Upcoming100: How long have you been in the music industry and has music always been a part of your life?
Ricky Persaud, Jr.: Professionally, I’ve been a part of the music industry since 2014. But throughout my life, music has always been there for me. Dating all the way back when I was just 1 year old, my parents bought me my first instrument for Christmas (which was a bongo set). Ever since then, I just fell in love with music. With my parents’ musical background and upbringing, there was always musical equipment/instruments lying around the house when I was growing up. I practically grew up in a guitar center. Furthermore, living in such an environment propelled me to utilize my surroundings for my own music creations.
Upcoming100: Was there a specific moment in your life when you thought, “Music is what I want to do”?
Ricky Persaud, Jr.: To be absolutely honest, I never had a moment like that because music honestly chose me. As long as I can remember I was always performing, attending music lessons/classes, and just having a profound love for music. Growing up in a musical family made music more than a career choice, but instead, a way of life for me.
Upcoming100: What inspires you (or your music)?
Ricky Persaud, Jr.: Current events that impact our world, my community and myself as a whole is my biggest inspiration formy music.
Upcoming100: Who’s on your iTunes playlist?
Ricky Persaud, Jr.: Beatles, Prince, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Billie
Eilish, The Strokes, Childish Gambino, The Police,
Thundercat, and Michael Jackson. I like to mix my playlist with some of the old, and some of the new to keep my musical palate versatile and well-balanced.
Upcoming100: How did the idea for your single “M.Y.O.B” come about?
https://soundcloud.com/user-217755826/myob
Ricky Persaud, Jr.: The idea for M.Y.O.B came about when an ex associate of mine started using my image and likeness to promote a brand without my permission. I took my feelings about this situation and put in song form. I did this to liberate myself of the angry emotions I was feeling. Furthermore, I made this song to encourage listeners around the world to stand up for their themselves and not let anyone take advantage of them.
Upcoming100: There are thousands of artists trying to do what you are doing, what do you think gives you an advantage to break into mainstream America?
Ricky Persaud, Jr.: Both of my parents are entrepreneurs with successful businesses. From them, I learned that hard work and passion for what you do is the formula for success in any business. Every great opportunity I have had in my life so far was a result of these characteristics. Moreover, a lot of folks I know are banking on one skill set to get them to the top. That is not me. I have a diversified entertainment portfolio. I am a multi-instrumentalist, performer, singer, songwriter, composer & a business entrepreneur. This is all being accomplished while I am completing my college degree at Berklee College Of Music with a focus on music business. To accomplish these goals takes a lot of hard work and passion. Any fame or fortune I receive from this point forward will be icing on the cake for me, my family and my awesome team.
Upcoming100: What are your thoughts on the evolution of artists and music today?
Ricky Persaud, Jr.: Thanks to technology, artist like myself have found it much easier to reach out to new fans and release new music more conveniently than ever before. In turn, a lot more interesting music has been put out thanks to current technology. And because of current music technology, it continues to push the boundaries of what an artist can create in our ever changing world
Upcoming100: Do you have other passions in life? Do you believe passion is an essential part of success?
Ricky Persaud, Jr.: Aside from recording music, my other passion is performing live. I feel like I am on top of the world when I’m giving it my all on stage. It’s probably one of the greatest feelings an artist can feel. In regards to my feelings on whether passion is an essential part of success, the music business is full of NOs and closing doors. Your self-esteem will make you want to give up. But your passion will wake you up in the morning and get you to head back to what you love, creating music despite the obstacles.
Upcoming100: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in his or her career who doesn't even have a studio to record but would love to do what you are doing now?
Ricky Persaud, Jr.: Well, home studios are the next best thing! For those who are unfamiliar with how to use a digital audio work station. Garage band is a good place to start, Garage band is free for most Apple computers and smart phones. Garage band was the app where I got my start in regards to recording back in the day. Also, for getting the basic set up for a home studio (like mics, interfaces) there are tons of YouTube videos that give advice on what equipment to invest in while saving a ton of money. It’s good to start small before you advance to a more mainstream set up like I have.
Upcoming100: Where can potential fans find out more about you?
Ricky Persaud, Jr.: They can find out more about me on my social media sites like Twitter, Sound cloud, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and my own website rickypersaudjr1. The links are posted below.
https://twitter.com/rickypersaudjr
https://soundcloud.com/user-943024770
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf-V99HduRwK4LZmtrmn6Vw?view_as=subscriber
https://www.instagram.com/rickypersaudjr/
https://www.facebook.com/rickypersaudjr
http://www.rickypersaudjr1.com
