Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharod Virtuoso.
Sharod, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m a self-taught musician; I play lead and acoustic guitar, bass guitar, and piano. I’m also a music producer/composer and songwriter, as well as an independent recording artist. I am 1/4th of the Atlanta based band, Band of Brothas; we are celebrating 10 years together this year in fact. I’m originally from Chicago… I moved to Atlanta for school, to attend the Dekalb School of the Arts for music. I graduated from there in May 2007 and attended Georgia State University that following fall. Met a couple of guys there that convinced me to leave school and focus solely on music. We started a band shortly after and started making noise in the city, building our reputation. It grew from there into us now being able to tour around the world as both a backing band for a pretty impressive list of artists, crossing multiple genres, as well as for ourselves, performing our own original music. I’ve been blessed to work with the likes of such artists as Trey Songz, H.E.R., Raury, Big KRIT, 112, KeKe Wyatt, Chante Moore, K. Michelle, Pastor Marvin Sapp, Minister Micah Stampley, Kevin Ross, Dondria Nicole, Eric Roberson, & the legendary Stevie Wonder. I released my debut EP, Tales Of a Broke(N) Songwriter, in November of 2017. I released my latest single, “Selfish” last year, and I’m currently working on my second EP, “Just a Guy and His Guitar.” I’m also currently out on the road playing lead guitar for Musiq Soulchild, as well as touring with The Band of Brothas.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
NOT AT ALL lol Definitely not an easy path at all, but I honestly don’t believe any path where you’re choosing your creativity or what you love to do as a profession or for a living is. A lot of hurdles and hard life lessons have been learned over the years. I’d say some of the biggest for me have been learning and ATTEMPTING to master my time management, or just where I’ve learned to allocate my time and energy. Also, learning to properly balance professional life and personal life; that’s a major one for me, especially now that I have a daughter. It’s important to be able to take time away from the road and the studio to spend quality time with family, friends, people you genuinely care about. Because it’s so easy to take those times for granted when you’re constantly moving around. And keeping the right company and energy around at all times; As a creative, I feel like we’re conditioned to constantly pour out our energy, so it’s important to surround yourself with great people, people who pour back into you and who add value to your life. Making sure that they have the right energy, and always keeping yours as grounded as possible. I truly believe it makes a world of difference…
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m an independent and freelance musician, music producer, and songwriter. I’m known for all of the above (I think lol) but probably more so known for playing guitar for various artists. I’m proud of all of my accomplishments, to be honest. If there’s anything that I feel really sets me apart in my industry, it’s my dexterity. The ability to do multiple things and play multiple instruments just adds value to your brand, and if you’re good at them, then people will value what you bring to the table more. I feel like my ability to work both in the recording/production world as well in the live stage/touring world is what keeps me working. It also allows me to meet a large array of people and potential clients
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a sports fanatic, to be honest, lol. I played basketball, baseball, & soccer. I always sang and loved music, but didn’t really get into it or take it seriously until high school. I was a pretty bright kid, always smart, and talked too much, lol! But never got into any real trouble, just played sports and video games mostly, lol.
Contact Info:
- Email: mister.virtuoso1@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mistervirtuoso/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SharodVirtuoso/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MisterVirtuoSO
Image Credit:
Lourdes Sukari, Matt Conrod, Barbie Andrews
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