Today we’d like to introduce you to Jarreau Williams.
Hi Jarreau, 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.
My career in entertainment started when I was two years old. Like most children born in the late 80s, we were exposed to Disney movies. I would watch The Little Mermaid repeatedly until I knew all of the lines and songs. I quickly became a child of the movies. When I found a favorite, I became hooked. I was inspired by comedic actors like Jim Carrey and Robin Williams for their boldness and freedom of physical expression. I also grew a passion for singing and performing watching Michael Jackson’s short films and studying voices like Whitney Houston and Luther Vandross. I started singing in the school choir from 3rd grade through high school; also participating in musicals such as Anything Goes and Guys and Dolls.
I didn’t really see the potential for a career until I was nominated for a regional theatre award by my peers. After a couple of years studying psychology at Virginia Tech, I decided to pursue a double major in theatre arts. During the summers was my first time being on a major movie set and backing multi-Grammy award winner Michael Buble with a gospel choir when he came to our city on tour. I loved the thrill of those experiences and knew it was where I belonged.
After graduation, I moved back home to audition and my mission was simple: whichever door opened the widest (singing or acting) is the one I would walk through. For the first couple of years, acting was that door. I earned my Equity card doing a major theatrical play and auditioned for multiple Broadway shows. A few years later, I joined an agency wedding band and music has been in my DNA ever since. I started releasing original music and formed my own band which has performed at some dream venues. The hunger for success was different. Elevated. I’ve felt a greater purpose to help those in my community realize their potential as entertainers and entrepreneurs.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Anything but! I’m appreciative of the struggles. Immediately being an overweight African-American male is the trifecta of challenges in this industry. I was bullied a lot in my preteen years by family and peers which weighed heavily on me. I didn’t understand because I tried to treat everyone with kindness and respect. The quest for perfectionism also slowed me down along the way. I’m a huge believer in quality over quantity and sometimes that drive to do it right the first time prevented me from trying new things.
Many venues that I’ve worked to get into did not have a lot of African American artists on the bills. I had an obligation (a self-imposed chip on my shoulder) to perform well and improve the diversity of attendees in order to give others like me a chance to be seen. If it wasn’t for that determination and a few people taking a chance on me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. That added pressure has greatly affected my mental health as I suffer from depression and anxiety. But I’ve turned my struggles into a strength by using them to become an advocate and encourage members of the entertainment community. I’ve relied heavily on establishing and cultivating relationships with industry contacts. My intense approach to professionalism and administrative organization has kept me focused and constantly working.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve been a full-time musician/performer for about 4 years now. I perform at weddings and corporate events, sing national anthems for major sports teams, founder and leader of my own band, record vocals for a fitness app, and work as a production assistant for a couple of local entertainment agencies. I’ve released over 30 songs online and have written countless more. My main genre is R&B/Pop, but being in the wedding industry you have to be able to perform anything. I have always been known for my voice and charismatic approach to performance.
I’m proud of sticking through it and betting on myself to get where I am. I’m also proud of the relationships I have built around the city and seeing my friends ascend in their careers as well. What sets me apart is my performance versatility, intense preparation, organization, and passion to be the best when I show up at the venue.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see the industry evolving more into the virtual realm with more power going to the artists. The ability to expand our reach as an independent entity has opened the door to so many artists who would not have gotten the chance otherwise.
The metaverse is trending towards a major shift and it’s going to become even more important for artists to adjust at a rapid pace. The important thing above all is to stay genuine and connected to our fans. Continue to build on those relationships online AND in person.
Pricing:
- National Anthems – $200
- Full Band Wedding Package – starting at $5000
- Full Band Corporate Package – starting at $2500
- Song Features – starting at $100
- Vocal Coaching – $40/hr (initial consultation free)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jarreauwilliams.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamjarreauwilliams
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/iamjarreauwilliams
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/jarreauwilliams
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/JarreauWilliams
- SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/iamjarreauwilliams
- Other: iamjarreauwilliams.bandcamp.com
Image Credits
Chris McPhee, Jeffrey Perkins, and Louis Tinsley
