I don't know. Are we still going
to have time for Collins? I did tell some people.

Speaker 3 (28:52):
All in and that's question. We're virtually at thirty minute mark,
so we are kind of okay.

Speaker 6 (29:05):
Well, I don't know. Let's see. I do also sing,
So if you guys want to hear me rip a
little bit, I guess I can do that. Let me
do the lyric to write or die? Okay, baby, are.

Speaker 1 (29:23):
You my rag?

Speaker 6 (29:24):
Or d are you the bunny too?

Speaker 3 (29:28):
My clad?

Speaker 6 (29:29):
Even in the darkst time?

Speaker 3 (29:33):
Oh won't you stay bye? My sad?

Speaker 6 (29:37):
And that's that's coorous to that one. Then it drops
into uh, you know, the techno kind of acid house beat.

Speaker 3 (29:48):
Nice nice, all right. Uh, when people hear your name,
what do you want it to represent?

Speaker 6 (29:57):
Well, you know, I want them to know that I
have the background of house music. I want them to
know me. And also I wanted to be synonymous with
those two things, representation of you know, non binary people

(30:19):
and square people overall. And I also want it to
be you know, representative of you know, Indian American people,
you know, positivity and empowerment. That's what. That's enough for
now I can go on.

Speaker 3 (30:39):
I suppose for sure finish the Senates force Jerry. True
freedom is.

Speaker 6 (30:48):
As being yourself.

Speaker 3 (30:50):
M I love it. And where can our listeners connect
with you on a internet and check out more music?

Speaker 6 (30:58):
I'm an all streaming platform. I do post some stuff
that I'm working on in progress on SoundCloud if you
want to see the latest of What's up with me?
And yeah, those two places are those few places. And
also you know most social media platforms.

Speaker 3 (31:19):
All right, cool, cool, cool, All right, listeners, Just in
case you need those links, we will have them in
the description of this episode and in the show notes.
So all you guys have to do is just click
those links if you enjoyed the show. Like I said,
leave us a review, drop a comment on this episode,
and make sure you connect. Jerry T. Funky reminds us

(31:40):
that music isn't just something you hear, it's something you become.
Their single Vogue is more than a track. It's a
statement of identity, confidence and freedom. So make sure to
screen Vogue on all platforms and tap into that energy
for yourself and a reminder you're not just here for

(32:01):
a talk show, and this isn't just radio. This is
revival for your mind, body and spirits. This is Vigilantes
Radio Live. My name is Coachtini and I always appreciate
you guys for listening. A big shout out to Jerry T.
Folky for joining us tonight. It was truly an honor.

Speaker 6 (32:22):
Thank you, Thank you for having me Coach Deani. I
appreciate the insightful questions.

Speaker 3 (32:30):
No problem, no problem. We appreciate you, man, So take
care and we're rooting for you. But bye now, bye.

Speaker 5 (32:40):
Peace to all. My name is and I am the
host of Vigilantes Radio Live. I think that we are
beyond just ask you cool questions and getting cool responses.
I think that we are here as creative to provide

(33:01):
an example that you can do things different outside of
expectations because some of us simply were not born into
the club. But there is perhaps a door window or
backgate that we can leave a clue for you to
get into. Life is short, but there are plenty of

(33:25):
moments to try and get it right. Pursuing your dreams
and learning from mistakes may be tough, or regret it's
tougher to book your interview. Email us at v radio
at only onemediagroup dot com. That's a v as a
victorious or visit only one Media group dot com. I'm

(33:49):
counting on you, Heaven. We all are counting on you
to step into your purpose and your passion. You are
listening to Vigilantes Radio live on my Heart Radio, providing
you with an opportunity to dive deeper.

Speaker 7 (34:21):
Vogue toes art, your back, change clothes, look at him,
what years ago?

Speaker 2 (34:31):
You and now listening to vigil Lances Radio, the people's
choice for quality interviews, art, music and heart topics, hosted
by Demetrius Hotziny Black Reynolds. All episodes of this podcast
are available for free download at www dots only one
Media group dot com.

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