Jaron Strom could soon be an artist that bridges the gap between pop and soul. With his smooth seductive tone and catchy melodies, he’s creating a buzz out of Charlotte, NC and making sure everybody hears it. He has been a self sustaining artist for over ten years performing on his own, in a band and through social media outlets.
While going to school for graphic design he discovered his gift for writing and singing which started in a dorm room then lead to coffee shops and small stages. Knowing he could use this skill he began building his music and planning to make a change in the world with it.
Jaron has a mix of style which may remind you of the sweet tone of Bruno Mars, perfect falsetto runs by Justin Timberlake and the catchy simplicity of Motown itself. He also plays guitar and get ready because he’s only just begun with his music career and he has a think less, do more attitude.
In this interview, we chat with Jaron about his influences, newest project, and more.
Full Q&A, links, and the video for “Freedom” is below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre and style?
Well I grew up listening to Motown and falling asleep to those sounds so I would say those simple clean melodies and soulful vocals have attracted me to my style the most. My style is pop but with an influence of singer/songwriter and soul. I like simple but meaningful music that is timeless and that’s what I want to create and be remembered for.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I’ve been writing and recording music for around 10 years but I never released original music to the public until this year. I never felt that it was the right moment until now or that my music was portraying the real musical soul in me.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
When I first started writing it was just a way to express my feelings and relieve stress during college. It later developed into something more and people enjoyed hearing what I had to offer creatively. I see amazing artist write songs and how their fans memorize it like the back of their hands. That inspires me to keep going. I can make a difference in peoples lives. I can make people smile or cry during a hard time with my gift.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project– Freedom, and your upcoming EP? Creatively or otherwise?
My goal was to finally show people my music and what I could do. I also wanted the release Freedom to portray the simple timeless melodies that I always love to hear. I would hope that a fire starts with this song and EP so that I’m noticed and bigger things can happen for me. I want to sing for so many people.
What was the last song you listened to?
The last song I listened to was “Stuff We Did” by Michael Giacchino which is on the soundtrack for the movie UP. There are no words in this song but it paints a powerful picture and sometimes melodies are more important to me anyways. It leaves an open canvas for you to put your current situation and life into the music while you listen.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I prefer MP3s because I can listen to them anywhere and anytime but I do own a Vinyl player and love the unique sound that it gives off.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Spotify 100% because it’s an amazing option for listening, discovering and sharing music.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
People these days have a short attention span so getting them to pay attention to your music or posts about it is very hard. It has to be the right time of day, the perfect picture, and the right words to get attention from people and fans. Also everybody in the end is out for themselves so you have to find a way for your music to benefit people.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
I sing around the Charlotte area and I would love to start live streaming some small shows because that seems to be popular right now. I’m working on building more live shows very soon. You can keep up to date with my social media @jaronstrom or on my personal website jaronstrommusic.com
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
I would say my Facebook page or personal website! Or if you want to check out my music videos and music you can check YouTube or Spotify and search for “Jaron Strom”. I’m the only one lol.
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
I just want to give a big thanks to the lovely girl Tiffany who inspired my song “Freedom” she’s a caring, and beautiful person and you need people like this in your life. Great songs come from great situations and sometimes painful ones. Life is short so act on your happiness and what you love to do in the moment. Tell people how you feel.
