JAM: The Powerhouse of Modern Funk and Soul
JAM is the dynamic stage name of singer and multi-instrumentalist Julianna Marie, a force in the contemporary funk and soul scene. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, she achieved mainstream recognition with her 2018 debut album, which charted on the Billboard 200 and spawned a certified gold single.
Early career
Born in 1992, Julianna Marie grew up immersed in Atlanta's rich musical heritage. She began playing piano and writing songs as a teenager, eventually studying at the Berklee College of Music before returning to Atlanta to form a live band.
Her first independent EP, "The Prelude," was self-released in 2015 and gained traction on local college radio. This led to her signing with the independent label Groove Theory Records in early 2017, which provided a platform for her debut album.
Breakthrough
JAM's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of her debut full-length album, Electric Revival, on Groove Theory Records. The lead single, "Get Up On It," became a viral streaming hit and reached number 12 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart, earning a gold certification later that year.
The album itself debuted at number 87 on the Billboard 200, a strong showing for an independent funk and soul release. This success established JAM as a leading voice in the genre's modern resurgence.
Key tracks
Get Up On It — This gold-certified single from 2018 served as JAM's commercial breakthrough and a modern funk anthem.
Midnight Drive — A standout deep-cut from Electric Revival that showcases her sophisticated songwriting and vocal range.
Pressure (feat. Thundercat) — This 2021 collaboration from her sophomore album merged her sound with avant-garde bass influences, expanding her audience.
Resonate — The lead single from her 2022 EP, this track highlighted a more mature, synth-driven direction in her soul music.
Following her initial success, JAM released her second album, Neon Circuits, in 2021. The project featured high-profile collaborations, including the track "Pressure" with bassist Thundercat and "Shine" with singer Durand Bernarr.
Her 2022 EP, "Pulse Check," continued to explore electronic textures within her core funk sound. JAM maintains a rigorous touring schedule, known for her electrifying live performances with her eight-piece band.
Fans of JAM's energetic blend of classic funk and modern production also enjoy the work of Lizzo for her confident, genre-blending anthems. The retro-inspired soul of Thee Sacred Souls shares a clear lineage with JAM's sound. For a similarly potent mix of R&B and live instrumentation, explore Hiatus Kaiyote. The innovative funk approach of Vulfpeck also resonates with JAM's musical philosophy.
JAM's music is a staple on modern soul and funk radio stations, particularly on independent music radio stations and online radio streams dedicated to contemporary R&B. Her tracks are frequently featured in rotations that celebrate both classic grooves and fresh, innovative artists.
Listeners can discover the vibrant music of JAM through the curated playlists of radio stations featured on onairium.com. Tune in to hear her certified hits and deep cuts across a selection of dedicated funk and soul channels available on our platform.
