Meet Jack Spade | Music Producer & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jack Spade and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jack, what are you inspired by?
I’m inspired by everything. Music, TV, trees, the sun. I’m inspired by life itself. It’s such a gift to be here. Inspiration comes from being grateful. When we wake up we should be like, Holy Shit! I’m still here! Thank you!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I always was a writer. As far back as I can remember, I created stories. As a kid, I would have on going episodes starting my ninja turtle and GI Joe action figures. Writing is the core of everything I do, even though it may seem like a lot. I produce music, write songs, do film production for brands, and create shows. The core of all of those things is storytelling. I learned from everyone from Judy Blume to Tupac.

I always thought I would be a famous rapper. I still rap but the big fame hasn’t come yet. However the desire to rap gave me a need for beats that I couldn’t afford. I decided to figure out how to make my own. Now I have music placed on shows like the Kardashian’s which is amazing to me.

I remember my first time in a pro studio, I booked time but didn’t have a beat. I thought that was included. I didn’t have any more money so I told the producer/owner to let me make the beat. I got him to control the software while I played in the parts. Everyone in there thought I was crazy but that quickly turned to shock as I made my first beat, with a little help of course. Then I rapped over it and made my first song. I’ve always heard music in my head so I knew I could make this happen.

I’ve learned that belief is the key component to success. Of course you should have some talent in that thing, but it’s the confidence in that talent that keeps
you going. This why it’s vital to do what you love. The love will keep you in the game when things get hard.

I actually went to film school because I couldn’t afford the audio programs in my area. So I went to learn video production at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Luckily one of the teachers there had created a bunch of classes that focused on narrative filmmaking and directing. This was different from the regular technical curriculum. I graduated film school with a strong sense of storytelling which set me apart from a regular camera man.

Now I’m bringing my music and filmmaking skills together, and my goal is to help build an artist’s brand through music and visuals. I always strive to give people a peak inside their souls while being extremely entertaining and at times inspiring. To me each song can be an experience, like a short film. I like guiding the whole project from producing the beat to shooting the video making it all one cohesive experience that highlights the spirit of the artist.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend was coming to the A, I would take them around Midtown to eat. I love this spot called Cafe Intermezo. I always feel like I’m on Europe there. I recently found a black owned spot in Inman Park called the Highland Bistro. They have chick and get this, corn bread waffles. Amazing! There is a street themed restaurant wheee I once had a shoot called The Bando . It’s set up like a crack house and they serve these wings called crack wings which are truly addictive. Then we can go to ride scooters around just for the hell of it. After a nice wholesome day I would have to take them to experience the debauchery of Atlanta strip clubs.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give a shout-out to my boy Marshon Hughes aka Shon the Don for renting out an apartment just so I can make beats and record. I also want give a shout out to my wife who supported me while I was building my business.

Instagram: @jacksp8de @fadetojackfilms

Youtube: Youtube.com/Jackspadeproductions

Image Credits
@kaydeanne @fadetojackfilms