Today we’d like to introduce you to Jass
Hi Jass, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my musical journey very young. Being from Kansas City, the home of Jazz music was all around me. I started singing in the choir when I was in elementary school and shortly after I joined the school band, learning the flute and eventually picking up the saxophone and viola. Having the opportunity to learn music is what drove me to want to make songs of my own. I wanted to be a part of a world that allowed freedom through self expression, so I’d write songs and record them with my karaoke machine into a cassette tape. I eventually started doing covers on YouTube and then started to create my own music, inspired by the artists I used to listen to growing up.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a road, but I can’t say it’s been smooth. Opportunities have definitely come my way, but it’s often been hard to break into new markets and get the exposure needed as an artist. It takes a real investment in yourself to get out on the road and find people who are ready for a new sound and open to experiencing fresh live music. People enjoy hearing what they already know and that can be a difficult pill to swallow as an independent artist.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a musician and artist. My music is very rooted in Soul, but it has elements of Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Poetry as well. I’m known for masterfully mixing these genres and honoring the sound of my hometown of Kansas City with my art and experience. What sets me apart from others is my DIY approach to artistry. I created my project using my iPhone/iPad, apple headphones, and learned to mix on Youtube. I did what I could with what I had to share my work, Another thing that sets me apart is the experience I bring to the stage. The energy of the audience and the spontaneity of the moment shape each show. I create music that evolves with each performance and allows for unique interactions with the audience. At the heart of my music is the hope and intention to create connection and joy. I work hard to create a space where people can come together, celebrate, and experience the power of music. I’m most proud that I’ve gotten to share stages with artists I admire like Thundercat, Stokely, Brownstone, and play in festivals like Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans and recently my first international festival in Belfast Ireland.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is that there’s no limit to what you can accomplish when you step out on faith. It sounds cliche, but these songs have gotten me in rooms, on television screens, on stages I never imagined I’d be on. There was never a “plan”, just a passion to create and the freedom to share. Everything that followed that first step has taken me so much further.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jassrcouch.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jassrcouch
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/jasstheartist
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jassrcouch
Image Credits
@lexiloathesyou – IG
@bbchacko – IG
