Meet J.R Holmes | Award winning Indie Artist & Small business owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with J.R Holmes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi J.R, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve always had a free spirited, just do it kind of attitude. If I want to go somewhere or do something off the wall I just do it. Taking risks has never been something I’ve been afraid to do. I feel like it builds your self confidence and courage too. When you decide to put your mind to something and accomplish it against all the odds, the self gratification is priceless. As an Artist and Entrepreneur in the entertainment scene, you can not be scared out here. Especially in LA! Me even coming 7 years ago was a risk and had I not taken it, I would not have progressed to where I am now.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Through my travels and experiences in show business I developed a second passion for the Audio Visual and production side of entertainment. My company is J.R Holmes Entertainment LLC. I started it just out the passion for music and the art of recording At first.I was strictly recording clients and or mixing and mastering the audio for podcasts, recordings, voiceovers things like that. I was doing pretty well with just that, especially during the pandemic podcast editing and self taped audition were really good business. Then things started to shift when the world opened back up so I had to shift with it.

I was a bartender for many years prior to doing Audio Visual Full time. A friend asked me to bartend a family event and I agreed, When I get there, they were stressing about the DJ not showing up. Me being a karaoke host I had a set of usb turn tables and my laptop in the car. I set up behind the bar then just DJ’d and bartended the party myself. It was a big hit! I slowly started to get requests for more of that. Now it seems to be what I’m known for. I’ve since put some flourishes on it to create a very entertaining and efficient service. Although you may not get me personally these days, I have got some talented DJ,s that make a good cocktail too.

The company has just been continuously evolving. We have been commissioned as sound crew for two feature films in the last year one of which I was a one man crew doing it all. We also have added Video Editing Sound Design to the list of post production services. My studio still has the best recording packages In Hollywood because that’s my first love, and I’ll never gouge people who want to record.

I wouldn’t say it was easy to start a business because its so many in and outs to it. I am starting to realize its a never ending learning experience. I mean from accounting and keeping records and doing taxes, to hiring people and getting things insured. When business is slow. Guess what? Still gotta make payments on that equipment you just bought last week. There were a lot of gradual learning curbs that I didn’t really think about in depth when I said I’m gonna start a business. It’s been worth it so far.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being that I have no family here I am always stuck doing this anyway when I get visitors. Ok let’s see…. Definitely gotta take them to In and Out Burger. Those teeny tiny burgers don’t do it for me but it’s an LA staple. A given is the walk of fame, everyone wants to see the stars. A day trip to Venice and Santa Monica Pier for sure. Stop by Nippsy Hussles store Marathon and check out the history I’m South Central LA.

Then you gotta do the LA , LA stuff that isn’t so touristy. Shout out to The Frolic Room on Hollywood Blvd, one of my favorite spots gotta stop there for a cool dive bar experience. Anyone coming to see me already knows they are going to Karaoke! Shout out to The Good Nite in North Hollywood with nightly karaoke. Amanda makes amazing margaritas and Trey at the door always. makes you feel glad you came. Maybe on the last night catch a fancy dinner at Catch in West Hollywood. They are always good for a celebrity sighting or two.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh wow, man I have crossed paths with so many amazing people who have had a hand in helping me succeed. Got to start with the cliche shout outs though! Im blessed to have a mother and father who have always, always, always encouraged and supported me with any endeavor with love. I also have to give a shout out to the Most High. Some opportunities have literally just fallen in my hands or I just happen to be at the right place at the right time and I call that nothing short of a blessing! Don’t get me wrong now, I worked hard a sacrificed a ton but I have to give credit and show thanks for blessings. Sorry had to do it (laughs)

I for sure have to Shout out my guy A.J Avanno who is the founder of Talent Tonight! Talent Tonight was one of the first platforms to help mold me into an artist. I met A.J in Brooklyn, New York back in 2010. He was putting on a show that my Rapper buddy was performing in and I was invited to come join him on stage to sing the hook on a song we recorded together.

I connected with A.J after the show and Immediately could tell the passion and sincerity he had. He created a community and a safe place for urban artists to learn and experience the entertainment business. His company puts on shows all over New York City that showcase local indie artists. He even does one for the kids, and partners with local radio stations to give some exposure to young musicians that you don’t see on TV. It’s a positive outlet and definitely changing lives in the Urban community.

The Talent Tonight stage was my first in New York, and the first to put money in my pocket as an Indie Artist. I was able to get used to performing my own music, I learned the tools to develop my following and became a better entertainer. A.J would rent well known venues for us little known artists to bring our fan base and perform. Sometimes seeing little to no return himself. Now that’s heart!

He has a real contagious energy about him. It’s always positive and encouraging. Like always! With countless shows and stressful situations together, I don’t think I have seen him loose his cool once. Over the years A.J has become like a brother to me. He has come to support my professional gigs here in LA and even hired me as his consultant to build out the Talent Tonight Recording Studio in Brooklyn.

Back in 2019 I partnered up with him to bring a Talent Tonight show to LA. It was a good feeling to have a hand in producing the same show that gave me my start. He connected a lot of talent from the east and west coast and the show was a move! We doing here again this June! So even though I have been gone from New York City for a long time, my brother A.J and the Talent Tonight tonight family will always be apart of my little story. Im glad I was able to give ‘‘em their much deserved flowers in this shout out!

Website: https://www.jrholmesentertainment.com

Instagram: @jrholmes & @jrholmesentertainmentllc

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jr-holmes-entertainment-llc