J.P. Explains How a Social Media Break Allowed Him to Create the Music He’s Always Wanted

With a soulful new EP, the viral sensation is finding the power in taking his time.

Phot credit: Aloysius Xiong

When you go viral, the only thing people seem to focus on is the glitz and glam, from the rise in engagement to people asking for pictures in public. Still, what people don’t see is the mental toll it takes on you. Virality can also trigger a rapid chain of events that leave you overwhelmed, needing a break to figure out what you want for yourself and your social presence.

For Milwaukee artist Josiah Gillie, better known as J.P., when his viral hit “Bad Bitty” took over the timeline, he was a hot commodity on all fronts. Back then, at a mere 19 years old, he was immersed in what many younger artists encounter when they reach viral success and attention: maintaining the momentum.

Gillie found himself veering away from making the music that inspired him and being consumed by controversies rather than his love for music. “[I’ve learned] to take your time, and everything's gonna come to you,” he said. “You don't have to do any extracurricular activity to make people like you more.”

Now that he’s had a few viral moments under his belt, he’s ready to have a different approach. Seeing that he needed to recenter and figure out who J.P. the artist would be, he took a much-needed hiatus from online life to discover who he is now at 21 years old. With his new EP, Took A Turn, he’s diving into the honesty he’s always wanted to share as an artist.

“I [had] a little downward spiral like depression, and during that spiral, on my way coming out of that, I started to make the music that I grew up on, and that brought me a lot of peace and solace,” he shared. “With these songs, it definitely took a lot of mental preparation, and really knowing how I can convey the message and level of maturity that I'm bringing to the new music.”

Drawing inspiration from artists like David Ruffin, Teddy Pendergrass, Usher, and Chris Brown, he has infused their sounds into this new project, which focuses more on building a memorable sound and legacy rather than achieving virality.

“I was real nervous and skeptical about releasing the new music, because I didn't know how my fan base and new fans would take this new music, because I'm being really vulnerable and emotional in these songs,” he said. “It's kind of scary, because you don't really know the outcome, but I'm getting a lot of good feedback and positive feedback on it, so it's just driving me to go deeper.”

Songs like "Serenity," "How Can I," and the title track breathe fresh life into his discography by reflecting a profound sense of vulnerability that resonates deeply with fans. These tracks showcase his willingness to let his guard down, inviting fans into his personal experiences and emotions in a way that feels authentic.

J.P. – ‘Took A Turn’ EP cover

“When you leave for 5, 6 months, everybody that's around you knows what's going on and why you're moving the way you are, but it's like, how do you put that on paper?” he said.

“I wanted to make sure that this EP was very relatable, and wanted anybody who can listen to be able to relate and take these songs and live them in their daily life.”

As J.P. embarks on this new chapter in his career, it's evident that he’s not just chasing trends or fleeting moments of fame. Instead, he’s delving deeper into his artistic spirit, reconnecting with the essence that originally fueled his passion for music. “I definitely [have] a better grasp on social media. I feel like I get a lot of positive feedback from those who do comment on my things, and they're actually music lovers, rather than before.

“This music stamps the fact that I'm not just a viral or niche artist, but I really got this sh-t on lock when it comes to this music.”

This journey highlights the importance of authenticity and the necessity of mental well-being in the chaotic digital music industry. J.P.’s evolution from a viral sensation to a more grounded and introspective artist stresses a significant lesson for all creators: the importance of taking time to reflect and grow.

With his new EP, Took A Turn, he not only showcases his personal growth but also invites listeners to join him on his journey of self-discovery. As he continues to explore his artistry, it’s clear that his focus has shifted from the fleeting nature of virality to creating meaningful connections through his music and leaving a lasting legacy that resonates with his dedicated and new fans.