The Westleaf
What's up Leafers? Welcome to the latest edition of On the Rise where we interview upcoming hip hop talent. Today's guest is artist, Jru. Jru is a 19 year old producer, composer, and instrumentalist born in Washington, D.C. He began creating music at a young age, inspired by his father, GoGo legend Frank "Scooby" Sirius. In his music he infuses various genres with soulful, melodic, and rhythmic grooves. Jru's been making waves in his city so we had to tap in. Check out the interview below.
Westleaf Staff: What's up, Jru? Your sound is dope. When did you start making music?
Jru: I started making music around 6th or 7th grade. I discovered Garage Band on my iPhone and became fascinated with all the things I could do with just my phone and voice. Then when I switched to the computer it was like a whole new world opened up, a world of sonic creativity.
Westleaf Staff: That's dope! Garage Band started so many careers! What city do you represent?
Jru: Southeast Washington, DC.
Westleaf Staff: Shout out to D.C.! Y'all have some crazy talent up there! So how did you create your stage name?
Jru: My stage name was gifted to me by stepmother. Jru was going to be the name of my little sister if she ended up being a boy. Anthony is my middle name.
Westleaf Staff: Nice. That's a fly name. Shoutout to your stepmom. So how did your early life shape your interest in music?
Jru: Growing up early on seeing my dad (DC Go-Go artist Frank “Scooby” Sirius) perform on stage and make songs, it really inspired me to kinda get up and get my own creations heard. Most times he would let me watch while he was creating.
Westleaf Staff: That's so cool! I see music runs in the family. You're doing big things and taking it to the next level. Salute. So who is your biggest Musical influence?
Jru: A big influence when I was younger was for sure Michael Jackson, because of his sheer ability to entertain and be one of the strongest forces in the music world. I believe he needs more respect as a vocal producer as well.
Westleaf Staff: Mike is a legend! Next question! What's been the defining moment in your music career thus far?
Jru: So far, the defining moment for me has been completing my album, Life For Now (out on September 23, 2022). Hearing the final master of every track in order from top to bottom made me smile. Made me feel like I accomplished just a slice of what’s to come.
Westleaf Staff: Wow! That's dope. Congrats on the album!
What makes you a unique artist?
Jru: My ideas. I think the way I go about musical situations, whether it be producing or on stage. The way I choose to navigate through chords and elevate songs to another level. Also, my understanding of music and how things “feel”. It’s very important to learn and understand how a record should feel because if you can’t feel neither will the listener.
Westleaf Staff: I love that answer. So what does art mean to you?
Jru: Art is expression. Art is a full release of the things floating around in your brain. The beautiful thing about art is that it can be created and digested in so many different ways. Painters, singers, filmmakers, dancers. All artists, all expressing what’s in their mind each in a different way. Amazing.
Westleaf Staff: True! That's deep! Where do you see your music career going over the next few years?
Jru: In the next few years, I hope to be creating and sharing my creations with the world and collaborating with some of the artists who have inspired me.
Westleaf Staff: Dope! I wish you much success! Before we go, describe music in three words.
Jru: Free, Raw, Sound.
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