Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Ruff.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Justin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started singing at a young age. My mother is a singer, so it rubbed off on me. I grew up in a household filled with music. She would play artists like Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, and other great soul artists. I became really interested in the way they used their voices and the live elements of their records. Later, I attended a performing arts high school in Cincinnati, OH. I majored in Vocal Music with a focus in Jazz. I started really honing in on my craft here and thinking about how I could incorporate that style into my R&B/Soul background and develop a sound of my own. Once I graduated, I attended Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL as a Vocal Jazz major. I was there for a year and had to leave due to financial hardships. I decided to stay in Chicago because there were more opportunities there than back home. I started performing heavily, recording original music and networking with local artists and musicians. I released my debut EP, The Ruff Draft in 2016. Shortly after, people started paying attention. I started opening for some major artists and even won a headliner slot on the Bud Light stage at Taste of Chicago. I relocated to Atlanta about a year ago to further pursue my music career.
Great, 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?
My journey has had its ups and downs. When I realized I couldn’t afford college after my first year, it was a low moment for me. I felt like I had let my family down because I know how proud they were of me going to college. I decided to stay and focus on my music career. I didn’t want to go back home because Chicago had more opportunities musically. I didn’t have a job or a place to stay. I had to crash at friend’s houses on floors for a bit. I couldn’t afford to pay for studio time, so I sang hooks and background vocals for other artists as payment. It was a rough, but humbling experience for me. It made me a hard worker and more focused than ever.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m most proud of my growth as an artist. I’ve come to accept and appreciate the things that make me stand out. My spin on modern R&B infused with my love for Jazz and Hip Hop have allowed me to explore different parts of my voice, create interesting, yet catchy melodies and vulnerable writing.
Right now I’m focused on creating timeless, feel good records. With my next project, I want to create a Vibe from beginning to end. This will be my most personal project to date and I’m excited to share it with everyone
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I understand that there is always room for improvement. I’m always looking for ways to learn and become a better artist. This mentality keeps me humble and ready for any upcoming opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.justinruffmusic.com/
- Phone: 3128897252
- Email: justinruffmusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinruffmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justinruffmusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustinRuffMusic
- Other: https://soundcloud.com/justinruffmusic
Image Credit:
Craig Warnhoff, Sebastian Buffa, Joey Delisi, Deion Delgado, Covi Jet, Zo Sifu, Michael Mcgee
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