Fearnhead rapper JUNIOR providing Warrington represenation

Elsewhere, there are significantly fewer options when it comes to rap, but a growing want from a younger audience.

One self-taught rapper, from Fearnhead, is keen to provide that representation for Warrington.

Jack Roberts, also known as JUNIOR after his initials, offers his insight into growing up in the town and his feelings on Warrington in the seven songs that he has released so far.

He said: “There are people in the town that like the same stuff as me and I thought ‘why can’t I do this just in my own way’.

“It’s massive to represent Warrington. I do have an affection for Warrington but I do feel like there are things that can be improved.

“I took on the colours of primrose and blue as it’s a no-brainer.

“I’m only 18 so all my songs are just about the experiences I’ve had and that’s been mainly in Warrington so I take that into my music.

“I talk about the good things, what I like, and how it can also be improved in my opinion.”

Jack, a former Birchwood High School pupil, hopes he can contribute to the scene in what he describes as a ‘gap in the market.’

“I have got a song called Gap in the Market. You have your bands in Warrington, but in terms of the UK Rap I do I feel like there is a gap in the market,” added Jack.

“In the type of music that I do, there is a lot of representation about your area and I felt there wasn’t really any in Warrington.

“It’s massively important to provide that representation.

Jack recording in his studio in Fearnhead - Picture: Matchbox Productions

“To provide exposure to the town through this way would be my ultimate goal and I’m just enjoying myself while I’m doing it.

“There are bits of history and culture that I can implement into my music. If there is anything I can do to increase its respectability to people who put a bad name on Warrington, that would make me most proud.”

The 18-year-old started his music journey in late 2020 when he spent all of his money earned from a graphic design job on basic studio equipment to pursue his dream from home.

He has spent his time since then learning and developing. Jack then released his first song in November 2021.

He continued: “I’ve taught myself everything and I’ve had no help really. I’ve taught myself how to record, produce and mix my own songs and learedn how to get them on streaming platforms.

“I’ve just taken it step-by-step going from each little goal that I have achieved and looking for the next one.

“I’ve watched lots of tutorials on YouTube and I was putting it into practice through trial and error. At times, I’ve had a complete breakdown thinking ‘it’s not good enough’ and that I’m not doing things right but that’s got me to where I am by doing it on the job as I go.

“I’m a bit of a perfectionist so I do like having my studio at my house because I can change everything, add bits and I’m not tied down to one studio session for an hour.

“I lock myself away and think I’m going to do this until it’s done and it works.

“I wanted to make songs that I wanted to listen to. I had no expectations when I started I just wanted to make my own music.

Jack pictured in Warrington - Picture: Matchbox Productions

“I became obsessed with the kind of music that I make. It’s a mix between chilled rap songs, a lot of wordplay and rhyming.

“It was just doing what I wanted to do but if people like it, then that’s a bonus really as I had no expectation coming into it.”

Jack just wants to keep targeting those who enjoy his style of music in the town, but perhaps have no one to identify with from the genre, and hope that in time they can get behind him.

“I am really enjoying myself, it’s keeping me busy and giving me things to look forward to.

“I want to keep releasing music that people can resonate with, especially in this town.

“I just want to get the backing of the people of Warrington and slowly build and build while I keep making music.”

JUNIOR's music can be found on music streaming platforms and on YouTube.