Artist Research - JR Aquino

 

JR Aquino is an unsigned Filipino-American singer/songwriter, born on May 31st, 1988 and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. He has been passionate about singing since he was 'knee-high' and writes his own lyrics and melodies. He notably plays acoustic guitar, piano and keyboard and describes his own genre as a mix of Pop/R&B/Soul. In 2005, he signed up for American Idol (Season 4) where he made it to the final cut down; he was in the top 44. Subsequently, he continued to concentrate on his music by posting original material as well as covers on YouTube which has gained him mass exposure with over 451,067 subscribers. In addition to performing at small, local venues around his hometown, the solo artist embarked on a 2010-2011 tour in the UK (London & Birmingham), Australia, Canada and all over the USA, promoting his debut album 'Exposure', produced by On G.P. Music and released on iTunes in 2010. Recently, JR has moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in order to continue to pursue a career in the music industry.

His musical influences include: Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Eddie Kendricks, Van Hunt, Steve Perry, The Eagles, Trey Songz, Maxwell, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Prince, Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Amos Lee, The Temptations, Az Yet, All 4 One, The Four Tops, Lionel Richie, Ne-Yo, Usher, Keith Urban, Elton John, Musiq Soulchild, Anthony Hamilton, John Mayer, Boyz II Men, George Michael, Babyface, John Legend, Johnny Gill, New Edition, Vince Gill, Rascal Flatts, Marc Anthony, Josh Groban, Big Mitch and his Dad.

Promo poster advertising a 'Freshers' event with special guest JR Aquino.
JRA's urban star image and acoustic-pop music primarily appeals to a youthful teenage demographic; hence his booking for a Birmingham University 'Freshers' event at the popular student nightclub, Oceana.
Friday 14th Oct 2011 - a date from JRA's UK Tour