Unheard Voices Magazine has partnered with Reverbnation to search for indie artists who are claiming their fame! After many submissions and narrowing it down to only three, Unheard Voices Magazine is proud to present winner: Justin Ruff!

Justin Ruff is an up and coming R&B artist in the Greater Chicago area.  His dedication and drive as an R&B artist is apparent as he is currently nominated for R&B Artist of the Year for the Chicago Independent Music Awards. 

Justin Ruff has created a sound of his own with his impeccable vocals and scat singing skills.  His current single, “Take Me Away”, is currently in rotation on WGCI 107.5 (Chicago’s #1 Radio Station).  The sound of Justin Ruff can be compared to the velvety crooning of Maxwell with the sweet sensual scat of Ella Fitzgerald. Justin is definitely an artist to listen, watch, and look out for; he was a recent finalist on ABC Windy City LIVE “Search for a Star” competition.  Earlier this year he released his debut EP: “Introducing Justin Ruff”.

Justin Ruff has mastered a sound which he describes at “R&B Crooner”. With that being said, Croon On! Unheard Voices Magazine asked Justin Ruff some great questions for artists on the rise. Take some time to learn more about Justin Ruff and listen to his track “Take My Time”.

UV: When did you fall in love with music?

Justin Ruff:    I fell in love with music in High School. I was exposed to a great deal of music at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, OH and it was there that I decided music is what I wanted to pursue full-time.

UV: How long have you been creating and performing music?

Justin Ruff: I’ve been singing since High School. I always knew I had a gift in music, but it wasn’t until I got to High school that I started taking it seriously and really honing in on my craft.

UV:  Tell the Unheard Voices readers what your passions are and who or what motivates you to continue to strive in a cut throat industry?

Justin Ruff: I’m very passionate about my craft. I want to share my music with the world. I feel that I have a refreshing and unique sound that needs to be heard. My family is a big motivation for me to do what I do. Creating a better life for them is at the top of my to-do list.

UV: How would you describe your music?

Justin Ruff: It’s R&B. I am influenced by other styles of music such as Jazz & Hip Hop. So you can hear those influences as well, but the sound is definitely R&B.

UV: Describe your style in one or two words. Justin Ruff:   

Justin Ruff: R&B Crooner

UV: What forthcoming projects are currently in progress?

Justin Ruff: Currently working on an EP that I plan on releasing in Summer 2014. I’m very excited about this, as it’s been almost a year since I released a project. I’ve grown and evolved so much as an artist in the past year, and I’m excited to share that with the people.

UV: How long have you been a member of Reverbnation?

Justin Ruff: I’ve been a Reverbnation member for a couple years now, but I haven’t been that active until this past year.

UV: How do you feel about Reverbnation creating this opportunity?

Justin Ruff:   I love that Reverbnation creates such an awesome platform for up and coming artists. Opportunities like this are confirmation that people still enjoy good music.

UV: Who are your musical influences?

Justin Ruff: I have so many musical influences. Maxwell, Prince and Justin Timberlake are 3 of my all time favorite singers. I have a heavy Jazz background as well, so artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and Sarah Vaughn are also major influences.

UV: What influenced you to begin your music career?

Justin Ruff: My mother sings as well. She’s always been a major supporter of me pursuing music and has always pushed me to become and strive for better in music and life in general.

UV: What advice do you have for other indie artists trying to succeed?

Justin Ruff: Stand out and DO YOU! It’s so easy to be normal and conform to the cookie-cutter world that music has a tendency to throw at us nowadays. But our time is coming, Unique Artists! Lol.

UV: What is the hardest challenge you have encountered with building your fan base?

Justin Ruff: It would have to be getting my name and music out to the people. Getting the best shows, producers, and more is so hard for up and coming artists. Usually you see the same individuals being pushed in front of everyone all the time. Patience is definitely necessary in this industry. Everything happens in God’s timing.

UV: How in tune are you with your fans?

Justin Ruff: I try to stay really connected to and in tune with the people that support me. Without them, I’m nothing. So whether it’s surprising them with new music, asking their opinion on songs I should cover and perform or just thanking them, every now and then, for their constant support, I think it’s so important to stay connected and show them how much their support is valued.

UV: Has anyone ever given you negative feedback on your music, if so how did you react to it?

Justin Ruff: When you are trying to be different and set yourself a part from the typical R&B singers, in my case, sometimes people aren’t so accepting to it because it’s something new that they aren’t accustom to. When I take a Katy Perry song, slap an R&B vibe on it and start scatting as if Ella Fitzgerald was my mother, some people can’t process it right away. Lol, But then you have people that applaud you for doing something no one else has ever done and they appreciate you for it. I don’t enjoy being predictable.

UV: What do you hope to gain by being featured in Unheard Voices Magazine?

Justin Ruff: I hope to gain more fans/supporters. At this stage in my career, I am really focused on building my fan base and putting out great music that people will be able to enjoy in years to come.

UV: How important and how difficult is it to support your career with your own funding?

Justin Ruff: It’s very difficult. It takes money to make money.

UV: Would you rather be signed or remain independent and why?

Justin Ruff: I’m undecided. I think the independent route can be a great one if things are done right. I’ve always dreamed of being signed to a label, too. I’m still learning the business side of things so I’m really undecided now.

UV: If you want to be signed, which label peaks your interest and why?

Justin Ruff: Some of my favorite artists are signed to Def Jam and Columbia records. I like the diversity of both labels. I’m still researching each.

UV: How has social media affected your career?

Justin Ruff: Social Media has had a major impact on these beginning stages of my career. I’ve been able to connect with and get my music out to fans in other states and more. I love how easy it is to get music out to new and existing fans. I’m a huge fan and promoter of social media.

Be sure to check out “Take My Time” by Justin Ruff.

Also, be sure to cast your vote for Justin Ruff as R&B Artist of the Year for the Chicago Independent Music Awards. Voting ends on January 31st at 12pm CST. You can vote once a day, let’s support Justin Ruff as he continues to reach his musical goals! Visit: www.chicagoindependentmusicawards.com/vote