Art & Life with Jarrell Pyro Johnson

Jarrell, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
The story of Jarrell “Pyro” Johnson takes place in the small, infamous city of Compton, California. If I had to sum up my story in one sentence, I would say, “My story is the story of struggle, resilience, and triumph.” I was born into a lower-middle class family, on the west side of Compton. I grew up in a typical 80s broken home, in which my father was absent from my childhood and only entered my life when I was older. However, my grandparents took up the role of patriarch in our household, by raising me and assisting my mom financially. I refer to this era in my life as, “A young black man, in a crime-infested, low-income area of California.”

My mom’s strength and perseverance is what made me, and what continues to make me today. Her belief in that all things are possible, if you have faith, has guided me, just like it has guided her, through life and through dark times. This lady managed to put me in the best private schools, and still managed stay active in my school life, all while working two jobs, including a graveyard shift.

Growing up in Compton, had its ups and down, its good and its bad. I learned from my experiences, and from the experiences of others in my community, as it changed my outlook on life dramatically. This sparked my curiosity of society and human interaction through the lens of gang-related daily life, and inspired me to pursue sociology in college. I was accepted to Hampton University, in Virginia.

In college, I fell in love with people and learned to respect them. I realized that my story, up to that point, was just one story, a very small piece, in one giant puzzle that makes up this world. Combining this with my studies in Sociology, and with my additional studies in Music Engineering, I pursued a way to build unity throughout my community and to society, by being a voice.

Jarrell “Pyro” Johnson, as a musical artist, has achieved success with multiple songs, bridging societal gaps, which are all available in stores nationwide. However, the main benefits of being a musician for me have been becoming an all-around entertainer, leading to Jarrell “Pyro” Johnson the actor, as well as Jarrell “Pyro” Johnson the director and filmmaker.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
As an Entertainer (rapper/actor/director), the main objective of all my work is to show the world, that despite all obstacles and societal constraints, you can be whatever you want or go into any field you want in this life. Also, anything is possible. One of my main sayings is, “Life is a musical, so play your part.” What that means to me is, we all have a part to play in this life. As long as you play your part, life will become a harmony or a symphony to not to only yourself, but to anyone who becomes inspired by your song. Sing it to the next generation, and allow them to continue this goal or allow for them to create their own harmonious goal.

I like to describe my art as an alternate way of seeing the obvious, in my music making as well as in my filmmaking. I like to focus on the small things within the big picture. I believe every part needs to function to make the best ecosystem, even the little parts.

Most people describe my art as dark comedy or just plain comedy at times. The greatest thing I can ever hope to accomplish is to show that no matter your race, ethnic background, state, country, creed, religion, beliefs, gender, sexual preference, or sexual identity, that all things are possible if you want them to be. No excuses, stay working and stay on the grind.

In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
Honestly? Hmmmmm, let me be honest.

 It’s always best just to Google me at: “Jarrell Pyro Johnson.” I am a firm believer of the networking ability of social media platforms and frequent IG, Twitter, Fb, etc., as well as Spotify and iTunes. My most recent project, which you can currently come and support me, is a stage play parody of the 80s hit movie, ‘Road House,’ called ‘Love, Thunder, and Dynamite.’ It is directed by the lovely, Cat Elrod and features an amazing cast. The play is at the Garage Theater in Long Beach, California and shows from July 2019 through August 2019. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.thegaragetheatre.org