We recently connected with Jared Oates and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jared thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on? Hands down, my debut EP On This Road. It’s not just music—it’s this unpredictable, personal journey I went through.

When the pandemic hit, it felt like I lost everything. Employment, projects, plans… all gone. Everything was out of my control, and for the first time, I had to really look at myself and figure out what I was made of. I kept waiting for the perfect scenario, for someone to come along and make it all happen for me. But the pandemic made it clear—that wasn’t happening.

So I just thought, “I’m gonna make this happen.” On This Road came from that moment I realized I didn’t need anyone else to give me permission to create. I had everything I needed already.

On This Road is about that. It’s about reclaiming your power when everything feels out of control. It’s messy, it’s real, and it’s a reminder that sometimes, you’ve got to bet on yourself.

Jared, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

At my core, I’m a storyteller. For me, that mostly comes out through music and songwriting. I grew up on legends like Stevie Wonder, Babyface, and Usher, so R&B runs deep in me, but I like to mix it up with pop, country, and whatever feels right. It’s all about creating something that makes me feel something.

I’ve always known I would take the entertainment path. When I went to Clark Atlanta University, I was focused on theater, and it helped shape how I approach music now—everything’s about the story. At some point, I realized I had the skills. That’s when I decided to go all in on songwriting and trust my own voice.

My songwriting is personal, but I like to leave enough space for people to take it however they need to. I want my music to feel like a conversation—like you’re hearing a story you might’ve lived yourself. Whether I’m writing about love, letting go, or just navigating life, I’m trying to put something real out there.

I think what sets me apart as a songwriter is that I’m not afraid to be vulnerable, but I also keep it relatable. I write about what I’ve been through, and I know people are out there going through the same stuff. That’s what I love most about music—it’s a connector.

At the end of the day, I want my music to make people feel seen. That’s the goal. Whether it’s a song to cry to, vibe to, or get you through something, I want people to find themselves in it. That’s what drives me—making music that means something, that hits you in a real way.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the connection. When I release a song and someone hears it, feeling like I’m talking directly to them—that’s the sweet spot. It’s like opening a portal into my world, and if it resonates with someone’s experience, that’s magic right there.

It’s not just about making music; it’s about creating a vibe where folks feel seen and heard. When someone tells me my song helped them through something, or they just vibed with it in their own way, it’s everything. It’s like this unspoken bond that forms, and that’s what makes this whole gig worthwhile.

Plus, the act of creating itself? There’s nothing like it. Whether it’s piecing together a lyric or experimenting with a new sound, that rush of inspiration is addictive. It’s that beautiful mix of expression and connection that fuels and keeps me going.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think one of the biggest struggles for non-creatives to understand is the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being an artist. It’s not just about creating something and putting it out there; it’s about pouring your heart and soul into every piece. When you’re writing a song or working on a project, you’re vulnerable. You’re exposing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, which can feel like a double-edged sword.

There’s a lot of self-doubt that creeps in—questions like, “Is this good enough?” or “Will anyone relate to this?” That struggle is real, and it can be tough for people outside the creative world to grasp how deeply those thoughts can affect you.

Another thing is the unpredictable nature of it all. The highs of creating something beautiful are often followed by lows of rejection or criticism. It’s a constant push and pull between joy and frustration. But that’s also part of the journey—embracing the messiness and learning from it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jaredoates.komi.io
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaredoates/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q_0fIiYweZYJ8Bbyu4K-w
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/joates-2

Image Credits

Chesire Isaac