What’s your stage name and where are you from?
My stage name is John Ramon, and I’m from Las Vegas.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
It’s really just my first and middle name. I used to go by another name, but I didn’t think that would be easy to market—it felt like it would narrow my demographic to a certain audience [laughs]. Maybe push some potential fans away.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
It started as being inspired by the artists before me. God gave me a story and a boatload of talent. I just forged my way down the path He laid for me.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
Crazy thing—I made a whole tape, fully believing that due to the amount of samples and who I was sampling (Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, Tom & Jerry, DISNEY!), it would be taken down within a week, so I went all out for it. I also knew that when you get to a certain level of success musically, you can’t just sample folks—you gotta get it cleared, so I said, “I’ll do it now.” But nobody flagged it. From my perspective, I went from being the only person likely to hear it to it being my most played project to date, complete with three music videos! I know Jay proud of that #LLJW.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
The message is that God put you here for a reason, and no matter where you’re at now, you can be elevated as long as you keep working and keep close to Him.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
Not gonna lie, I had to overcome a lot while working on this. I wanted to upgrade my studio (since I record, mix, and master myself), which posed a financial hurdle because I only had one stream of income back then. I was juggling being a dad, a co-parent, and fighting off intense depression—hence the song “Lonely Soul.” My cousin was giving me plays, and Vegas came in handy because the sportsbook paid for the mic. God made a way for me with the rest because I didn’t get past it, but He got me through it with a beautiful project to show for it!
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
It’d have to be anyone from Vegas: James West, Greez Blanko, Ana Saia, etc. But outside the city, I’ll say Ed Sheeran, H.E.R., and EST Gee.
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
Not just me, but the whole Vegas is going global. I’ma have a big part in that, and in the next year, the goal is to be fully locked in with the music. Living off of it, creating, and spreading it to the masses.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
This right here. Shout out to y’all at Folded Waffle, the first people to review my song with an article and give me an in-depth Q&A. But more press, more videos, and more music is the plan. Me and MattDMND got a project coming soon, and me and Landlord just dropped a video that’s going crazy for “Vegas Nights.”
Are there any other promotional opportunities you’re looking for to boost your visibility?
Yeah, like I said, more press and more videos. Give the people a chance to get familiar with me for the first time after six projects.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
“Vegas Nights” video right here: Watch on YouTube
For Old Times Sake on Spotify
For Old Times Sake on Apple Music
What is the best way to contact you if fans want to give feedback or if other artists/producers want to collaborate?
Hit me on IG—it’s the easiest to maneuver through: @mr_ramon_.
