Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Ortega.
Hi Jose, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in Carolina, Puerto Rico in October of 2000 until the summer of 2013 when I moved to Jacksonville. I went to first coast high school when I was first introduced to people my age indulging in the music industry. I practiced and recited poetry in school events throughout elementary and middle school back in Puerto Rico but never considered music. After graduating high school and pursuing a much loved barbering career that was pursued in 10th grade in 2015. After reconnecting with a fellow student who already was versed within the industry and a lot of convincing I took the personal responsibility to turn poems into songs and giving music try.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not. Balancing multiple jobs, pursuing a new dream, maintaining a relationship with friends/family, and still being true to myself has been a tough journey but no journey is meant to be easy if it’s beneficial or rewarding.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Outside of the music, I’ve pursued a barbering career that I started since high school and at the same time followed in my parents footsteps and entered the logistics industry. I can say that what I am most proud of is the fact that I’ve been able to juggle all of those important factors and still have been able to stay true to myself.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Mom and Dad- showed me that regardless of what life throws at you as long as you’re persistent and driven, you will achieve and overcome whatever goal and obstacle you have placed in front of you.
Louis (Mentor/close friend/barber)-Taught me that you don’t need a big circle to succeed or persevere, but a solid one. And if push comes to shove, keep your head up and your chest out because you will pass whatever storm you might go through.
Eddy Braveaux (Mentor/producer/engineer/artist)
This man has taught and guided me through every aspect within the industry from helping me find my sound, to learning the legal aspects, teaching me to properly promote myself, and everything in between.
Eddy is a role model to a lot of people, someone who chooses to see the potential in people because of the depth of the love for music and the art within it.
Swagg (Mentor/big brother figure)
Supported every step and decision in my career blindly simply due to brotherly love and the vision of wanting to see me succeed.
Guerrilla Rick (close friend/inspiration)-
This is the man that pushed me into making music. Without the nagging and the pushing I would not be anywhere close to the position that I’m in and what’s to come.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ortegaapr?igsh=MWs5dmE3NnZ3czc0aQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18sdDrddbF/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ortegaa28?si=GXHprnfWeJnT4nGY
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5eUrbXYq4GHmmMRPSF0pRg?si=yxMawmttQ1-gAA8Ag46gMw
