To better connect you with the brilliant talent behind our music, we're proudly spotlighting various artists, composers & producers on the Megatrax roster. Jhan Aponte is a Grammy nominated musician, composer & producer. His artistry has no boundaries, because of his ability to create, direct and perform. He is a cultural driving force from Puerto Rico known for his Afro-Caribbean sounds & expertise. Check out his most recent release on our very own Sensación label Ritmos De Puerto Rico.

Hi Jhan! Please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?

I grew up in Puerto Rico surrounded by music and dance. My grandfather was a passion musician and my Father a Pro dancer. I was always around my dad working with major Artist in P.R. That inspired me to fall in love with music/dance & entertainment. I have dance and played percussion since I was 5 years old. Then when I was 12 I went into a performing arts School called "Escuela Libre de Musica Ernesto Ramos Antonini" where I studied formal music. After that at 14 I pursued rapping and music production. That brought me to NYC to study Sound Engineering. At 17 I decided to go further my musical education and go to the Puerto Rico Music Conservatory and major in Jazz and Afro Caribbean Music. All of that trajectory opened the doors to working with the top names in Jazz , Reggaeton, Pop and Salsa music, and being a Grammy & Latin Grammy nominated musician. Then I followed my dreams of moving to Los Angeles and finding my place in he Film & entertainment business. Coming to LA was the best way to kick in the door and show the world what I could do and that allowed me to work with some of the best artist in the world like Bad Bunny (worked 3 times) , brands like Nike, and to be a featured composer at Megatrax. This is only the begining for me. Can't wait to keep cementing my legacy and for that I am extremely grateful.

How do you think the music industry will change over the next decade?

There is going to be monumental changes in the music industry, especially with the AI era coming upon us. I think is important to adapt to new things with integrity and consideration. To me the industry is changing in favor of those that are doers and makers and not complaining over the new systems that are on the way. Research and learning is the most important part of it all. 

Has there been a particular challenge that you’ve faced over the years?

I have faced many many challenges. It is all a part of finding success. In my case the struggle of working in the music business in a city like Los angeles, where it goes up and down and the cost of living is so high. Im grateful to be able to overcome it through hard work and perseverance.

Any advice for fellow composers out there?

My advice is to keep composing and putting the work in and be open minded to other music and concepts they don't know about. Also making sure to handle the business side of it and moving towards getting work instead of waiting for work to come to them.

What can you tell us about your composition and production process?

It depends if Its my own creation or a brief. I like to let the melodies lead the way and give direction to the composition. If its a brief, I like to do research on the style/genre thats requested and try to add as much essence of the musical background. 

How do you see the music you created being used?

I see my music in films, tech, television and stages around the world.

What are your biggest musical influences?

I am a multi-disciplinary artist so thats hard to answer for me because I am really in to lots of different types of music. If I had to do a top 5 all time I would say (no order) : Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix, Tito Rodriguez, Roberto Roena & Tego Calderon (Honorable mention Nas)

What are some placements you're most proud of?:

Im proud of my work as co-producer of music for a Bad Bunny Short that was played in Coachella 2023.

Tell us about your upcoming projects! What does the rest of this year have in store for you?

This year I have a few placements on feature films as-well as Release my Project "Tosstones" new music and live concept. Also Stay tuned for my Livestreams on youtube & Twitch @Tosstones 

Listen to Jhan Aponte's tracks for Megatrax on album Ritmos De Puerto Rico.