JASTIN MARTIN: Taking R&B By Storm
- Muzikscribe
- Apr 7
- 6 min read
Trap-Soul singer-songwriter-producer, Jastin Martin, who hails from The 713, returns with her captivating new single, "You Or Nobody," featuring iconic 4X GRAMMY® Award-winning producer, Timbaland. This seductive R&B offering spotlights Martin's unique tone accentuated by Timbo’s signature golden touch.
Let’s hop into this entry, “YOU OR NOBODY" — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?
“You or Nobody” came about by Timbaland one day randomly reaching out to me saying he had a beat that he could “only hear me on,” and needed me to work on and send back to him when I could. So, of course, I immediately began writing the song, and went on to record it myself at home that same day. Sent it back to him, he loved the record, and now it’s finally out; so exciting!
Of course "YOU OR NOBODY" follows on the heels of "28 Degrees in Houston" -- Talk to me a lil bit about this composition...
As we all know, the city of Houston, TX, rarely sees snow, so when I woke up one morning, looked out the window and saw the city covered in snow whilst it was 28 degrees, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to write about something that I knew a lot of people would relate to. Because who doesn’t want company and cuddles in weather that's under 50 degrees?!
As a songwriter when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw inspiration from?
All of my inspiration comes directly from my current life experiences, which is why I believe my songs cut so deep because I waste no time when it comes to getting my
thoughts out, and expressing my feelings about current situations.
Tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for JASTIN MARTIN?
Music has always been my thing, something like a first love. I grew up playing various different instruments starting at age 6. My mom kept me in schools where you had to play an instrument to even enroll. Then I began writing my own songs around ages 8 / 9, and, fun fact, the first song I ever wrote is still published on my childhood YouTube channel.
Now you’re from H-Town, correct? So growing up in "Space City," who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
I am from the H! I always say that I wouldn’t necessarily claim that my sound is strongly influenced by any one artist from my city sonically, but it’s so inspiring for all of these amazing artists to have created such legacies that are so close to home, literally! And, of course, Queen Bey is from here, so that’s a flex.
That said, how do you describe and / or define the style of music that you create and / or perform?
I would describe my overall core sound as R&B, but I also like to say that I am a very layered individual in every aspect, including sonically. So I’m definitely trying new things and doing more than just R&B records this year.
What particular string of events actually led to your current signing to / with Def Jam Recordings?
Crazy story...prior to me signing with Def Jam, my Instagram page had been deleted after I’d worked so hard to build up that following and fan-base, I literally felt like the world was
over, and just knew that no one would discover me from my new page that only had about 3,000 followers. Lo and behold, I got a DM from a Def Jam A&R saying she really loved a clip I had posted on that small page that I was rebuilding. That’s how I was discovered; Def Jam flew me out a couple weeks later, and we started the signing process.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I always say that I know how music makes me feel, and the emotions that certain songs evoke, so to know that my words, my music, is doing that exact same thing for people is all I could ever wish for it to do.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
If I could collaborate with any artist it would be Jhené Aiko; Jhené is my absolute favorite artist. My mom introduced me to the first song I ever heard by Jhené, “Stranger,” when I was only 10 / 11 years old. Since then, I just really took to and am inspired by her writing style and her way of making you feel so deeply, it’s healing.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
If I could play any venue, my answer as of now would be the Toyota Center in my city, Houston, TX. I’ve seen amazing acts play there recently, and left very inspired.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B?
I can actually say I’m happy with most of the R&B today; I feel like it’s so easy to be stuck in a certain time when things were a certain way, but times change, things evolve, including sound and music. I can appreciate anything that's good, feels good, and is made with intent. No need to compare times, doesn’t do anything, just listen to what you wanna hear / listen to.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
I can 100% say the key to my longevity, and longevity period, is consistency!
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
I have a few actually! As of late, I’m really into clothes and shoes and am definitely looking forward to partnering with a clothing brand...I also love red wine, and will soon go on to
have my very own red wine. And, last but not least, I’ve always been extremely interested in acting and movies; with that being said, hoping to make some cameos this year!
To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
I would say I’ve had three very pivotals moments in my career thus far; the first one being a billboard of me in L.A., second being an actual article write-up in BILLBOARD, and, lastly, my most recent single featuring the legend himself, Timbaland.
What’s an average day like for you?
I honestly do the same things everyday; wake up, read a little, check emails and socials, work on music - whether that be writing / recording songs, making beats, etcetera - and ending my day with the gym.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans...
My fans are literally so interactive with me and I love it; it's almost like we’re friends. I mean, I am basically telling them all my business and letting them in on my deepest thoughts and feelings in my music, so makes sense.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
My favorite part about my line of “work” is being able to literally do what I love, which is really not work for me, and make a living off of it. I'm more than grateful for this, especially understanding how hard it is and the state the economy is in right now.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
For anyone wanting to follow in my footsteps I would say what I always say, stay true to yourself, understand that you can achieve every dream and goal being 100% authentically you, with time and consistency; I truly believe in not compromising who I am for anything and anyone.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
I always say that I’m a firm believer in being present, and doing what I can whilst letting time and all things work themselves out. So I can't tell you exactly where I see myself
or what I’ll be doing, but I know I'll be fine, and right where I'm supposed to be.
As for the immediate, what's next for you, JASTIN?
I know for sure that this year I will be going on my own tour, which I'm extremely excited about, as well as putting out a lot of new music; stay tuned!
She is amazing....