Cover art by J.R. Price

J.R. Price Drops a ‘Stripped’ Version of Body Positive, and We’re Here For It!

8th October 2021 Bryce Quartz

J.R. Price is back with a “stripped” version of his hit single “Body Positive!”

J.R. Price released his bubbly pop hit “Body Positive” back in early 2020, accompanied by a stunning and fun music video filmed and edited by Catalin Media. Check that out here if you haven’t already!

The ‘Stripped’ version of this song brings the dance club sound to a more raw and acoustic version, but with all the same positive energy! The song starts with an acoustic guitar, and then we’re immediately greeted by J.R.’s beautiful vocal harmonies.

The first thing I noticed about this version compared to the original is J.R.’s vocal approach throughout the entire track. In the original, he speaks more in a sexy and casual way, but the stripped version turns this casualness into vocal melodies. The entire track is reworked, from the instrumental to the vocals, with the beautiful vocal melodies leading the way.

It makes the song more fun to sing along with. The soundscape of the track makes it feel like we’re in the room with J.R., turning our headphones or speakers into somewhat a live performance. All in all, this song is a must listen, especially if you like the original!

I had a chat with J.R. about the track, check it out below!

Bryce Quartz: What inspired you to make this version of the song? Were there any musical influences that helped create this version?

J.R. Price: This was my first public message, and I think it is still important to hear! I wanted to celebrate the first album I made, starting with my debut single Body Positive, which was a club mix. I had a buzz going before the pandemic, with my video for the club mix. However, after the crazy year I had, I wanted a more simple and vocally driven mix.

I am a huge fan of guitar driven artists, which I haven’t really explored in my own writing. Artists like The Eagles, Ed Sheeran, Third Eye Blind, Meredith Brooks, Lisa Loeb, Shawn Mendes, Taylor Swift, there is even some deep cut Prince inspiration in there! I want to mature my sound, it’s time to grow up!

BQ: What does being “Body Positive” mean to you?

JRP: I think that the message of being body positive changes daily. Most days it’s about loving your shape and size no matter what, doing what you can to appreciate the temple you are given in this life. However, like everyone, I know it’s hard to do that everyday. There are days that I can’t look in the mirror, but I know that all bodies are beautiful, worth and value doesn’t come from appearance, but it’s hard when you don’t look like everyone you see in the media.

You have to remember that those few chosen celebrities are not the full story. You have to have a rose colored outlook on the situation. You have to know that your story, the one that hasn’t been told, is just as important, if not more so. Body positive means to find happiness with who you are inside and out! Stay strong! You got this! Wear what you want, show as much skin as you please… give them all you’ve got to give baby!

BQ: What was your favorite part making this version?

I think just being able to let myself explore what I can do and how I can do it. I broke my own boundaries for myself. I always tell myself I’m not a good singer or people won’t like it if they can’t dance to it… I always hold myself back as a result of years of trauma.

With this song, after the craziest year of my life, I decided to throw all the rules out the window and just scream my message that I believe in most. That we are all beautiful, and haters should be ashamed! I love pushing myself to make each song better than the last. My favorite part is the challenge. For sure! Yeah!

BQ: What was the hardest part?

JRP: I think the hardest part of doing an anthem song like Body Positive (Stripped) is believing you are the right person to spread the message. It’s kind of overwhelming to look at the world and just claim your own significance, but when you are an independent artist you have to.

At the end of the day, you have to share what’s on your heart. I don’t think people heard me the first time, so I’m trying a different approach to the same message. I don’t know if people will like it, share it, or even listen to it… so it could be really embarrassing that I want to share this message that no one agrees with or accepts. The hardest part is always releasing it! Cause now it’s not about me anymore!

BQ: What are the vibes like in the studio with you, and where did you record this?

JRP: I like to think I bring focus and creativity to the studio floor. I like to contribute with others, and hear their ideas! For this song in particular I really enjoyed working with my producer Fiora Wise, because she has this eclectic experience of making music and coding, making her a genius in every way.

I told her I needed a new sound for this version, because I wanted the message to reach more than just people trying to dance! I wanted an affirmation rock jam! We played in the studio with different sounds I wanted to have, and she really let me explore the capabilities of my voice. I think I got to flex in ways I haven’t before, and that was really cool. I just love the writing process, and the studio time. For me it’s always the creating it! Thanks for asking!

BQ: Will we get to see you perform this live with choreography soon?!

JRP: I did debut this song during the Hot Festival at Dixon Place, with some amazing other queer artists like Jack Tracy, Mel Lennon, Scenario, Vegas Valentine, & Marcel the Artist! We had a lot of fun making a line up, and I know we are making plans to do future projects together.

In fact, we have a Halloween performance coming up soon, so follow me on IG: @jrpriceless5eva for all the details of that! But the answer is, yes you will be seeing this, real fans follow! Haha! See you there!

BQ: What can we expect next from you?

JRP: Right now, I am remixing some songs, I want to just really give Daydream (my debut album available on all streaming platforms) this year! So I will be collaborating with up and coming king cub rapper Bryce Quartz, on a remix of my most explicit song “N.A.U.G.H.T.Y.” Which I think he is perfect for, cause I want to mature a little more and open my brand to making it normal to talk about sex!

I also know that producer extraordinaire Beautiful Errors is going to make it slap, so I can’t wait for you to hear it! I also am remixing “Vibe Check” with house dj and NYC icon NALTRAC. We are making a digital slice remix, that literally sounds like the effect of antidepressants. I am excited for that to be released! All of these are so different from the original versions, so I’m thrilled to expand the message! New original content will be coming next year, and all I will reveal is… life isn’t always a daydream!

BQ: What other artists are you listening to?

JRP: Gosh, I love all music, so this is hard! I will do a top 5 mainstream and top 5 independent artist list I’m listening to right now, and honestly it’s hard to pick just five in either category. There is so much talent out here and I am grateful for every drop!

Mainstream:

Lil Nas X – his new album Montero is just fact.
Taylor Swift – forever the lyric icon. A boss woman who earned every inch of her success!
Olivia Rodrigo – the amount of prolific ideas flowing from this girl already is mesmerizing!
Chloe – cause all I can say is “Lord, Have Mercy!” She is the next Beyoncé!
Camila Cabello – I just love her voice, it’s like candy. The way she riffs and makes things uniquely hers… yeah, she’s a pop Princess and I’m here for it… literally she is Cinderella for a whole new generation!

As for my independent friends:

Zee Machine – you should always be keeping tabs on Zee Machine. Honestly, his voice is incredible, and his style is so intriguingly unique.
Tom Goss – of course, a J.R. Price staple! He is creating some fun pop music right now to make us smile and love more! I’m loving the positive vibes! Keep it up baby!
Kyle Motsinger – a wonderful artist from NYC who gives Carole King vibes, his music is perfect for a subway commute or just a chill atmosphere. Kyle calms me down, and makes me relax!
Mel Lennon – a friend of mine who I performed with recently, just dropped an EP called OVERthinking out LOUD! It’s a party for sure!
I have to say Bryce Quartz, and not just because he is writing this article! Because he is daring and bold! He is not afraid to say what is on his mind, and that is so inspiring, his boldness is why I am making music with him! We all love intimacy, and the way his passion attacks every syllable is… well it’s just sexy. Go listen to it!

Check out all of my music on all platforms! Or hit my website for more fun and bear hugs: jrprice.org

I love you all! Stay strong! Stay positive!

BQ: Thanks for taking the time to answer those questions for us, J.R.!