#MusicExchange: Jarrad Ricketts

His latest single, New Life is currently charting on all Cape Town radio stations, and he is one of the finalists in ESP young legends competition, which, if selected, would see him perform at the 2018 edition of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

I caught up with Ricketts last week in his studio to find out what music means to him and more…

When are you happiest?

I am at my happiest when I am creating. Whether it is songwriting, composing, designing or sketching. I enjoy the process of conceptualising and then seeing those ideas into materialisation.

What does music mean to you?

Music is an arena and space where I can fully express myself, a place where I can exist without considering if I am being understood. Music is my escape, but also the core of everything I do.

Have you had any funny moments on stage?

I was performing a show in Sweden, and upon my entrance onto the stage, I slipped on a piece of plastic that got stuck to my shoe and ended up sliding on my knees between my dancers. Quite a dramatic start to a ballad I was about to sing.

Who are your heroes?

Pharrell Williams is one of my biggest heroes. I admire how he is able to apply himself creatively across various mediums, I aspire to utilise my creative capabilities in a similar sense.

Robbie Willliams is one of the most captivating stage performers. I admire how engaging he is, and his unapologetic approach to his sense of self.

Michael Jackson, for not only being one of the best male performers of all time, but for his deep understanding of music and vocal delivery is still such a massive reference point for my creative process.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

I'm a sucker for lime milkshake :)

What would you say makes you stand out?

I've been told that my sense of humor makes me an engaging performer as people feel instantly connected to me.

Do you have any nicknames?

Because of my surname being Ricketts, I’ve been called Ricky J, Cricketts, but for the most part I’ve just been called Jay.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I would still be in some kind of creative field, and because I love design so much, I would have probably been a fashion designer.

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Fresh
Bold
Dynamic
Humorous
Talented

What would your five desert island discs be?

Alanis Morissette - Jagged Little Pill
Jamiroquai - Dynamite
Queen - Greatest Hits
Lianne La Havas - Is Your Love Big Enough
The Cranberries - No Need To Argue

What is your favorite word?

Hayibo!

Give us some real proper slang and what it means?

“Kap ’n baard”(Afrikaans), which means to share a meal.

What would you say is your greatest achievement?

Having my artwork exhibited at an exhibition and having my music play on national and international radio.

What is happiness to you?

Watching someone dance and sing along to your music on radio. To see that level of interaction with your music makes it so worth while.

What has been the best life lesson you have been taught?

Don’t allow others to determine how far you can go. People will always project their fears onto you. Instead, trust yourself and your vision.

Connect with Ricketts via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.