Today, The Platinum Mask channel would like to introduce Johnathon Michael Lavigne-Reese for a conversation.
Hey! Please explain to the audience what you’re promoting.
I’m a producer, artist, singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and DJ from east Texas. I’m currently getting ready to open the doors of my music production studio “JLR Music and Productions!” All the while I produce my own music as JLR, everything from Rock, to Pop, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and more!
What was the biggest obstacle in your journey and how did you overcome it?
My biggest obstacle by far has been my depression. I started struggling badly with it at a young age, and by 16 it had completely engulfed my life. I tried to shut off the voices for many years to no avail. In December of 2018 I attempted suicide, which put me in the hospital for a few weeks. While watching the people that cared for me gather in concern, I realized I had a reason to keep going. Now many years later I feel like I’ve found my reason to stay on this earth. There is beauty in everything in the world, even when it’s hard to see, and music has been one of the things to help me find that. My message for the world is for people to be aware of what’s happening around them, and not let it control them, but always Stay Grounded in everything you do.
Is there anything you wished you would have known earlier in your journey?
Everything. Lol Honestly no, I’m very early in my journey. I’m 22 so my life is just beginning, I feel blessed to be as far as I am now.
Do you have any favorite spots in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
I spend most my time at my studio, but when I get the chance I enjoy skating downtown Dallas, and exploring all the quint shops around the area. White Rock lake has always been a peaceful place to go and think or write a song at, I’ve been going there since I was a young kid.
What was your upbringing like and did you discover your passion early on?
As a kid I always loved to be the center of attention, so I was always on stage or singing in grocery stores. I was in children’s choir, dance, modeling, literally anything and everything that had to do with art. I started piano and bass at 14, then added guitar by 15. Any time I ran across a new instrument I tended to obsess over learning it.
Any links you want to share?
