Conversations with Jass

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jass.

Hi Jass, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
As a child, I was involved with the school and church choir and in participated in band and orchestra, playing the keyboard, flute, saxophone, and viola. I also had lots of journals and wrote poems, songs, and short stories. I used my keyboard and karaoke machine with a cassette tape to record songs I made when I was about 11 or 12. I’ve been told I’ve always had an old soul, so I credit a lot of my influences for creating Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, and Amy Winehouse to name a few, but there’s so many more.

In 2011, I started doing covers on Facebook and YouTube and gained a sizable following, but I also started writing my own songs and sending recordings via voice memos to my friends. Gaining support and getting positive feedback gave me the courage to release my own original music and in 2019, I used my iPad, apple headphones/mic and found some beats and wrote songs for a project I called At the Close of a Decade. Since then, I’ve gotten the chance to open up for some amazing national and local recording artists.

I’ve gotten to lend my talents to local organizations I support. I’ve really taken my craft very seriously after receiving a lot of love for what I put out. To me, the reward and encouragement to continue are the opportunities I’ve been given to share my art and encourage people to express themselves freely.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For me, it’s been fun more than anything. My son really takes pride in the fact that I perform in front of people, write and produce my songs, and I’m doing what I love. can’t say that I don’t wish I wasn’t further along in my musical journey or that I didn’t wish I had more resources, but I find joy in the fact that I even started and everything that I’ve gotten from expressing my art has been more than I had before I did it.

I took my iPad and recorded songs that I wrote, which has led me to stages and festivals, and shows I used to attend. I never had the expectation that people would listen to what I put out, but since I’ve gained support, I only hope to go further. Sometimes there’s a fear I get around sharing, but I have to remind myself that I can only get better with time and by continuing, I can only move forward.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
By day, I work as a Network Development Specialist, which means I recruit individuals to work for the company I’m employed with. I really enjoy interacting with people and giving them opportunities to grow in their field or take on a new task. I really wanted to get a feel for the HR role, because I really hope to provide job skills and training once I’ve completed my degree. I’m known to be a really outgoing, down-to-earth, fun person.

I am also an artist/creative. and do a lot of singing, poetry, writing, producing, and playing instruments. I’ve been told have a soulful, chill, eclectic, soft, yet powerful sound and I think what sets me apart from people is the unique way I construct my music. The way I express myself through sounds; melodies, harmonies & flow, writing, mixing poetry into song. I think it contributes greatly to the way I’ve connected with people on stage and when people listen to my music.

I’m most proud of being called a star by my son. In his eyes, I’ve made it. When he looks into the crowds (large or small) of people singing my songs or enjoying my rendition of a popular tune, he sees me as no different than the performers he’s seen on tv or people he’s heard on the radio. I am also proud of the support I’ve been given by my family and friends.

What matters most to you? Why?
Inspiration and connecting with people. Giving back by sharing my gifts. I feel that through doing something you love, others may be inspired to do what they love too despite what they feel like they need to make it happen.

I really enjoy being able to express myself and hope that through my music people find comfort and healing in the way that I have in putting it together. I’d really love to make the people that believe in what I do proud too.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: jassrcouch.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jassrcouch
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JassTheArtist
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jassrcouch
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/jass-r-couch

Image Credits
Marcus Walker, Aaron Rhodes, Shawn Riddle Photography, Jewel Andrea, Coop Sessions, and Perplex Photography