An interview with Chicago R&B artist RJ Griffith fresh off of releasing his new single “Good Day”
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I grew up in Bellwood, IL, a city about 10 minutes from the Westside of Chicago, IL. In regards to the second question I was inspired to become an artist when I saw entertainers such as Michael Jackson and James Brown captivate the world not only with their voices, but by leaving the world in awe with timeless performances while living out their callings in life.
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?
Keep grinding and keep performing! Take all the gigs you can get when you’re first starting out, especially the free ones such as open mics so that you can get comfortable performing in front of people. Success will come once people start to notice your talent.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Of course, I’ve forgotten words to a song before. When that happens, I just keep singing and make up words until I get to the next line, most of the time the audience can’t tell because I stay confident and give off great energy during the performance.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Yes, I currently tour with the national recording Gospel group Zion’s Joy. As far as interesting stories go, one day while on tour in New Orleans the police told us to park our 40 foot RV in a parking lot while we stopped to get some Praline’s (for those of you that don’t know they are candies made with pecans and brown sugar famous in the south) and once we came back, the RV had a boot on it and we were supposed to be at sound check within the hour. Needless to say, we ended up being a few minutes late.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
No more upgrades at the moment after recently purchasing a Native Instruments Mikro Mini Beat Machine. Currently I generally record in my home studio with Pro Tools 12.5, an Aston Spirit Microphone, Icon Qcon and my KRK Rokit monitors.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Social media is a very important medium in regards to promoting my music/image. I am most active on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, but also use Twitter occasionally. In addition to high quality posts and content, I also invest in advertising on these platforms to get more eyes on my music and my brand. In regards to distribution I use CD Baby, for those not familiar you can sell your music on their platform and they can also make your music available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Shazam, etc.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
The Super Bowl has never been played in Hawaii, but in my dream scenario I would love to play the Super Bowl half time show in Hawaii with Michael Jackson, James Brown and Jamie Foxx because they are my biggest inspirations when it comes to music.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
I just recently released my new single “Good Day” that I am continuing to promote. What’s next in that process is releasing the video, and after viewing a clip of the finished product I am beyond excited to share this with everyone next month. Keep an eye out for the specific date on my website (www.rjgriffith.com) and social media (facebook/twitter/instagram – @rjgmusic).
I am also working on a full LP to be released later in 2018. This project will have an emphasis on positive music in hopes it can help inspire the world with its healing frequencies.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Definitely something in the music industry, working with kids or some combination of that. I am a certified audio engineer so I most likely would be working full-time in someone’s recording studio, but I also have aspirations of starting a program where I can help kids create and record music.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
They can look forward to the new LP and I’m also making a point to get some awesome music videos created to help bring my music to life. In addition, I plan to tour in 2018 to help promote the new LP and inspire people to chase their dreams!
Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?
Yes, first and foremost to God for giving me this calling in my life with my gift of singing! My amazing wife for being my backbone on this journey, my mom for always being there to encourage me when I need it most, and all my friends and family that support me with my music and at my shows. A special shout out to my incredible manager Tom and my amazing team and band (Accidently On Purpose) for making sure my creativity comes to life during our shows.
