08/06/2026
Now that you’ve experienced the festival, lets get to know a bit more about the folks that made it all happen -Jarod Richardson and Jonas Koep.
Today, our spotlight shines on Mr. Jarod Richardson (DBA the peacelovemusic movement).
the peacelovemusic movement was started in the heart of the pandemic. Seeing so many countless musicians and artists struggling, Jarod got right to work.
Being that the world was shut down, artists faced a bleak, questionable future… so he started an online network where artists would perform scheduled weekly performances/streams, and be compensated for their time and talents. He also started sponsoring smaller festivals, where he would help coordinate artists as well as multi-cam/pro-shoot their performances.
Being a singer/songwriter/producer/engineer and multi-instrumentalist himself, he knew that being a full time musician was no easy task. Having access to certain things like HD film and high quality audio recordings may be a struggle for some, so Jarod wanted to help by bringing those elements to the artists themselves.
From filming/sponsoring festivals up & down the east coast, to opening his own private studio doors to artists-Jarod has become a prominent figure in the east coast festival/music scene. His true love for art, music, and the people who create it has been his driving force… but it doesn’t stop there.
the peacelovemusic movement was not only created to help struggling artists, but to also help those struggling in any capacity. Since Jarod is in recovery himself (with over 8 years of sobriety under his belt), he wanted to also help those struggling with alcohol/drug dependency… cause a lot of times, musicians and substance abuse go hand in hand. He has become a source of love, kindness, inspiration and support to many of those who struggle. Through his own vulnerability, unconditional love and support-many have gotten themselves into treatment and now live happy, fulfilling sober lives.
Jarod also travels to music festivals to hand out free fentanyl test kits, as well as always being equipped with Narcan. In his own words, “No one deserves to die just for going out and trying to have a good time”. Through these actions -who knows how many lives have been saved.
Jarod is also an advocate for those struggling with mental health. In 1995, Jarod was in an accident that nearly took his life. He was the front passenger in a vehicle that collided head on with a Mac Truck, which propelled him through the windshield. He sustained a severe traumatic brain injury, and was left a mere shadow of the person he once was. Having to literally claw his way back, he understands the terror one faces when dealing with mental health issues, and has been a true advocate for the community.
Jarod plans on starting a coffee and non-alcoholic beer brand this year, as well as continuing to focus on his production company Soulstice Productions. The 1st full length documentary will cover Soulstice Music and Arts Festival itself-premiering in 2027.
“Audible Coffee” will not only be a coffee brand, but will also be the name of an online music series featuring artists in a way that you’ve never seen them before. Think unplugged meets Scorsese - done in a raw, vulnerable, documentary-type format. This series, along with “Night at the Patt” will premiere shortly after this year’s festival.
Jarod is also the subject of a documentary that has been filming for the past 16 years, chronicling the darkest of times within the grips of his own of alcoholism … to the present day version you now see. Filmed and directed by his filming partner Luis Alguera, and due out in 2028, no subject is left untouched. This is all done in an effort to show those struggling that anything is possible if you just believe in yourself and give yourself a fighting chance.
From near death accidents, traumatic brain injuries to addiction and recovery-Jarod is a true survivor and is hell bent on leaving no man or woman behind.
After a divorce, Jarod moved back to his home town in the winter of 2025. He reconnected with his long time friend Jonas Koep, and as they say-the rest is history.
Now with revitalized purpose, Jarod continues to build & grow with Jonas and Pattenburg House-a platform in which his mission, thoughts and dreams may continue.
***If you are struggling with addiction/alcoholism/mental health issues and you’re ready to make a change in your life-please feel free to reach out to him***
Up next, the spotlight shines on Mr Jonas Koep.
☮️❤️🎵
*photo courtesy of Wideye Photography
