We had the good fortune of connecting with Junior Padilla and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Junior, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I was in my late 20s I worked for a fortune 500 company as an international sales representative. A few years in a row I made the company over 1 million dollars and was consistently in the President’s club. Although I was making decent money for the era and awarded many benefits, I sat down to do the math on my share and I was barely making 5% of the income I was bringing into the company. I understood that the company had the infrastructure to support this volume of business, but I also thought that even if I made a portion of this in an infrastructure that I create, I too can be successful on a smaller scale as a sole proprietor. This was the beginning of me wanting to work for myself.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My vision for art revolves around cultivating soulful music in the heart of Nashville, a city known for its talented writers, musicians, and artists. With a mission to produce music that stands the test of time, captures the songwriter’s intent, and brings out the deepest expressions of artists, I am dedicated to creating enduring musical experiences whether it’s my own music or artists I work with.
My journey to where I am now has been quite a long one. I feel like it has been a few stages or lifetime developments.
From being self taught musician in church, to taking some piano lessons along the way, studying under Pat Petrillo for drums then going to a school on the Lakehurst Naval Base in New Jersey for audio engineering. These were all shaping experiences. I new at a young age that I wanted to produce music, but I didn’t know how, but I slowly became exposed to it by my teachers.
It wasn’t an easy journey at all. Not having a proper piano teacher in the beginning, I would literally cry while trying to learn new songs by ear. My only resource was prayer, whenever I had something really challenging to learn that was giving me trouble I would pray. Miraculously, I would learn what I needed after a prayer, or sometimes I would dream of the chords or passages and have it in the next morning. It felt like God himself what teaching me the way. I later became the keyboard player at small church in NJ and would drive 45mins every week to take Drum lessons from Pat Petrillo. Drums was always a passion of mine and I didn’t really have the outlet for it. At that point I had a full time job, plus being the lead musician at the church, and studying drums all at the same time. It was a tough time doing all the things, but passion was my fuel. A few years later, Pat introduced me to his recording studio, he let me play on his kit for his recording students, and I was smitten by the process of recording. So I embarked on going to Audio Engineering school. By this time Pat had sold his school, so I took a 2 year course at the Lakehurst Naval Base, an evening class. Little did I know I was being taught by grammy award winning producers! I had to work hard those 2 years. I had a full time job for the 1st year working 12hr days, I had lost the fortune 500 company job. Then the last year I was jobless, and practically homeless. The church let me stay in their church office grounds and I stayed there until I finished Audio Engineering school. I never relented and knew that what I needed to learn would be life changing and it has been. All of it! Immediately after finishing school a friend called me from Nashville that he needed a drummer and assistant music producer for a studio project and two weeks later I moved to Nashville. I stuffed all I could into a Crown Victoria and made the trek on a hot summer day with my dog Dusty, no A/C, and no overdrive in the automatic transmission so I couldn’t go over 55mph! But I made it. Nashville was a completely new beginning, and although it has had it’s ups and down as well, I had opportunities to share my talents but also to grow as a musician and music producer. Overcoming these challenges early on in my life taught me that what ever challenges I would meet I could overcome them with God on my side. I believe faith in God, believing in myself, and working hard with determination, I would be able to meet my goals. I believe I’m not exclusive to this and that everyone can achieve what they were creative to do if they are true to themselves and their purpose.
Today I own and operate JPAD Music. A music production studio that was born out of a passion for creating music that transcends time, that truly connects with the listener on a deep level. What sets us apart is our commitment to quality, not just in terms of production standards, but in the very essence of the music we create. We’re not just about making sounds; we’re about crafting experiences that resonate.
Attention to detail is key. Before anyone steps into the studio, I want them to know exactly what we have to offer. Our equipment, our commitment to delivering the best tones, and the collaborative atmosphere we foster—all contribute to ensuring that each project, big or small, receives the utmost care and dedication.
As a drummer, my philosophy is to play from the heart, to listen to what the music is asking for, and to let my instincts guide me. The drums are more than just instruments; they’re storytellers. As a producer, it’s about understanding the artist’s vision, diving into the soul of the composition, and bringing it to life with authenticity. It’s a collaborative process that respects the uniqueness of each project.
I want people to know that JPAD Music is more than a studio; it’s a space where passion and professionalism converge. We’re here to create music that stands the test of time, that evokes emotion, and that reflects the depth of the artist’s expression. It’s not just about producing sounds; it’s about creating moments that linger in the hearts of those who listen.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to the Gaylord Opryland Resort indoor Gardens, Centennial Park, also Cheekwood!
Rudy’s Jazz club for late night music.
Schermerhorn for a symphony night would be great!
Hop Doddy’s for burgers and fries.
Of course the mandatory downtown crawl.
and Jack’s for BBQ!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Big shout out to Artist Singer Songwriter Melody Alvarado! This latest stage in my music career her support has been paramount to my success in this current journey. As we all know the music business is constantly shifting, and having someone or a team that supports your every move is extremely important!
Website: jpadmusic.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpadmusic
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpadmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JPADMUSIC
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JPADPRODUCTIONS
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jpadmusic
Image Credits
BRYAN COLLINS Photography MAGNIFYU Photography JUNIOR PADILLA Photography
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
