Sharod Brown, a soulful artist from Lorain, Ohio, blends gospel roots with R&B influences from Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, and Whitney Houston. His upcoming EP "Love Jones" drops on Valentine’s Day. Dive into his journey, inspirations, and creative process in this exclusive Q&A.

1. What was it like growing up in Lorain, Ohio? Did your hometown help shape your sound?

Growing up in Lorain helped shape me into the person I am today. It’s a very Grityy city and has equipped me with the tools to keep striving towards my goals and dreams. Coming from this area has helped shaped my sound in a very positive way. Growing up singing in church and being form an area that has such a profound impact in Gospel singers form this area. You can’t help but to be pushed and inspired to excel in your gift and not just rely on your talent. 

2. If you had to describe your music in three words, what would they be?

If I only had 3 words to describe my music i would say it’s heartfelt, Soulful , dynamic. 

3. Who’s on your personal R&B Mount Rushmore, and how have they influenced your style?

My R&B Mount Rush Moore would and people how have influenced me the most are Michael Jackson , Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston. 

When I first began writing I saw an interview where an artist said the best to write is to use your own experience and build form there. I always use either events from what I’m gone through in the past or maybe something I’m currently feeling. I let life speak through my songs and what comes out of is just my journey. 

4. Your lyrics hit deep—what’s your secret to writing songs that pull at the heartstrings?

When I first began writing I saw an interview where an artist said the best to write is to use your own experience and build form there. I always use either events from what I’m gone through in the past or maybe something I’m currently feeling. I let life speak through my songs and what comes out of is just my journey.

5. Walk us through your creative process—do you start with a melody, a lyric, or just a vibe?

 When writing most of the time I can hear the lyrics in my head. If I can find a beat or a hook comes together I build with that. I don’t try to limit myself creatively so I try to stay open and just flow.  

6. If you could only perform one of your songs for the rest of your life, which one would it be and why?

Currently right now it would It’s You. This was the first I started writing off my Latest project “Love Jones”. So far in my musical career it’s the most emotional song I’ve written so far. 

7. You’ve been making waves in the music scene—what’s been your biggest “Wow, this is really happening” moment so far?

A surreal moment has had to of been when I’ve got to work with Dave Tolliver form the Group Men at Large. I learned allot during the time we got to work together. We even got record a song with my producer and engineer Fayvaven who is a powerhouse himself. 

8. What’s your pre-show ritual? Any lucky charms or must-do routines before hitting the stage?

 I humbly can say I don’t have a pre show ritual. I’ve been singing in church for so long and in front of people. I just lock in and I’m ready.

 9. Being an independent artist isn’t easy—what’s been the toughest challenge, and how did you push through?

The hardest thing about being an independent artist so far has been trying to find balance. I still work two other jobs while being a father. So while I’m still perusing my passion I still gotta work and provide. So during the process I’m just trying to still navigate through everything that comes with my life. 

10. If your music could send one message to the world, what would it be?

The message that I want my music to send to the world is that I’m always singing form my heart and soul. My music is something you can connect to that’s feels real. It will take you into a place were you feel like even tho you’ve lost you can love again. All in all my music gives you hope.

 11. Any exciting projects, collabs, or surprises that fans should keep their eyes (and ears) on?

Everyone should definitely be on the looking for my first Ep Love Jones that comes out Valentine Day this month. 

12. Fast forward five years—where do you see yourself, and what’s playing on your setlist?

 Five years from now, I can see myself performing around the world and being one the most impactful singer and song writers of my generation. By then I would hope to give the world an album of meeting my wife you know. 

13. Dream collab time! If you could work with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

If I could have a dream collab or work with any artist. It would be Kanye West as a producer and influencers artist outside of Michael Jackson he has had the biggest impact on me musically. 

14. What keeps you inspired and motivated to keep evolving as an artist?

What keeps me motivated as an artist is to make better music that would be timeless. Each time I write a song I always think about how I can make it better or thinking the next song I write has to be better than what I just wrote. It’s my competitive drive that keeps me going to be the best musician I can be. 

15. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone chasing their own music dreams?

The one and most simple piece of advice I could give someone pursing the musical dreams is that’s it’s possible. Have faith in God , believe in yourself. In due time it will all work out for you.