Entertainment

John Jay, the Hype Stirrer in the R&B and Pop Music Sphere Making his Childhood Dream Come to Life

Published

4 years ago

July 11, 2020

Every person is born with some sort of dream to make a difference in the world using their skills or interests. For some people, the dream is to teach, some people dream of becoming a top-class sports player. Some people dream of becoming a doctor, while for some people the dream is to become musicians or singers.

Dreaming is one thing, but having the courage and motivation to take that dream to greater extents is another, and not everyone is brave enough to do so. Outshining everyone else, John Jay was a dreamer who worked hard and paved his way to the top. This rising Pop and R&B sensation is stirring hype in the musical sphere.

THE DREAM TO BE PART OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

John Jay was born in New York on 24^th February 1987, but shortly after opening eyes in the world, his family moved to Miami, where he grew up. Living in a state that is known for its talented music artists, and growing up in a family where every person was interested in making new sounds and music that caught everyone’s attention no matter the age difference, John found himself very interested in music. When he turned nine years old, he began producing and playing classical music. He also learned how to play the piano!

With his interest in music in full bloom, his dream to become a musical artist also started to ignite. Being influenced by his friends and family, John was sure that this was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. John had had heavy influences in the electronic and dance music genre along with Hip-Hop and R&B scene, which is a huge part of Miami. Listening to two opposite genres, John decided to merge the two and create unique music that ould attract a large crowd of audience. His aim was to make music that people would be able to relate to.

TAKING HIS DREAM TO REACH THE TOP

After struggling and working hard to collect sources and skills to make a mark in the music industry, John founded a record label, Independent Hits. Since the record was new to the industry, nobody wanted to work under it, so John built his own platform and let all of the artists who were in need of help come to him.

For quite a long while, there were no submissions, and the years were slow and tough. Eventually, submissions started coming in, and John realized that there were so many underrated and talented artists. They had no help in promotions or gaining visibility. That is when John decided he wanted to help the underrated artists, and his label came to life. He decided to help promote music that was new and undiscovered to audiences, that those artists would have never seen or be able to get in front of. From then on, the label became one of the largest playlist networks, and he started working and getting request for more established and bigger artists.

As of today, Independent Hits is one of the largest playlist networks and labels with a growing music catalogue and has over 200+ playlists, 10+ million Spotify followers, and 6 million monthly listeners. The genres include POP, R&B, Hip hop, Electronic, Lofi and Chill.

At the same time, John also began recording songs. On October 3^rd 2019, John Jay released his first single, Best Life. The same year, he released four other singles, Lowkey, Bring That Close, Run, and So Numb. John’s songs are Sounds are recognized and influenced by The Weeknd, Benny Blanco, Hasley, H.E.R., SG Lewis, Post Malone, Drake, Zayn, Bazzi, and Khalid.

On 24^th January of the current year, John’s first album, Jaded, was released, with a total of 9 Songs. His songs reached over 10 Million streams on Spotify. The album was followed by a beautiful single, Don’t Fade Away, released on 31^st January 2020. John also released two other songs, which are a collaboration with Courtney Bennett, Lifetime, released on 24^th April 2020, and Back To You, released on 8^th May 2020.

As of today, the artist has recently worked and released music with Jean Deaux, Jahkoy, and NEVRMIND. His track, Eastside (feat. Kyan Palmer), is scheduled for release on 19^th June 2020!

John Jay’s story is a motivational narration for anyone who requires self-confidence and belief that with a little patience and a whole lot of passion, anything is possible!

Entertainment

Omar Harfouch’s ‘Concerto for Peace’ to Enchant Paris in an Evening of Musical Unity

Published

2 weeks ago

September 5, 2024

Jonathan Grilli

Photo Credit: Daniel Topic

Byline: Katreen David

It’s no secret that music holds the power to enchant people. Ears hear the melodies and every fiber of the soul feels them, especially when the message behind the musical notes conveys a call for world peace.

“In times of turmoil, music has always been our refuge, where we find solace and the courage to hope. This is what inspired ‘Concerto for Peace,’” reflects Omar Harfouch, the world-renowned pianist and composer who will bring “Concerto for Peace” to the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, France.

When he isn’t busy producing classical melodies with every keystroke of his piano, Harfouch can be found redefining what it means to blend art and activism. His upcoming “Concerto for Peace,” set to premiere on September 18, 2024, promises to be more than just a concert—it’s an evocative call to unity, a symphonic plea for a world yearning to heal.

Just 48 hours after enchanting Paris with the concerto, Omar Harfouch will take the stage at the United Nations in Geneva to deliver the “Concerto for Peace” once more. This remarkable performance is set to be a highlight of the World Music Conference, coinciding with the global observance of World Peace Day on September 20.

A Symphony as a Statement

Omar Harfouch is no stranger to the power of music as a transformative force. With a career that’s as much about melodic innovation as it is about social impact, Harfouch’s latest work, “Concerto for Peace,” encapsulates his belief that music can be both recreational and revolutionary. As 2024 sees the rise of art with a cause, Harfouch’s concert stands out for its musical mastery and bold message.

“This isn’t just about notes on a page,” Harfouch explains. “It’s about creating a space where every listener, regardless of background, can feel part of something larger—a movement toward peace, one note at a time.”

In a world where philanthropy is increasingly woven into the heart of the arts, Omar Harfouch’s “Concerto for Peace” reflects a growing trend where music serves as a catalyst for change. The performance, featuring the Béziers Méditerranée Symphony Orchestra under the skilled direction of Mathieu Bonnin, is set to be a defining moment in this movement.

The Pulse of 2024: Music with Purpose

As we navigate the complexities of 2024, the intersection of art and advocacy has never been more pronounced. The global music industry is seeing an unprecedented convergence with philanthropic efforts. Artists are not just creating for the sake of creation; they are crafting experiences that resonate with the world’s most pressing issues.

Omar Harfouch stands on the frontlines of this shift. “Concerto for Peace” is emblematic of a broader movement where art becomes a form of protest, a medium for messages that words alone can’t convey.

“Music has this incredible ability to reach where words often fail,” Harfouch reflects. “In every melody, there’s a story. In every crescendo, a call to action.”

An Artistic Tribute to Roots and Responsibility

The story behind one of Harfouch’s most famous compositions is a tale from his childhood. This is primarily why the upcoming Paris performance is also deeply personal for Harfouch. Among the pieces featured is “Tripoli,” a composition that serves as a musical homage to his birthplace.

With its intricate blend of cultural motifs and personal history, this piece adds a profound layer of authenticity to the concert. To that effect, it becomes an artistic expression fueled by his personal journey.

“Tripoli is more than just a city to me—it’s a symbol of resilience, of the beauty that can emerge from hardship,” says Harfouch. “Through this piece, I’m sharing a part of myself, my history, and my hope for the future.”

Another key highlight is “Save One Life, You Save Humanity,” a composition that spotlights Harfouch’s belief in the power of individual action. In a world where small acts of kindness can ripple into broader societal change, this piece serves as both a reminder and an inspiration.

A Crescendo of Hope

As the “Concerto for Peace” prepares to echo through the streets of Paris, Omar Harfouch is reflective yet resolute. “We live in a world that’s constantly changing, constantly challenging us,” he says. “But in music, we find a constant—a reminder that beauty, harmony, and peace are always within our reach if only we’re brave enough to listen.”

For Harfouch, this concert is the culmination of months of work and proof of the enduring power of art to reflect the world, comfort the world, and change the world.

The “Concerto for Peace” is bound to leave behind a lasting impact—a reminder that, in the grand symphony of life, every voice matters, and every note counts.