We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jerrad Richardson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jerrad below.

Alright, Jerrad thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

In middle school i wrote short stories about me and my friends you know? Going on adventures, having powers, epic fights that type of thing. Going into high school i started writing poetry more than the stories (I’d dabble in between the two from time to time). After graduating before going into the military some friends told me i should consider doing music since the poems i wrote were actually good, and just having a diverse musical palette (growing up in church, than diving into alternative/punk/emo THAN into hip-hop will do that haha).

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Names Jerrad Lee Richardson but I go by Welo aka 5Starr aka Mr. Oyesuhhhhh haha! I got into music around 2015, started taking it seriously come 2017 and we’ve been going strong since. I feel now I’m stepping into the artists, as well as the man I’m supposed to be and the rides been long and trying but oh so worth it. Getting signed to an independent label definitely made me realize what i truly want is available -we just gotta stand up and get it. What would set me apart i think would be the fact i don’t get compared to a lot of people already out, which is great because nobody wants another Yachty or Travis Scott or Asap Rocky – they want something new. Something that’ll stand out. Someone who has that gravitational pull to bring people in. Bold , braggadocious lyrics and confidence that came with time doesn’t hurt either. I’ve learned to just watch myself – nobody else. I’m not them and they’re not me. Our paths our different, our lanes are different, so I keep my eyes forward and don’t merge. To answer the last question the one thing I’m proud of is knowing everyone’s timing is their own timing. I feel my sound/voice is more prominent and now it’s just a matter of giving people what they want – music they can rock with.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artists is getting real love and recognition for doing what you love. People engaging your new single. Your new video getting those views over time. People quoting your lyrics when they see you. Performing and watching the crowd have the time of their lives. Someone reaching out saying “you just gained a new fan – I can’t wait to watch you blow up so I can brag about this night”. Creating with fellow creatives and making something you and everyone else will enjoy. That right there – priceless.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Watch your favorite artists. If they have a documentary, them in the studio, BTS from a video shoot, live performances all of it. Keep yourself hungry. I watch ASAP Rocky’s five episode series from Noisey films on YouTube, as well as Travis Scott’s look mom i can fly documentary on Netflix. Seeing it lets you know everything happens over time and when you’re actually ready. Everyone says they’re ready now but that’s why folks are here today gone tomorrow – you really weren’t. Timing is everything.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5starr.welo/profilecard/?igsh=NWlpYTMzZDBvaXFm
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mroyesuhhhhh?si=tioBMtuGBSpv19np
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/fwDBposA4tj4rhb8A
• Other: Spotify –

  https://open.spotify.com/artist/2C7h1qWqLHO28rvZkJnaSY?si=3xfV4MxWTCmQVzCJZSoeVA