Artist Spotlight is a segment that we started to introduce our listeners to some deserving up and coming artists/ bands. They have made an impact on us for all of the right reasons. We think they kick ass and we hope you do too! Today, we’d like to shine the spotlight on Jru Anthony!
Rising soul singer Jru Anthony’s new album Life For Now is a funky and rhythmic collection is full of psychedelic soul and punctuated with a dreamy, in-the-clouds vibe. All the tracks were self- produced by the 19-year-old Washington, D.C.-born and raised artist. Taking the lead on the new album is the song and video “Greenlight”.
Throughout the album, Jru explores the emotional highs and lows of life and relationships. It marks a strikingly mature album from an artist yet to enter his twenties. “Greenlight” is an inviting song about getting positive vibes from the object of your affection, while “97 Chevy” details pursuing a girl while his guard is up. On the pulsating “Move On,” Jru chronicles the strife people experience when life is an emotional rollercoaster. “Music has always been a release and has a therapeutic nature to it”, Jru says. “That’s especially true with this record because I was actually going through these things in real-time.”
Elsewhere on the LP, Jru demonstrates what it’s like to be pursued on the up-tempo “See You” and gets serious on the ultra-funky title track. He also flaunts his musicianship on the acoustic guitar driven “Fouram” and delivers innovative funk sans percussion on “Dark Shot.”
Jru – pronounced Drew – grew up in a musical household, but it was his phone that got him interested in creating his own sounds. He got a phone in seventh grade and used YouTube beats to craft compositions. When his father, DC Go-Go band leader Frank “Scooby” Sirius (The Chuck Brown Band, Sirius Company), let Jru use his computer, it was like a new world opened up. Jru started producing original compositions.
We sat down with Jru for a short, fun Q&A session!
Tell us the origin of how you got into music? What inspired you?
Jru Anthony: I first got into music when I was younger. I grew up seeing the passion for music and art around me because of my dad and his bands (DC Go-Go), and it inspired me to be interested in all things art. For my new album, Life For Now, I was inspired by the events going on in my life, and by the music I grew up listening to along with the music I listen to now. It all came together to create the atmosphere of this new project.
Tell us about your latest release and what’s up next?
My latest release is a single called “Greenlight.” It’s a smooth R&B song with notes of psychedelia, about having to wait for the person you’re interested in to be ready for something serious. I went through that experience, and I think other people probably have as well.
What was the first CD/album that you bought and what was your most recent CD/album purchase?
The first CD I remember having was an old Eminem mixtape that had Dr Dre on it. I wonder if I still have it. My most recent purchase was my own album, Life For Now, actually.
What are your 5 favorite movies?
Kill Bill, How To Be A Player, Mid90s, 500 Days of Summer, Juno
What are your 5 favorite albums?
Thriller by Michael Jackson, Isolation by Kali Uchis, Don’t Be Cruel by Bobby Brown, Meant To Be Mint by Mint Condition, Brandy by Brandy
Connect with Jru
https://www.instagram.com/jruanthony
