Jared Gomes


Paulo Sergio "Jared" Gomes, also known as Jahred and M.C.U.D. is an American singer, musician and social activist, best known as the lead vocalist of the nu metal band Hed PE.

Biography

Gomes was born Paulo Sergio Gomes on February 29, 1968 to a mother of Brazilian descent and a father of Afro-Brazilian descent. He got his first start in the music industry as the frontman of the new wave band The Clue, which was active from 1984 until 1990. After that he fronted Live Urban Sexx Tribe from 1991 to 1994. He later met guitarist Wes Geer amidst the Orange County hardcore punk scene, and the two formed a band, recruited guitarist Chizad, bassist Mawk, drummer B.C. Vaught and DJ Product 1969. They named the group "Hed", which stands for "higher education". The band built a following based on energetic performances at local venues such as Club 369, and released the self-financed extended play, Church of Realities. Legal issues forced Hed to change their name, adding "PE". The album, the band found themselves unable to repay the cash advances given to them by Jive. Gomes is quoted as saying "We had these romantic visions of the music industry, and we thought it would be cool to be a punk band on a rap label. So we fulfilled that dream, but it was also probably the worst thing that could have happened. We've had offers from Sony and others that we can't take because we owe Jive so much money."
On October 27, 2000, Gomes was arrested for possession of marijuana while the band was performing in Waterbury, Connecticut. He was released on a US$1,500 bail. After recording two more albums for the label, the band left Jive to release albums independently, eventually signing with Suburban Noize Records.
Gomes has expressed interest in recording a solo album in the hip hop genre, stating "I would like to but I just have to find the time to do it. I just need to get my discipline down and use my time more wisely than watching South Park for eight hours straight." In 2007, Gomes appeared on Twiztid's sixth studio album, Independents Day, contributing to the track "Weak Shit'z Out". According to Gomes, he had previously discussed appearances on solo albums by System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian and Korn guitarist James Shaffer, but the projects had fallen through.

Style and influences

Gomes' vocal style ranges from melodic singing to rapping and death growls. His influences include Bob Marley, Black Sabbath, Rage Against the Machine, Sublime, Sex Pistols, The Clash, Public Image Ltd., The Ramones, Beastie Boys, N.W.A, Tupac Shakur, along with various punk rock, reggae, ska, and heavy metal bands.

Political activism

Gomes is a supporter of the 9/11 Truth movement, and social liberal politicians such as Nancy Pelosi and president Barack Obama.

Personal life

Gomes is married, moved to Idaho, and now has a son named Zion.

Discography

With Hed PE