Severn, Md. native Jared Shanklin beat Santa to the punch this year, bringing gifts to Baltimore in the height of summer with his new extended play disc (EP), Christmas in July.
The 23-year-old held an album release party and live performance showcase at the popular Five Seasons on Guilford Avenue last week, and presented his new EP to a crowd of nearly 100 people.
“I had a lot of support and it was a good energy,” said Shanklin, who hopes this is only the beginning of long career in music.
Shanklin began pulling together material for the album in January of this year and said he was intrigued by the phrase and concept for the EP title as a way to get consumers to buy during the summer months.
A self-proclaimed “church boy,” Shanklin said he has been influenced most by gospel artists, such as the Clark Sisters, and other genres of music such as R&B and soul.
“I’ve been a musician in some capacity for all of my life,” said Shanklin, master of the flute and keys. “I’ve always played instruments but I didn’t start actually singing until I was 17.”
Often compared to the likes of Tonex, Shanklin’s smooth vocals are also reminiscent of Prince, as he is just as comfortable in full falsetto as he is in lower ranges. Paired with the high-energy beats of producer Joshua Lay, a Baltimore native with national success, Shanklin’s music offers something for everyone, not just R&B lovers.
“It was easy working with Jared because he has a good ear,” said local producer Joshua Lei, of Left Brain Productions, who created all tracks songs on the EP. “When I have an artist that can sing and has their own concept it goes by quickly and it was fun.”
“I do a lot of projects but I enjoyed this one because I was able to be free and produce tracks that came from every part of my brain.” Shanklin plans to release a full album at the end of the year that will include actual Christmas songs and hopes to eventually be able to do his music full time.
