We are very pleased to feature Ross Reed today on Industry Reviews, He really surprised us.
Check out our interview with Ross and his cover of Royals by Lorde (Above)
IR: Let’s get to know a little bit more about you and how you grew up. So where do you consider hometown and what type of kid were you growing up?
RR: My hometown is Eatontown, NJ. As a kid i was a happy care free little dude. I was a sponge, soaking up as much information and life lessons as i could. Getting into trouble and learning from my mistakes. I thank my parents for that. They always let me know what right from wrong was.
IR: How old were you when you developed an interest in music?
RR: I always had a fascination for music. I feel as tho music really spoke to me through movies and television. Being a 90’s kid, I grew up watching “All That” and “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” those shows had such catchy theme songs. I still find my self humming theme songs from 90’s television.
IR: What was the first album you ever listened to? Can you remember back that far?
RR: The first album I ever “really” listened to was “Black on Both Sides” by Mos Def. Of course I listened to other music before this album but this is the first album that really spoke to me. Mos Def is a poet/lyricist and he told stories and kept it real. I loved this melodic ambience he could bring to a track and really connect to your soul.
IR: When and how did you begin your journey in the world of music?
RR: In middle school I really started writing. Rap music was all I knew. I studied with Professor Jay-Z and the Notorious BIG. I would write raps at home or in school and then record them on my phone with a beat playing from some kind of speaker. I would always show them my friend Brennan and it was his reaction that inspired me to really pursue music more.
IR: What influences shaped your musical style?
RR: Even tho he came later in the music world Drake is one of my biggest influences. His style of music resonates with me like no one else’s. I started as a rapper and tried to be melodic with my voice/flows but it was his combination of singing and rapping that allowed me to feel comfortable in my skin and aspire to be just as good of a singer as i am rapper if not better.
IR: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard it before?
RR: I would say if you like Justin Timberlake and Drake then you should like my music.
IR: Do you write a lot by yourself or do you have a partner or a group of people you work with?
RR: I always write by myself. As of recently I haven’t even been writing I’ve just been recording my music off the top of my head line for line. It comes out so natural, I love it. If you listen to my new song “Your Perfect” that was free-styled.
IR: What is your main goal at this point?
RR: My main goal is to be the biggest artist in the whole world. I want to have my music change peoples lives. Why would you not aspire to the biggest and best. Your dreams should never be limited that kind of defeats the purpose of a dream. But as far as short term goals go i want to establish a fan base that can take me to the global platform I strive to stand on.
IR: Have you learned any lessons so far and if so, what are they?
RR: The most important thing I’ve learned over the years is that everyone is full of shit. No one cares about you more then you do. With that said I’ve learned to do more things my self. You need people in your circle that truly believe in you and what your capable of.
IR: Are there any artists you wish to work with in the future?
RR: I would love to work with either Drake or Justin Timberlake.
IR: If you could create your dream tour, who would be a part of it?
RR: Drake, Jay-Z, Justin TImberlake, The Weeknd, Wiz Khalifa, Kendrick Lamar, and Miguel. Oh and Riff Raff cause hes hilarious.
IR: Where can we find your music? Online and offline?
RR: You can find my music on sound cloud, just look for Ross Reed. Also, I’m planning to take on a bigger Youtube presence with covers and videos. I don’t do many shows but I plan on changing that real soon.
IR: We ask all the artists we interview, what’s the best piece of advice someone’s ever given to you?
RR: The best piece of advice anyone has ever given me would be “Never Give Up”. As cliche as that sounds it truly sums up my whole life. At 22 years old I’m working two jobs and still pursing my dream. All this hard work will pay off one day and I won’t give up until it happens.
