JRand Talks Tom Cruise, His Debut Album, & The Playboy Mansion With Jimmy Iovine (INTERVIEW)

Interscope artist JRand is making quite a name for himself with his club banger “Up Against The Wall.” 

The Miami native has always known music was his calling since he could remember, and finally his dreams are coming true. 

After meeting Flo Rida’s manager, JRand jumped at the opportunity to sign with Poe Boy Music Group, which eventually led to a deal with Interscope’s Geffen Records.

Poe Boy Music Group is most notably known for signing Florida acts such as Flo Rida and rappers Brianna Perry and Briscoe.  

If you’re thinking JRand is another one-dimensional singer, think again. JRand is a man of many talents.

Besides music, JRand has appeared in the smash movie, Rock Of Ages, starring Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand, Julianne Hough, Mary J. Blige and so many more mega stars. 

GlobalGrind caught up with the “Up Against The Wall” singer to chit-chat with him about his musical past, meeting Jimmy Iovine, his celebrity crush and of course, his debut album. 

Check out our exclusive interview below!

GlobalGrind: Tell us what the best part about shooting “Up Against The Wall?”

J Rand: I just had beautiful girls dancing on me. That was like my job for the day. I was literally upset for like a week. I had withdrawal because I had such a high that day. It was the greatest day ever.

You’ve actually been doing a lot of major things these past few months.

Yeah, it’s going well. We have the single “Up Against The Wall.” It’s starting to play on the radio in my hometown in Florida, which is really crazy. Everybody calls me like, “You’re on the radio,” and I’m like, “I’m on the radio!”

You also appeared in the movie Rock Of Ages.

It’s just wild seeing yourself on the big screen, and seeing your name on the credit next to Tom Cruise and Russell Brand. Just shooting was wild. I had a blast. I shot my part for like four days. I got to meet Tom Cruise, Russell Brandt, Alec Baldwin. It was wild.

Tom Cruise is a very interesting character, what was the most fascinating thing about him?

The most fascinating thing in my experience with Tom Cruise was how approachable he was. He came up to me like, “Thanks for being here. It’s a pleasure to have you.” I’m like, “Dude, you’re Tom Cruise! I can’t believe you’re talking to me.”

What are the biggest misconceptions people have about Tom Cruise?

I don’t really know a misconception about Tom Cruise, but I guess about “super” celebrities in general, people think they’re stand-offish or unapproachable. That guy was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in entertainment.

Tell us a little bit about your story.

I’ve been dreaming of pursuing music since I was a teenager. Through that journey, I’ve had every job — singing at weddings, playing pianos at weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, birthday parties, any low end performance entertainment job you could think of — still dreaming of going above and beyond, and doing the music seriously. Fortunately, I was writing in Miami for artists, and I met someone who manages for Flo Rida. I signed with them, and then a couple years later, we got a meet with Jimmy Iovine. I ate at his house, and that night he took me to the Playboy Mansion, and we started making the album ever since.

What’s your favorite thing to do besides making music?

I’m very outdoorsy. I love to go out for runs. I’ll go for 8 mile runs. I like to go to the beach. I like to surf. I like to just be active, things that have nothing to do with being creative.

If I sent you to a deserted island, and you could only bring three albums with you, what three albums would you bring?

That’s a great question! I’m going to ask you the same thing in a second.

I would bring Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s Established 1999 album, Stevie Wonder’s Greatest Hits, and Eminem’s first CD, The Slim Shady LP.

What’s one thing you cannot live without?

Two things! I can’t live without my keyboard, and I watch WWE — the fake wrestling — I can’t live without that stuff.

Who’s your favorite wrestler?

Currently or all-time?

Both!

All-time, because I was really, really young, would have to be the Ultimate Warrior. He used to paint his face. When I was like 5 or 6, I would paint my face too, and run around the house. Currently, as I watch WWE, I have to say I’m a John Cena fan.

I know you’ve seen a lot of hot women in Hollywood. Who is your celebrity crush?

My celebrity crush would have to be Zoe Saldana.

Who are some of your musical aspirations?

I like Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Eminem, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Kanye West, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Donny Hathaway. I’m all over the board.

Being from the South…When I heard Bone Thugs rapping so fast and harmonizing, I thought that was crazy.

How’s your album coming along? When can fans get ready for JRand’s debut?

The album is coming out by the end of the year. Right now, we’re focused on “Up Against The Wall.” Trying to build awareness for that record and video, and hopefully come to every city and perform it for everybody.

Have you figured out a title for the album yet?

I have one, but it’s not official.