As most artists can appreciate, working for a living doesn乌鸦传媒檛 leave much time for pursuing your passion. Therefore every spare second counts while squeezing out creative juices.

Hence why Vernon product Quinn Jones, aka Jaq Havoq, labelled his debut album, Time Well Spent.

The 10-track blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pop was recently dropped with feature tracks such as Predator, with a video featuring the popular Okanagan destination Predator Ridge Resort.

Predator not only features the resort, but 24-year-old Havoq and his crew decked out in diamond-plaid sweater vests, tall checkered socks and cruising the course on golf carts.

乌鸦传媒淚t (album) covers everything from detailed lyricism that hip-hop heads can appreciate, to laid-back melodies that everyone can enjoy,乌鸦传媒� said Jones, a Clarence Fulton grad who studied at the University of Victoria on a Black Press scholarship.

乌鸦传媒淚 collaborated with various producers from North America on the production side of the album, but wrote, recorded, mixed, and mastered the entire project myself.乌鸦传媒�

Working primarily solo, every spare minute of the day was put to good use on the album.

乌鸦传媒淚 worked tirelessly on the album over six months while working a 9-5 job, which was the inspiration for the title of the project, Time Well Spent,乌鸦传媒� said Jones, who currently lives in Vancouver.

Between his day job as a Surety Underwriter at Intact Insurance, and late nights in the studio either writing, recording, engineering or promoting his music, Jones admits there isn乌鸦传媒檛 much time for anything else.

乌鸦传媒淚f I乌鸦传媒檓 not in the office or the studio, I乌鸦传媒檓 hanging with my (girlfriend) or catching a show with some friends.乌鸦传媒�

The album includes explicit content, therefore parental advisory is advised.

Aside from some choice words, the album includes slick lyrics, wickedly worded rhymes and even a few skillfully delivered raps that would likely gain nods from the likes of Eminem (who Havoq references in Neverland).

And this isn乌鸦传媒檛 the last you乌鸦传媒檒l hear of him.

乌鸦传媒淚乌鸦传媒檓 always working on new music and will be aiming to release my second album in 2019!乌鸦传媒�

Music has long played an influential role in Jones乌鸦传媒� life.

乌鸦传媒淟ike most, I was exposed to music at a really young age, but at the time it was more just a fun way to release energy through dance and movement,乌鸦传媒� said Jones. 乌鸦传媒淪o when my Mom picked me up from school, I would always slap my legs and create a beat to whatever song was on the radio. This eventually grew into a deep appreciation for the emotion and impact music and lyrics can have on the listener. My appreciation turned to curiosity and desire to release my own emotions and energy through rhythm and sound.

乌鸦传媒淚 remember listening to music growing up and feeling connected to the artist. I try and share stories and emotions in my music with the hopes my fans feel connected to me in the same way. Maybe they relate to what I乌鸦传媒檓 saying or just have a real understanding of the emotions and meaning of the lyrics.乌鸦传媒�

The name Jaq Havoq has the unique ring that Jones was looking for, plus it incorporates his initials, Q and J. Yet it乌鸦传媒檚 under that moniker that Jones is rising under, even taking the Coast to Coast stage in October, the largest artist showcase in the world.

But the flash and bling of the hip-hop world haven乌鸦传媒檛 blinded Jones from his home roots.

Some may remember Jones, whose name has graced the sports pages of this paper, for his athletic ability as a volleyball and soccer player.

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Or simply as a friendly, positive guy.

乌鸦传媒淭hey may also remember me as goofball and a risk taker, but I think it really depends on who you ask,乌鸦传媒� he laughs.

While music is obviously a passion for Jones, he urges others to follow their dreams, no matter how big they may be, or how much work they may take to achieve.

乌鸦传媒淔ind something you love to do then find a way to do it every day for the rest of your life! It may not be easy, but you will be better off because of it. Don乌鸦传媒檛 listen to anyone who tells you the reasons why you can乌鸦传媒檛 do something. Believe in yourself and let everything else fall into place,乌鸦传媒� said Jones, who thanks everyone who has been a part of his journey thus far.

Follow this Vernon native at @jaqhavoq on Instagram, , or Youtube to stay updated on upcoming releases and shows.

jennifer@vernonmorningstar.com
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