Meet Jmarie Rivera Butler | Singer/Songwriter and Background Vocalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jmarie Rivera Butler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi jMarie, how do you define success?
Success to me means having inner peace in all you do. My goal is to continue my journey in bringing peace and joy into all the music I create, the places I go, and the people I meet.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Singer/Songwriter from Ponce, Puerto Rico. I moved to Atlanta in the late 80s and spent much of my upbringing between Atlanta and Puerto Rico until 1997.
I started singing professionally right out of high school. In my late twenties, I joined my first corporate band, which helped shape my artistry and stage presence. (Thank you to my long time friend, vocal coach, and mentor RAab Stevenson, because his belief in me it has led me to the opportunities I continue to experience today!!!)
Joining a band was a saving grace for me because I was sooooo shy that I would get paralyzed with stage fright. This is why I barely performed live as a kid.

With the corporate band—performing for private parties and wedding receptions— I was able to become more comfortable singing live. Plus, performing for happy people who were surrounded by good company (mixed with a little alcohol, hehe) took the pressure of needing to be “perfect” as a live singer, and focus more on engaging with the crowd, creating moments with one another. This is what music is about.

Eventually I landed my first major tour with Cirque du Soleil. After that, Peabo Bryson; later on Zac Brown Band. I was also blessed to land studio background vocal work for Mya and Phish. It’s been a pretty cool journey.
God is really dope. He’s always had me in the right place at the right time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend is visiting Atlanta, I love taking them to my favorite spots like The Whelan or Argosy. They have the best fries, drinks, and food. I love a good bar with great people and great patrons.
I don’t club much anymore, so I can’t help anyone there (lol), but I love to go eat some good food!

Also, Monday Night Brewing, I love their beer selection, the vibes, the people. As you can see, I am a big fan of low-key hangs with lots of “relax and chill vibes.”

Atlanta Botanical Gardens, for my nature lovers. My husband and I got married there, it’s truly a beautiful ATL gem.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Lord Above! My Family for always supporting my vision.
Last but definitely not least, my super hot and amazing Husband, Cerod Butler, lol, for supporting me, covering me, and being a constant reminder to stay tapped into Christ and my inner child.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisjmarie/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thisisjmarie

Image Credits
Tyler Lord
Javier Rivera
Kelsie Moore