“I've always wanted to make an album of my own, but BROCKHAMPTON kept me so busy that it was always a secondary venture,” JOBA explains, as we catch up a few days before the release of his solo debut LP. “Then when the pandemic hit, it really allowed me the space and time to explore what that could be.” The result of that exploration is the self-titled (after his government name) Russell Boring - a complex, freeform, personal, and most-of-all triumphant new record that sets out a distinct creative vision. Eager to discover some of the influences that have weaved their way into the broad musical tapestry of the album, we connected to create a playlist that has soundtracked some of his personal milestones.
What song reminds you most of your childhood?
My song “Emerald Eyes” always reminds me of my mom. I originally wrote it about a woman I was in a relationship with, and then as I lived with the song I began applying it to anyone with brown eyes. As I was going through the motions of listening to it, that song just landed with my mom - it reminds me of being a child and seeing her eyes.
“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong also has childhood memories. Oh, man. Anytime I go through a breakup, or a loss of a loved one, or any life-changing event, I always go back to that one.
What was the first record you remember buying?I think it might've been System of A Down, Toxicity. It blew my mind. I bought that, and I bought Issues by Korn. Both were just random picks, based off the album cover alone. I had no idea that I would put it in my Walkman and it would change my life. It was pretty wild. I think I have to give an honorable mention to Slick Rick, that actually might have been the first one I bought. Or it could be the 20th Century Masters Louis Armstrong compilation as well. It's definitely one of those four! |
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What song reminds you of traveling to a specific place?
“Mama Roux” by Dr. John. That whole album, GRIS-gris, is amazing, and I have so many memories that are set to that music, whether it be driving across the country to help somebody move, or touring in Australia with Brockhampton. That was one of those albums I was just obsessed with in that period. “Mama Roux” was on loop.
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What song is the best representation of your hometown?I would say the whole of Townes Van Zandt’s self-titled album. I think that's one of the best albums ever. He's such a beautiful writer and great guitarist. The whole body of work is great, but I'd say a song like “Colorado Girl” has always taken me to a certain place. I also love “Fare Thee Well, Miss Carousel,” and “For the Sake of the Song.” |
What song do you wish you had written?
I was actually talking about this the other day! The answer is “Ain't No Mountain High Enough.” There’s so many, but that was the last one I said that about.
What song would you want played at your funeral?
That’s a wild question because I've actually already considered it, so let me go through the list of options. I try not to be too morbid these days, but this is just one of those questions that I've asked myself before. There is a classical song that I can't quite remember the name of, but for my backup option, I'll say “Twilight Zone” by Dr. John, from the album Babylon. That would be pretty cool.
What’s the best song to play at a house party?
“Flamenco Sketches” by Miles Davis, off Kind of Blue. That song to me is just very memorable. I’m picking that one with the idea of a more mellow kind of house party, like a backyard barbecue.
You’re abducted by aliens, and when you wake up on the spaceship, they pass you the aux. What is the song you’re playing to convince them not to destroy Earth?
That’s a lot of responsibility. I would honestly say “Ordinary People.” I think that's one of the best songs ever, man. I listened to it the other day, and it's true - it really showcases the emotional sentiment of the human race.
I mean, there's so many others I could list… I’d also like to play some of my music. I don't want to presume that I know what an alien would like, but I would maybe play “Lonestar.” That would be a fun soundtrack to their travels through space and time.