J. R. Byrd
Denton, Texas, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2014 | SELF
Music
Press
“Music’s hard.” So declares singer-songwriter J.R. Byrd as he sits at his kitchen table in Denton, Texas, pondering his creative identity. Byrd, who has released four well-received solo albums in the last eight years, confesses to feeling both excited and frustrated by being a thirty-something indie musician in the 21st century. By his age, he says, “few are doing it purely for fun anymore. They’ve got to make money, provide for their families.” Fortunately, Byrd has managed to remain a member of the ardent minority. “I’m passionate about music because it’s my music.” Unlike many involved in the northeast Texas music scene, he prefers to write and perform his own music rather than cover the proven yet prosaic songs of more popular artists. His has not always been an easy path, but his commitment to originality has paid off, especially when it comes to his latest musical venture: Brown, Byrd and Champagne.” - Susan Adams Kauffman/Suck Free Radio
It’s been a while since we’ve posted anything other than Hip Hop and there is nothing wrong with that but sometimes it’s nice to hear some jazzy acoustic guitar. This is where J.R. Byrd comes in; he is a solo artist out of the Dallas Metroplex area with a sound similar, and maybe even better, than The Dave Matthew’s Band and John Mayer. Check J.R. Byrd out on Twitter, Like him on Facebook, and check out his website: jrbyrd.net - Metroplex Music
Discography
Step Into the Shade (2005)
Limitless (2009)
Planted (2010)
Afternoon with Maya (2012)
Brown, Byrd and Champagne (2012)
Photos
Bio
A pop-rock singer-songwriter based out of Denton, Texas, J.R. Byrd has been writing and performing his own songs since the age of 16. Byrd first knew he was destined to be a songwriter when he realized he was too slow & too short to play in the National Basketball Association. With his b-ball dreams dashed, he resorted to practicing gloomy Chopin nocturnes. With a little instrumental facility under his belt, Byrd began writing simple gooey love songs for various middle school crushes, which in turn often netted him Hershey Kisses, but never kiss kisses. It wasnt until his senior year of high school when he played the greasy role of Kenickie that girls started to notice J.R.s vocal lightning. In music school at the University of North Texas, Byrds song-smithing got all growns up, and he really delved into the acoustic guitar as his main songwriting tool. Influenced by the likes of John Mayer, Steely Dan, Dave Matthews, and Stone Temple Pilots, J.R.s music sounds suspiciously like the love child of some jazz, some rock n roll, and some funk, wrapped up into a sushi roll of pop perfection. One of JRs fans called his music, Smart Pop. An all growns up sort of progressive pop with upbeat tunes and unconventional lyrics, J.R. has birthed us into the world of smart pop.
Instrumentation:
Solo:
Guitar/piano and vocals
Duo:
Solo instrumentation plus sax or cello
Band:
Vocals with Guitar and Keys
Drums
Bass
Full Band:
Vocals with Acoustic Guitar and Keys
Drums
Bass
Sax
Electric Guitar
Links
