Up close and personal with Indie Soul artist, Jarrard Anthony

 Today’s R & B/Soul music has morphed into an assortment of Neo, Acoustic, Indie and Rhythmic Soul. Dynamic recording artist/songwriter, Jarrard Anthony encompasses all forms of soul music.

“I just like recording good music, but my genre is Indie Soul.” – Jarrard Anthony

(www.JarrardAnthony.com)

Jarrard recalls listening to 80’s music and singing along with his parents as a young child. He became emotionally drawn in by the music and as a teenager he began performing in various talent shows.  At the age of fourteen, Jarrard and his group, Personal Preference, performed at the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. The group actually won their first appearance in the world famous Amateur Night contest, but were unsuccessful in the winning the next round of the competition. Jarrard persevered and continued singing solo projects through his college years and beyond.

Jarrard released a total of six (6) albums to date under his own label, JAPMEG. Jarrard has either wrote/co-wrote or produced/co-produced the majority of the material on his albums. His debut album, The Dream was a limited release project in the United Kingdom. Followed by, Don’t Sleep Just Dream (2004), Synergistic Exchange (2006), Diary of a Messenger-LP (2009), Decade of Dreams- Anthology (2009) and recently released Chronology (2010). Chronology is a collaboration of music from the previous albums. Jarrard is currently working on his seventh album, The Message to be released by the end of the year on Bungalo/Universal label.  “Damn Sista” is the first single of the album. Jarrard declares, “Every record has been in a different place as I have evolved as an artist and as a man. The music reflects where I am personally in that moment. The listener is on the journey with me…”

Jarrard is planning for several performances and tours to occur in the near future. He will continue Saturday Soul Social at Current, (The Hat Factory’s lower level) every 1st Saturday. The first social transpired on June 5, 2010, which was well received by a small, intimate crowd of dedicated fans. Jarrard sang his new and classic hits while playing his acoustic guitar. The next social is scheduled for July 3, 2010 featuring DC Indie Soul artist, Green Tea, (www.myspace.com/greenteasoul) hosted by Jarrard.  Sistas Only Soiree will take place on July 1, 2010 at Have A Nice Day Cafe with soul artists, Jarrard Anthony, Eric Robeson (NJ) and Darien (NY). The event is designed to pamper the ladies throughout the evening, although men are welcome to attend as well.  August 19th-22nd mark the dates of the International Soul Music Summit in Atlanta, GA officiated by syndicated radio personality, Terry Bello.  Jarrard states, “I am very excited about all of the upcoming shows and my progression as an artist.”  When asked about performing abroad versus in his hometown, Jarrard responded, “Many times it feels like more people know my music abroad than they do here. Perceived value is also increased when you are not from around the way, but I love performing wherever I am. It doesn’t matter if its 5 at the house or 5,000 at the festival.”

Jarrard gives thanks. “To Kharisma for featuring my story, Azrael Productions for co-producing Saturday Soul Social, K.I.S.S. Productions for co-producing Sistas Only Soiree, and everybody who supports soul music in Richmond and around the world.”