When I told a colleague here at The Pitch that I was excited about an artist named Wonkachild, he said, "What, is he a candy raver or something?"
Yeah, 23-year-old Jaqwan Sirls picked a stupid-ass name on which to hang a music career. But even if he went by Fetusmuncher, I'd be encouraging attendance at his show tonight at the Record Bar. Why? Because I listened to his whole album online and didn't skip a single song. It is, as they say, all good.
I can clown on Sirls' moniker all I want, he says, because, "If you
really think about it, Willy Wonka didn't care what people thought of
him."
Sirls imagines himself as the son of the candymaker from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
because as a kid, he could relate more to characters in books
than to people, he says.
He considered going by "Wonka," but says, "That sounds like I could be some rapper from the 'hood, so if I add
'child' to it, it separates me from them."
The distinction is necessary because Wonkachild's music is far from thuggy. The soon-to-be Rockhurst grad raps about Argyle sweaters, and the title track from his debut album, Urkel, features the chorus, "I dress like Urkel but I look like Carlton/ and I'm cooler than you."
Hear a couple for yourself after the jump.
MP3: Wonkachild, "Argyle Sweater"
MP3: Wonkachild, "Blush"
The album is entirely self-produced, Sirls says. He uses a Mac program called Logic,
a keyboard and "third-party sounds" (samples and the sounds of him
banging on things that sound cool, he explains) to create his music.
"I'm
inspired big time by Michael Jackson, but a lot of people didn't really
understand him and it pisses me off," he says. "What he was trying to
tell people was, don't stop creating new stuff. I'm focused on what can be, not what has been."
Tonight, he performs with two of his cousins who are artists in their own right: Dutch and Atilla the Beatsmith. Daniel Ordonez, aka Nez, will also take the stage, as well as Dae Ahzae, who runs an all-ages, open-mic night on Tuesdays at 1809 Troost (the building with the Michael Jackson tribute mural by Alexander Austin).
It might be wise to catch Wonkachild now. On the 6th of November, he's off to Remix the Runway in Chicago -- other performers at the event include Amerie and Omarion. The following week, Wonkachild will rub elbows with Jay-Z and N.E.R.D. at the University of Illinois. He's got an agent looking to get him a record deal.
How about that? He says, "I'm nervous. Happy. Scared."
See how the hype stacks up to the real at the "Return of Fresh" show tonight at the Record Bar, 10p.m., 21+, $7 at the door.
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THAT'S MY BIG BRO!!!!!! So proud of him. He's worked his butt off and finally he's getting to reap the benefits!!! SOOOOOOOO HAPPY
CONGRATS TO MY FRIEND VONDA FOR A RAISING A WONDER & INTELLIGENT YOUNG MAN, AS THE SONG SAY "I GET IT FROM MY MOMMA" THAT'S THE TRUE MEANING FOR THIS MOTHER & SON, AWESOME JOB JAQWAN KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO OPEN DOORS FOR YOU THAT NO MAN CAN CLOSE. KEEP PUSHING WONKACHILD, SENDING THAT POSITIVE MESSAGE, THE YOUNGER GENERATION NEED MORE WONKA WANNA B'Z.
TAKE CARE BABY.
SHERRI
This is what happens when a major "lack" of full PR comes into play. I didn't know about this until the event was posted here... (I agree to WTF there).
However, I'm VERY SAD I missed it though. I went to his site after reading the article and DAMN, the dude can move!!! Made my joints hurt just watching him.
The music is 'something else' (in a good way). I am not use to it or even was prepared for it, but It's a fresh sound, mixed with great lyrics packaged in a delivery you'd just have to see for yourself on his site (crazy).
I'd have to agree as i am lost on the name "Wonkachild" - it fits still because, like or not - I will always remember it and it will generate discussion. It fits with the tunes.. After while I couldn't help but think of Andre 3000 of Outkast. And In a way, if you really think about it, there is some cleaver marketing motives there.
Sucks that I, nor many other people, got to see him live. Maybe they were all too busy with trying to see Dwayne Wade at Lucky Strike, like I was doing - which was a waste of time and money.
CK
Too bad for all these comments and expressions of support, there were literally ten people at his show last night, and two of them were bartenders. WTF?
Still, he put on a magnetic performance. I may blog a word or two + pic later.
How about we issue a poll...
WONKACHILD vs. JAQWAN SIRLS
Which stage name is more commercially viable? His real name or his alter-ego's the Wonkachild?
Let's hear your feedback! Heck, if you have any other fun alternative suggestion(s) for names let's hear 'em... Why not make this fun?
How about we issue a poll...
Wonkachild vs. Jaqwan Sirls
Which name do you think is more commercially viable? His real name or his alter ego Wonkachild?
Let's hear your answers! Throw in your fun alternative name suggestions too if you'd like!
This guy is bananas! Wonka has the extreme potential to make a significant positive change in modern music today. Definitely appealing to a diverse age group. Saw some videos on his website from his album release party and there were little kids there!?
On an inside note, heard from a friend at Warner Music that his name is buzzin' amongst industry heads. Whether it's Wonkachild, Billy LaBlue, or whatever you wanna call him DEFINITELY pay close attention to this funkmaster as he commonly refers to himself - something big is brewing and it might just be the best new year's treat in a long time!!!
This guy is bananas! Wonka has the extreme potential to make a significant positive change in modern music today. Heard from a friend at Warner Music that his name is buzzin' amongst industry heads. Pay close attention to this funkmaster as he refers to himself - something big is brewing and it might just be the best new year's treat in a long time!!!
WONKACHILD is the NEW WAVE OF COOL and a NEW GENERATION of Music! He is like the new Will Smith too but packed in with SO MUCH SWAG, So much Talent, So much creativity it's unbelievable!...To top it off, he is an ALL AROUND Performer with so much energy in the room, everything will make you move with his music!
I love the name!....He is my son and I love everything about him! He is very talented. Music is just one of his many talents. You can now order the children's book he wrote, illustrated and published himself at Barnes & Noble,and Borders. "The book of I.F. Vol 1." I'm proud of you Jaqwan!
Thanks for the show mention. I've been trying to tell people how good he is for sometime. And, I think you're right people can't seem to get past the name. Once people start to hear him it won't make a difference. I think Fetusmuncher might be pushing it though.
Cheers,
Steve
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