Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Rico.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m an Urban R&B/Latin singer/dancer. I’m half Puerto Rican and half Cuban I was born and raised in Glastonbury, Connecticut and I’m the youngest of 6 brothers. Growing up, my father inspired the love I have for the art of music and till this day he still calls me a superstar. I listen to a wide range of music like Reggae-ton, Salsa, Bachata, R&B, and Hip Hop. It all started when I joined a group called the Fabulous 3. Those were some of the most influential moments in my life. I got to experience hearing my voice on the microphone for the very first time. It was at that moment that I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
From that point on, I started to really study some of the most legendary artists such as MJ, Chris Brown, Usher, Charlie Wilson, and the list goes on. Not only did I study the way they would perform, I paid close attention to the energy they carried and brought that into my own persona. I applied to the Berklee College of Music but unfortunately wasn’t able to go due to high tuition. Although I wasn’t able to pursue my college career in music, I got discovered at the age of 18 by Brandon Riester. He saw great potential in me as an artist and supported me through my journey in pursuing music. Till this day, we are still working on finding a good team of people that support our vision. I felt like meeting Brandon was a big blessing in my life because he taught me how to grow as an individual and how to be self-sufficient.
In October 2017, I went through a very hard time where I felt like I almost lost myself. I lost a loved one who was also my high school sweet-heart named Rachael. She was a victim of human trafficking and it was a really big turning point in my life. A month later, I decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue my dreams. It wasn’t easy leaving my family and my home behind but I knew it was something that I had to do. I realized through losing Rachael that life is never promised and you have to live everyday as if it’s you’re last. When I got to Los Angeles, I thought everything would be easy but I learned quickly that I had to hustle in order to achieve what I wanted. I am currently working at a barbershop while I pursue my music, acting and modeling career. I hope to inspire people through the stories I share through my music, and the life I live on a daily basis. I want to be a symbol of hope and inspiration that allows everyone to follow their dreams.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For the most part, the journey has been parabolic. Throughout the past three years of chasing a record deal, I went through a lot of great/horrible meetings. When I perform, I love to be in front of a larger amount of people rather than an intimate setting. The adrenaline I get from a big crowd makes me push my limits as a performer. I’ve had meetings with labels that I completely botched but I believe going through those moments helped mold me into a stronger artist.
Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about you and your career so far?
As of right now, I am an entrepreneur chasing multiple avenues. Although being a successful artist is my main goal, I like to be a jack of all trades. Between haircutting, vocal producing and vocal engineering, I always find time to make music. When I first moved here, I had no clients at all, so I hit the streets of Hollywood Blvd and offered free haircuts to people by doing house calls. Slowly but surely my clientele grew and the rate that I set for the service became normal for people. Over time, I started to notice my clientele list grow rapidly, which I’m grateful for. Now I’m known as the young Latin kid who sings while cutting hair.
As for the vocal producing/engineering gig, I’m still growing that hustle but I’ve been blessed to work on big projects that helped me progress as an entrepreneur and as an artist in the music industry. I believe my attitude, work ethic, and dedication set me apart from many people around me. I’m proud that I get to do what I want everyday and not be tied down to a 9-5 job. No matter how hard things get, I always remain humble and continue to want to inspire people with my life. I feel as though if you aren’t doing what you really love to do, then you aren’t living everyday as if it’s you’re last.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from my childhood would be performing at a big boxing event with my old group, the Fabulous 3. The event was televised and we had 300 CD’s that we sold. Also coming out in newspapers back home definitely was a big moment I’d never forget.
Pricing:
- Men’s Haircut $40 (Beard & Trim)
- Men’s Haircut with Black Mask $60
- Men’s Haircut + Full Deluxe Shave + Black Mask $80
- House Call Service $150
- Recording + Mixing & Mastering $500 (Includes Vocal Producing)
Contact Info:
- Address: 1250 N La Brea Ave
- Website: https://squareup.com/appointments/book/3BRMWWACB54B9/the-hive-barber-studio-west-hollywood-ca
- Phone: 3103456087
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @jonricoofficial
Image Credit:
Jordan Lunsford (IG @spacemanraps)
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