Bio

Artist Bio: Jyrus Melody The sound of loud music coming from the speakers his father who was a well known DJ in Trinidad and the United States would play are some of Jyrus Melody’s earliest childhood memories. He remembers hearing legendary artists like Burning Flames, Bob Marley, Sugar Minot, and Phil Collins just to name a few. He even remembers hearing classical and jazz music being played through those same loud speakers. Jyrus says he was only six years old when he recalls these times. Shem Charles, better known as Jyrus Melody was born November 25th 1981 into a family of 7 members to parents Errol and Brenda Charles in the city of Princess Town, Trinidad WI. Jyrus comes from a long musical background with his father being a DJ in the 1970’s in Trinidad and the United States. Jyrus was introduced to music at a very young age. The family lived in Moruga, Trinidad WI at the time, and Jyrus could always remember listening to the records his father would play. When Jyrus was 8 years old, he and his family moved to the city of Belmont, Port of Spain, Trinidad WI. This is where Jyrus Melody was exposed to different genres of music and artists through one of his older brothers who would play music from many genres like soca, reggae, hip hop, and R&B. It was also a very significant time in Jyrus’ life because that same older brother was also part of a dance crew called Twisted Ego which was featured on TV in Trinidad. When Jyrus’ saw this he was instantly inspired and the dreams of moving to America and possibly entertaining became even more tangible after seeing it so close to his very own home. Jyrus’ family eventually moved to Harlem, New York in 1994. He attended A Philip Randolph High School, where his classmates and friends would ask him to sing and interpret some of the hottest reggae artist songs at that time. Artists like Mr. Vegas, Bounty Killer, Sean Paul, Beenie Man and Buju Barton where only some of the very influential for Jyrus at the time. One specific incident really sent Jyrus on the chase to compose music was an encounter with a classmate in his 10th grade 3rd period class. Jyrus says he remembers it like it was yesterday. A young lady was sing two of the hottest reggae songs out at the time: “Romey” by Beenie Man and “Heads High” by Mr. Vegas. She apparently had the lyrics wrong and sought Jyrus for corrections because she knew he was from the islands and understood the dialect more than she did. After Jyrus sung the correct lyrics for his classmate, she was impressed and told him that he should really pursue music. She was very enthusiastic about it and Jyrus took it to heart. Living in Harlem was similar to Trinidad in its rough environment and this gave Jyrus plenty of material to write about including love songs dedicated to love interests he had through out the years. It was at that time that Jyrus realized he really wanted to compose his own music for others to listen to. After spending approximately 6 years in New York City, he moved to Atlanta, GA where Jyrus’ career as a songwriter and performer grew. Jyrus’ move to the south opened the door to new experiences. Jyrus met his now close friend and colleague Boobie a.k.a. Mad House who had a grittier and raw reggae sound. Jyrus brought a more melodic tone even when singing about the gritty and raw material he would often write about. They formed the group Damage Crew and release a collaboration album. Jyrus was crowned “Hook Master” by friends, fans, and fellow musicians in his circle at the time. Jyrus began performing at open mic events, large shows and opening for the likes of Bounty Killer, Baby Cham, Mad Cobra, and even Beenie Man just to name a few. How ironic that he would end up performing on the same stages as some of his biggest influences growing up. Jyrus realized at this time that he was born to make music. As a musician Jyrus has a true talent for standing out above the crowd with his catchy melodies and hooks. Jyrus is an amazing writer. He always seems to leave a piece of himself with you through his music. He has the talent to perfectly blend the sounds of the rhythmic Caribbean tunes like raw and gritty reggae, soul stirring steel pan soca beats of Trinidad, and dancehall grooves with today’s world sound of classical, jazz, hip-hop and urban trends. Jyrus Melody is an innovator with a great stage presence and a lot of tenacity. Music is his first love and passion and you hear it in every song he writes. Jyrus has written songs on every subject matter from heart break, to club joints and even about his life in Trinidad which molded Jyrus into the strong and courageous individual his is today. Jyrus plans to take the music world by storm. He wants to collaborate with some of his favorite artists plus up and coming artist. He is currently working on his debut solo album. He just released his first single “Burning Up” produced by Shastri Music, Trinidad. The song has gains much popularity already and is steadily growing. Jyrus wants to touch the world through his music, but creating art that everyone can relate to no matter what walk of life they may be from. Jyrus Melody believes in a world sound. A sound the world can dance to. Written and Edited by K. Joyner (FPR LLC)