Exposed Vocals Interviews the ‘Just Right Band “JRB” ‘
New Orleans. Dance halls and saloons, Sazeracs and jambalaya, good friends and great music. Spiced with soul and a dash of superstition, it’s no wonder the Big Easy has been a go-to spot for musicians and partygoers throughout history. You can’t even think about classic N’ Awlins without a smile on your face. Carefree and full of life – everything feels just right. Which is the essence of the “Just Right Band”, NOLA’s premier quintet that’s preserving yesteryear’s spirit with their blend of R&B, smooth jazz and Southern soul.
“All of us perform with many different types of bands from jazz to rock,” explains drummer/vocalist Brennan Williams. “If you’re a musician in the Big Easy that’s how you survive.” And the members of Just Right Band have been surviving for decades. Louisiana born and raised, all five musicians aren’t merely influenced by the city’s music scene, they live it. Veterans of the community, the group is made up of lead singer Michael Veal aka Ve’ Al, guitarist/vocalist Ronald “Shammika” Ernest, bassist/vocalist John “Petoe” Ragas,vocalist, keyboardist/trumpeter Kurt Brunus and Williams.
Longtime friends, the five wanted to start a project where they simply jammed together. No pressure, just a good time and a throwback to a golden era. Inspired by Brian McKnight, Will Downing, and Luther Vandross, the guy’s have been creating what they call “smile music” since 2013, and to them it’s all about enjoying the collection of talent that makes their sound “just right.” That may be their secret ingredient: doing it for fun; which makes it fun for everyone else.The group’s debut album “I Want More “is scheduled to be released in March through Swamp Island Records. And so far people seem to agree that Just Right Band is on to something. The title track was #1 on the Independent Music Network for four consecutive weeks; and the New Release “It’s Gotta B Love” has been #1 for the past five weeks. Not to mention a recent feature in Cashbox Magazine. Perhaps that’s why they’ve become a local favorite, a band that’s “just right” for practically every occasion.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Just Right Band “JRB” We, there are five of us.Kurt Brunus(keys/vocals),John Ragas(Bass/vocals),Shamika(Guitar/vocals),Michael Veal,Ve’Al(Vocals), Brennan Williams(drums/vocals) All grew up in New Orleans.
Friends, but working in different bands. For Us theres only one reason to do this…
You Gotta Love it !!!
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
We’ve all had lots of fun playing with all sorts of groups but when we worked with each other. It was always Just Right, hence the name…lol
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
It’s a Great tool, It gives you long arms the ability to connect with music
lovers world wide at an instant. And yes, We have given away our first two singles.
As a way to introduce our music. People who have heard those tracks, have become Fans.
Can’t beat that, Cd to be released next month.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Believe and Bet on yourself,Work Hard,Stay humble and Pray. If it’s His
Will… It Will Be Done !!!!
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
All the time…. just roll with it, if you’re not having fun you’re doing the wrong thing.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Yes, I’m saving it for the book…Lol
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Inspiration is all around us. People you meet, stories they tell. Love adventures,
The ones you never see coming…. The process, sometimes a phrase, a Great melody
take the pieces and puzzle them together and if we like the picture. We paint it.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
I can’t speak for everybody, I Love everything on mine
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Play Music !!!!
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
No plans as of now. Cubase,Logic.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Performing, getting in front of people looking to have a good time.
#1 and of course, you have to use every platform available to you.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Temptations, anywhere. Love the music !!!
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Just about to wrap up our cd. Expect release early April 2016.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Social Work, I Love making a difference in people’s lives and to be honest
Just Right Band,We all have the same heart.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Yes, cost me a fortune,Temptations, How do they do this ?
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Pray,Do your best and He will take care of the rest.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
We have tons of music, we are all writers and we write all kinds of music.
So hopefully We’ll get the chance to show what we’re capable of.