For Jonny Waves, music is more than a creative outlet—Raised throughout Southeast Los Angeles in Downey, South Gate, and Norwalk, Jonny’s story is deeply connected to the people and communities that shaped him long before he ever stepped into a recording studio.
Growing up in a tight-knit Mexican family, Jonny was surrounded by examples of hard work from an early age. His family roots trace back to Los Reyes, Michoacán, Ario, Tijuana, and Jamay, Jalisco. Generations of bakers, farmers, small business owners, and community builders laid the foundation that would influence his mindset for years to come.
As part of the first U.S.-born generation in his family, Jonny felt both the pride and responsibility that came with carrying his family’s legacy forward. Watching relatives create opportunities out of limited resources taught him valuable lessons about perseverance, self-belief, and building something meaningful from the ground up.
Before music became his focus, sports played a major role in his life. Like many kids growing up in Southeast LA, he spent most of his time outside. Whether he was playing sports or riding fixed-gear bikes through the city with friends, the streets and neighborhoods around him became part of his identity.
The creative spark arrived early. Around the age of nine, Jonny began writing, using words as a way to express thoughts and emotions long before he understood where the journey would lead. By the time he reached high school, he was determined to take music seriously.
Without many mentors guiding him, Jonny taught himself everything he could. He learned how to produce beats, engineer recordings, mix songs, and master records. His curiosity didn’t stop there. He also dove into video editing, cover art design, website development, and branding, determined to understand every part of the creative process.
“It was really just me in my room trying to figure it out,” he recalls. “Trying to learn something new every day.”
His musical influences came from every direction. At home, Spanish music filled the speakers, reflecting his family’s cultural roots. Through his cousins, he discovered rock music during his elementary school years. By middle school, hip-hop became an obsession.
Artists like Daddy Yankee, 50 Cent, and The Game were among the first names that caught his attention. As he dug deeper into music, he found inspiration in Wiz Khalifa, Kendrick Lamar, Curren$y, Nas, J. Cole, Atmosphere, and Immortal Technique. Later, artists like Mac Miller, G Perico, and Aaron May would help shape the style and perspective heard throughout his music today.
That blend of influences helped Jonny develop a sound that feels uniquely his own.
His music combines West Coast bounce and energy with emotion, melody, and personal storytelling. It’s music that can soundtrack a late-night drive, a workout, or a moment of reflection. Smooth yet grounded, cinematic yet relatable, his records balance authenticity with replay value.
As his passion grew, so did the places where he created.
Most of Jonny’s early music was recorded in his own bedroom studio. When inspiration struck, he would set up wherever he could—hotel rooms, motel rooms, garages, and makeshift recording spaces while traveling. The freedom to create without limitations became an important part of his process.
Later, he connected with RZN Recording and began working out of professional studios. More recently, much of his music has come together between studio sessions in Gardena and his home setup back in Southeast LA, where he continues to create independently.
Outside the studio, Jonny spent years building relationships within the local creative community. He attended open mics throughout Los Angeles, constantly searching for opportunities to perform, network, and improve. As he got older, local house parties and events became gathering places where artists connected, shared ideas, and supported one another’s growth.
Those experiences helped build the network and community that continue to support his career today.
His latest project, “Good Flips,” produced by DJ Flippp and Marvel Mayne, showcases the direction he’s currently taking as an artist. Leaning into his West Coast roots while maintaining the versatility that’s always defined his music, the project represents another step forward in his evolution.
And he’s far from slowing down.
Jonny is currently working on a steady stream of new music, visuals, and collaborations. Upcoming releases include records with GotDamnitDupri, NadaThing, K3ThaIssue, Cappy.prod, and MadeOffFig, among others. With each release, he’s focused on creating music that feels more intentional, personal, and refined than ever before.
Despite the growing momentum, Jonny remains grounded in gratitude.
He gives credit first to God, followed by his family and the people who helped him along the way. He also acknowledges the impact of Curtis King, whose educational content provided valuable insight early in his journey. Alongside family support, he credits mentors, collaborators, platforms, and close friends who believed in his vision before others saw it.
Names like Planet Productions, The Stoner System Network, Ghostboii, Humorous562, K3ThaIssue, Jewelz626, MJaayVibe, Morale Jack, FoolieTha1st, Richard Luis Music, CallMeTMB, and many others have played important roles throughout different chapters of his career.
At its core, Jonny Waves’ story is about building something from nothing. It’s about honoring family sacrifices, staying committed to self-growth, and creating opportunities through consistency and hard work.
