Photos by Jaron Ikner
Who are you and are you in a band or do you perform solo?
Jaron Ikner, Hip Hop multimedia artist.
What instrument(s) do you play?
I use all forms of media to express myself. Video, music production, graphic, writing, etc.
How long have you been making music? And what first drew you to your craft?
I originally started making music at 8 years old as a way to pass time, but also as a way to process some issues I was having emotionally.
What was your favorite show of all the shows you’ve ever played?
I played the last GoldRush Festival at Rawhide and that was a pretty cool experience.
What would be your dream lineup/location?
I think that Arizona needs a Coachella like festival in northern Arizona in the middle of nowhere during the summer. Bring out top tier artists like Lady Gaga and Drake supported by some of the best local talent in Arizona.
What are you listening to during this period of social distancing?
I actually have been trying to catch up on Malcolm Gladwell’s recent audiobook, Talking With Strangers.
What are you binge watching/reading?
I caught up on the last season of Pose and have been re-watching Community.
What else are you doing with these extra hours at home? Extra creative time?
I have really been trying to stay sharp creatively. I am currently developing my first feature film, Magenta, but it was shut down due to Covid. So I’ve been working on a new album, which should be complete by the fall.
If you could Facetime/Zoom anyone in the world for an extended convo right now, who would it be? Facetime or Zoom?
Hmm… That’s a good one because Facetiming is a different type of energy. I would probably try to speak to someone like Elon Musk or Micheal B. Jordan. Someone who is open to dialogue and exchange ideas.
Favorite food you can make at home?
Lasanga. For sure. We have been eating quite of bit of it at home.
Are you currently working on any new musical projects? If so, what?
I started a new album in May, it’s more on the ‘adult contemporary rap’ tip than other projects, meaning that I’m trying to make more ‘poppy’ and accessible songs as opposed to the underground tinged music I usually release. While I don’t want to reveal the title, I do have a single called “One Way Trip” expecting to drop in the near future.
How can folx support your musical endeavors? Can people check out or purchase your work online? What other options might be available?
You can find a lot of my information, social media links, short films and latest music for sale, including my last EP, Arizona Kanye 2, at JaronIkner.com.
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