Rapper Jared Wesley fits the bill & then some

Jared Wesley instantly hit my radar. I’m usually drawn to those who don’t look like your typical or as they would say ‘average artist’.

Jared fits that bill, because he definitely doesn’t look like your ‘average rap artist’.

But while Jared will grab your attention because of his own unique appeal, it’s the wordplay and the message behind the music that will instantly get you hooked and then some.

About Jared Wesley

Jared Wesley is a sophisticated rapper, and it shows in his body of work. Jared says that he gained his unique sound by listening to alternative, Indie, and pop music, and that he wasn’t introduced to Hip-Hop until his early teen years.

He only then started to dabble into hip-hop when he started making music as a producer / engineer. Jared says his overall goal is to open the minds of individuals and make people more aware of the artistic element behind making Hip-Hop.

This shows through the work of his debut mixtape The Reinvention of “The Cool” Vol. 1 & his second mixtape, The Reinvention of “The Cool” Vol. 2, which are both out now.

Unheard Voices Featured Artist

Jared was picked as Unheard Voices Featured Artist through our contest with Reverbnation. After listening to Wesley’s Plessy v. Ferguson, a socially conscious song about the unfortunate realities of today with focus on the tragedy in Ferguson while comparing the struggles of the past, I knew Wesley was a perfect fit for the Unheard Voices community.

You don’t find too many artists today that are socially aware, put it in music, and actually good at expressing it. In times where hip-hop has evolved and changed, it is hard and rather refreshing to find a rare gem like Jared.

Jared Wesley sat down and answered a couple questions to share with the Unheard Voices community. Read to get a feel on who Jared Wesley is and hit the play button below of Plessy V. Ferguson.

Interview

UV: When did you fall in love with music?

JW: I would have to say between ages 10-13 when I first got introduced to Michael Jackson & Earth, Wind and Fire

UV: How long have you been creating and performing music?

JW: 3 years

UV: Tell the Unheard Voices readers what your passions are and who or what motivates you to continue to strive in a cut throat industry?

JW: My passions are rapping and singing honestly anything relating to music, what motivates me to keep going are the constant injustices and pain that the average person has to endure and knowing that you can help someone get through that if you convey the right message through your music

UV: How would you describe your music?

JW: I would describe it as life music based on what I’ve seen or what’s going on in the world

UV: What` forthcoming projects are currently in progress?

JW: I’m currently finishing my first EP called 3 (EP) set to be released sometime this year (2015)

UV: How long have you been a member of Reverbnation?

JW: 2 years
UV: How do you feel about Reverbnation creating this opportunity?

JW: I’m feel elated and that it provides another great catalyst for an artist to get their music heard

UV: Who are your musical influences?

JW: MF Doom, Andre 3000, Kanye West, Jay-Z and Big L

UV: What influenced you to begin your music career?

JW: The lack of music being created with a purpose for the everyday person going through the struggle, too many artists were creating music for themselves focusing on things that aren’t important such as money, hoes, cars, clothes etc.

UV: What advice do you have for other indie artists trying to succeed?

JW: Out work everybody, study the greats that came before you, and make music that’s relatable to someone other than your own fantasies because the average person is not rich and in most cases neither are the artist who make the music

UV: What is the hardest challenge you have encountered with building your fan base?

JW: Time and money because I do the majority of the work myself with no label or “the machine” it takes me a little longer to achieve results, and of course I can’t compete with a label that can open a 6 or 7 figure budget out on an artist

UV: How in tune are you with your fans?

JW: Very in tune they let me know early on what type of music would resonate with them and hold their attention

UV: Has anyone ever given you negative feedback on your music, if so how did you react to it?

JW: Of course when I first started out about 3 years ago people didn’t like me not rapping as much and singing too much and the fact I had low budget music videos, I reacted positively and honestly took their advice and haven’t received a negative feedback since

UV: What do you hope to gain by being featured in Unheard Voices Magazine?

JW: More exposure and hopefully gain a few new fans in the process

UV: How important and how difficult is it to support your career with your own funding?

JW: I feel its very important to support your career with your money because if you don’t invest in yourself why would someone else want to invest in you and it’s very difficult to support your career with your own money but if you really want to do it you will find a way

UV: Would you rather be signed or remain independent and why?

JW: I would rather be signed but as a partnership with creative control because the end result is to get

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