Meet J Read

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful J Read. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with J Read below.

J Read, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I was raised by a single mother who had a healthy dose of pride and self worth. I also often found myself attracted to people who were comfortable in their own skin, whether they were popular, or reclusive. I learned how to get along with a lot of different types of people and personalities from moving around a lot growing up, and coming from a household with seven children.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a singer/songwriter and violinist from Newark, NJ. I’ve been writing and releasing music since my college days, and released my first album in 2012 titled “Phuhk Wit Me”. I have since released a plethora of singles along with an EP titled “The Grim Wolf Sessions”. In 2023, I released my first book, which is a children’s songbook titled “Chickadee”. It’s an inspirational story about a bird who learns to fly.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

My love and passion for music is by far the biggest motivating factor for perusing my career. I genuinely love music, how it makes me feel, and how I can use it to inspire. My optimism is probably the second biggest factor. As an independent artist, you really have to believe in yourself before anyone else does. My skill and diversity is what helps me stand out. The face that I play, sing, write, and rap helps me stand out. The best advice I can give would be to constantly practice and hone your craft, whatever it is. The better you are, the more competitive you will be.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

As an artist, I’m always looking for people to collaborate with, whether it be brands and organization, or other creative. In this industry, one hand washes the other. It’s impossible to make it in your own. I like working with genuine people, who are comfortable, competent, and confident in what they do. As far as the music is concerned, I make soul music. It’s hard to explain, but you know it when you hear it. That includes everything from hip hop and R&B to pop and jazz.

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