![[EXCLUSIVE] Singer-Songwriter, Jaron Hitz, Talks Improving His Skills, Struggles, Being a Working Artist, More](https://singersroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/jaronhitzinterviewsingersroom.jpg)
Jaron Smith, better known as "Jaron Hitz," is planning to be an eminent figure in the entertainment industry. Hitz is already crafty as a singer, songwriter, producer, and engineer. The Brooklyn native has written songs for several artists, including Trey Lorenz, Luke James, Yummy Bingham, and Shaliek Rivers. He continues to show his versatility as an artist with the ability to write songs in various musical elements such as R&B, soul, pop, gospel, alternative, and dance. Hitz also launched a songwriting team, "The Entourage Ink," with former Project 718 group member, Dave AL. They like to consider themselves as the 2015 version of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Al and Hitz want their songwriting team to be the "go-to" place where writers, songwriters, and producers can utilize their gifts and talents to their fullest capacity. Hitz is also working on completing his EP, Hello, I'm Jaron Volume 1. He conversed with Singersroom.com recently about why music plays an important role in his life and how he plans to achieve his goals as a musician.
Discovering Passion for Music: I was really young, like four or five. I discovered my love for music when I was in church. Music was always around me and I just loved it from there. There was a time in church when the music choir was performing and I just paid attention to the sound, harmony, music, and the singers. I was that little church boy that was completely amazed and astonished. And from that point on, singing became an important factor in my life. I was singing in various school choruses and joined an all-male group, Complete.
Adding Songwriting to List of Skills: When I was a teenager, I was just trying to find my own voice outside of the church. I began singing covers from other artists, but it didn't come out naturally. It didn't sound good, and it didn't make me happy. It was like I knew the talent, and I have the ability to sing, but I was ready to express myself freely as an artist. I took a shot at writing my own songs and it worked out for me. It came out amazing, and it was an "ego-booster" because it made me a better songwriter and singer. When I was 19, I recorded my first song, and then I decided to set up my studio, which would give me an opportunity to channel out my ideas and just record non-stop. Songwriting has worked out in my favor because I have worked with some amazing people like Shaliek [Rivers] and Luke James. Dave AL is also my writing partner too, so I am just blessed to be in this position.
Working with Selasi Duse: I was living in Atlanta at the time and I was on my way back home. I lost my apartment and my job; it wasn't a good time. I met a guy and he was like ‘yo, you should meet this guy, he can help you,’ and that guy was Selasi Duse. Selasi gave me a track to write and he was impressed. He was like, ‘you should stay,’ and so I stayed in ATL for another 3 years working on records. Selasi taught me a lot and he encouraged me to continue to pursue music, even if he had to be hard on me at times. After really looking at the body of music, I was like ‘Okay, I can do this.’ When I returned to NYC, I started working with music engineer, Sonny Carson. He has worked with Swizz Beatz, Fabolous, and Red Cafe. Working with him also boosted my confidence, and now I have a career in music.
Artists On His Radar: I would like to work with Brandy, J. Cole, Miguel, Will.I.Am, or Just Blaze. I just want to work with people I can learn from, because I love being inspired by other people. I just want to be respected for what I do as a singer and songwriter.
Recognizing Calling to Have a Career in Music: I realize that music is my calling. I didn't just want to have a job, just to have a job. I needed to work in a career that would really make me happy and that's music. I couldn't settle for a regular job because that's not what I wanted for myself. I am an independent singer/songwriter; I'm not a rich guy. For me, it's about having faith and believing in what I can do, because I can definitely see how much I've grown from when I first started. When I first started, I didn't know how to record anything or didn't have the materials that I needed for tracks and now 10-12 years later, I am making a living as an engineer. It didn't happen overnight, but I didn't give up. I needed the tools that would help me get to where I need to be as a producer and engineer. It cost a lot, but you have to do what you have to do so you can get the job done.
Accomplishing Goals: I just want my music to be heard and understood; I am coming from a real place when I write or sing a song. I am in a comfortable space because I love what I do, but I am always looking for opportunities to grow and mature as an artist. I would like to have my own entertainment company; that's the next project in the works.
