As most artists can appreciate, working for a living doesnsa国际传媒檛 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.

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

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

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

sa国际传媒淚 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,sa国际传媒� 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 isnsa国际传媒檛 much time for anything else.

sa国际传媒淚f Isa国际传媒檓 not in the office or the studio, Isa国际传媒檓 hanging with my (girlfriend) or catching a show with some friends.sa国际传媒�

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 isnsa国际传媒檛 the last yousa国际传媒檒l hear of him.

sa国际传媒淚sa国际传媒檓 always working on new music and will be aiming to release my second album in 2019!sa国际传媒�

Music has long played an influential role in Jonessa国际传媒� life.

sa国际传媒淟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,sa国际传媒� said Jones. sa国际传媒淪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.

sa国际传媒淚 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 Isa国际传媒檓 saying or just have a real understanding of the emotions and meaning of the lyrics.sa国际传媒�

The name Jaq Havoq has the unique ring that Jones was looking for, plus it incorporates his initials, Q and J. Yet itsa国际传媒檚 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 havensa国际传媒檛 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.

sa国际传媒淭hey may also remember me as goofball and a risk taker, but I think it really depends on who you ask,sa国际传媒� 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.

sa国际传媒淔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. Donsa国际传媒檛 listen to anyone who tells you the reasons why you cansa国际传媒檛 do something. Believe in yourself and let everything else fall into place,sa国际传媒� 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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