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Grouptherapy: Creative Profile Piece
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By Mike Weisman -

Created at 8/12/2024

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GROUPTHERAPY: CREATIVE PROFILE PIECE

Consisting of Jadagrace, SWIM, and TJOnline, grouptherapy. is a music collective out of LA making waves in the experimental rap scene. While most artists are forced to rely on their own individual capabilities, grouptherapy.’s versatility is something to take note of, as each member brings a different flavor to the mix. While each member is individually talented, as a collective, they can create a sound that is unlike any conventional genre. The members themselves are each other's biggest supporters, allowing for new ideas to flow freely throughout the group with little pushback. Being able to be surrounded by not only talented friends, but those who believe in you, serves as a catalyst for crafting beautiful music, and something that will help push groutherapy. and the individuals within to new heights.

Jadagrace is from LA, and she directs, sings, and dances. SWIM is originally from Columbia, South Carolina, and is now based out in LA. Aside from his skills on the mic, he is an actor, writer, and director. And finally, TJOnline, an all-around creative, is from New York, and like the other two, is now based out of LA. Through shared experiences as well as personal achievements, grouptherapy. Is able to create a constant flow of creativity across all mediums. From directing their own videos, to leading the creative direction on album rollouts, they have their finger in every pie. Each member has their own story to tell, and when given the opportunity to be in a creative setting, their talent does nothing but flourish.

Grouptherapy. was built organically, part of what makes up their genuine nature. Nothing seems forced, and because of that, their projects are received well by fans and music lovers alike. It’s not hard to buy into something that is truly authentic, which is a part of the reason that they have seen success thus far. Jada and TJ were the first to meet, and that was back when they were less than 10 years old. They happened to meet in a dance class and were paired up as each other's swing partners. TJ met SWIM just a few years later, at around 12 years of age, and they connected at an event while they were doing work for Disney and Nickelodeon. When Jada was 13 years old, she was introduced to SWIM through TJ, and from there, the bond was created. Although the dynamic of their relationships with one another has changed since they were kids, the child-like energy is still present, and it helps remind them why they began to work together in the first place.

TJ noted that one of the benefits of pursuing music as a collective was that it gave them the reassurance to keep pushing forward. If it was only one of them who went for it, things would have seemed a lot scarier. Being able to go on this journey together has not only been rewarding, but also offered reassurance in the early parts of their careers.

This selfless mindset hasn’t changed as they have grown, with each of them constantly serving as the other's biggest fans. Whether it be a solo show for Jada, a solo show for SWIM, or a solo show for TJ, the other two will always be seen in the front row, mouthing the lyrics alongside their friend. The group is of the utmost importance to them all, yet they prioritize individuality. It is a focal point of each member that they highlight what each of them needs as individual creatives, and once that’s figured out, they decipher ways in which they can all blend together. At the forefront of it all is the idea of seeing their friends win. When you see your own brother prosper, have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him, that is victory.

The family-like bond is their biggest strength, but it does not come without challenges. Being able to constantly create memories together is a blessing, but they also face real-world situations together. Whether it be bills, meetings, or any other obligation, they must face it together as a team. Although it may lead to periodic frustration, it strengthens the connection between the group, showing them that they can power through anything if they stick together. Another struggle that comes with working alongside your best friends is balancing work and life. Figuring out when it’s time to get serious and grind, or when it’s time to relax and laugh. It might seem trivial, but in the moment, it is not as easy as you may think. Keeping each other focused and holding each other accountable is a big part of the group dynamic, allowing them to maintain the pace at which they are currently moving.

Sticking together means going through both the highs and the lows as a team, understanding that there is no such thing as a 100% success rate in this industry. That being said, if the relationship is prioritized in every decision, there is a certain solace that can be found. For grouptherapy., as more decisions have been made and more music has been recorded, things have held a steady upwards trajectory. At this point in time, they are at a point of experimentation. Both with sound in addition to all that comes with it (visuals, social media, marketing, etc). Instead of identifying genres that they want to work in, they tend to ask themselves: What is possible within this genre? How far can I push this? By doing so, they are not only challenging themselves, but the listener too.

As they continue barreling down their own road to glory, they do their best to keep their minds healthy. Giving themselves creative outlets outside of music has assisted in maintaining their hunger. For Jada, it’s her music video direction. For TJ, it’s his photography. And for SWIM, it’s simply being a fan of music. In anyone's journey, burnout is inevitable. There are going to be days where motivation is lacking, and it is crucial to understand the normality in that. Nobody can go 24/7, 365 days in a year. Well, if you can, congratulations, and please share your method. But if you’re like the rest of us, finding something to clear your head is always a helpful first step. 

With an album on the way, the group wanted to express that this project is nothing like you would expect. Each time you hit the “next,” button, you will be caught off guard. Their constant experimentation in the booth has led them to uncharted terrain, and they are excited to see what their fans think. They are creating sounds that are unconventional, melodies that are unique, and lyrics that will force the listener to think. From conscious rap to smooth tones, their project is all over the map in terms of sound. But at the heart of it all remains the same passion in each and every track.

Grouptherapy. has proven time and time again that this is what they were put here to do: create. Their music connects to fans across the world, but their mindset keeps them grounded. Their evolution is one that you all need to take not of, and it is far from over. They are - collectively as well as individually - breaking down walls that long stood as blockades for so many artists. They are a rare breed.

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