Jawnney: A Rising Talent Shaping Tampa’s Underground House Scene
JAWNNEY
This week, The Groove Palace shines the spotlight on Jawnney, a Tampa-based DJ and producer whose sound captures the pulse of the underground while staying deeply rooted in his city’s energy. Known for blending hypnotic grooves, rolling basslines, and smooth transitions, Jawnney creates sets that are as dynamic as they are captivating.
From his early inspirations to finding his voice in house music, Jawnney’s dedication to the craft has earned him a growing reputation as one of Tampa’s rising talents. His music bridges the gap between soulful rhythms and driving, tech-heavy beats, embodying a sound that’s both fresh and timeless.
Dive into his exclusive mix and experience the infectious energy that makes Jawnney a standout in Florida’s underground scene.
This week, The Groove Palace is thrilled to shine the spotlight on Jawnney, a Tampa-based DJ and producer who’s making waves with his deep house and minimal house sound. With a passion rooted in years of exploring electronic music and a drive to create unforgettable sets, Jawnney is quickly becoming a standout force in Florida's underground scene.
From Dubstep Beginnings to House Mastery
Jawnney’s journey began with dubstep and bass-heavy sounds, where he honed his production skills and collaborated with like-minded artists. However, his love for house music was sparked in 2018 after witnessing a set by The Martinez Brothers at Ultra Miami’s Resistance Stage. The experience was transformative, leading Jawnney to fully embrace the four-on-the-floor beats that now define his style.
“Growing up with Colombian and Dominican roots, I’ve always felt connected to rhythmic and soulful music,” Jawnney shared. “House music speaks to that part of me, blending grooves that resonate deeply.”
Crafting Sets with Purpose
Jawnney’s approach to DJing is all about connection and flow. Whether preparing for a club gig or a festival, he carefully curates tracks to reflect the energy of the crowd and the vibe of the event.
“I believe in planned improv,” he explained. “You know the theme going in, but the magic happens in the moment—reading the crowd and keeping the energy just right.”
This meticulous preparation, combined with his love for blending hypnotic grooves and fresh IDs, ensures that every set is uniquely memorable.
A Growing Presence in Tampa and Beyond
Jawnney has made a name for himself through standout performances, including an early gig at Shipwreck Music Festival in Tampa, where his house music selections captivated the crowd. Since then, he’s self-released tracks on platforms like SoundCloud and Bandcamp, gaining organic support from fans and peers alike.
Looking ahead, Jawnney is focused on securing label releases and expanding his reach through collaborations with collectives like Tampa’s House Hats.
“House Hats has been an incredible community,” he said. “They’ve created a platform for artists to thrive and bring fresh energy to the scene.”
Advice for Aspiring DJs and Producers
For those looking to break into the scene, Jawnney emphasizes the importance of grit, consistency, and community.
“Stay consistent, even if it’s just putting in a little work every day,” he advised. “Patience is key—you never know when your moment will come. And support your peers. Building genuine relationships is crucial, not just for your career, but for creating a strong and uplifting community.”
He also highlighted the value of being authentic and approachable:
“Be the kind of person others want to work with. People remember how you make them feel. If you’re genuine and passionate, that energy will carry you far.”
Inspirations and Goals
When it comes to inspiration, Jawnney cites industry icons like East End Dubs and Jamie Jones for their innovation and ability to create immersive party experiences. He also draws influence from labels like MicroHertz and artists pushing percussive, groove-heavy sounds.
As for his goals, Jawnney aims to continue producing music that resonates with his roots while elevating the energy of dance floors everywhere. “Consistency and authenticity are everything,” he emphasized. “You never know when your moment will come, so it’s all about staying prepared and genuine.”