Today’s featured artist is Jensen Reed, a Los Angeles based pop and hip-hop artist. I had the opportunity to interview Reed and find out more about his musical background, influences, and projects. Reed’s music features a combination of layered genres and earnest lyrics. In addition to his latest single “This Time,” Reed has also released a cover of current hit song “Habits (Stay High).” Reed is reaching out across genres, collaborating with other artists such as The Mowgli’s, and producing music that’s fun to listen to. Read more about Jensen Reed and check out his single “This Time,” found on iTunes, here!
Gadfly Online: Can you provide us with some background? Where are you from? What made you pursue a career in music?
Jensen Reed: I moved to Los Angeles a little over 7 years ago (man… time flies) from Chapel Hill, NC. I gravitated toward music as a kid and was hooked when I started performing in high school. The move to LA was born out of a desire to stop spinning my wheels in a small market and give it a shot where there are real opportunities. I feel fortunate to have met some truly great people in my 7 years of living in LA.
GO: How would you characterize your music? Do you fit into a stock genre or create a fusion of genres?
JR: My elevator pitch is Alternative Hip-Hop with a Pop sensibility. I think that sums it up pretty well. Although I’m all over the map with respect to genre… from dark hip-hop to upbeat pop, I believe memorable choruses provide a cohesive feel.
GO: Who would you cite as your musical influence?
JR: I have so many. Beastie Boys, A Tribe Called Quest, Outkast, Eminem. The Stones, Beatles, The Doors, Radiohead, Rage Against The Machine. I could go on and on. I take pride in my music being as diverse as my listening tastes.
GO: What project are you promoting right now? How does this fit into your overall career arc?
JR: I just released a new single – “This Time” featuring my good friend Lisa Donnelly. I worked, as always, with my production partner Christian Hand on the track. It’s a big pop love song with a dreamy feel. I’m finishing up editing the music video, which should be out in a few weeks.
GO: What do you hope to communicate to listeners through your music? What does music mean to you?
JR: Truth. I write from the heart. Music has always been my inspiration, my escape, my passion, my goal, my dream.
GO: What can we expect from you in the future?
JR: Being creative and consistently writing are the only things I have control over. I’m currently working on new material and hope to release it in the coming months.
For more information on Jensen Reed go to www.jensenreed.com
