Ever wonder what happens to some artist when they go independent. Well some of them end up doing better than ever and that’s definitely the case for former DTP recording artist Steph Jones. After seeing him perform in NYC I always wonder what was next for the soulful singer. I caught up with Steph who has just released a Lifetape called “Gravity” and loves life in La La Land a.k.a Los Angeles, CA.
Steph Jones grew up in s house full of music listening to everyone from Ray Charles, Kenny G, Harry Bellefonte, to Prince. That must be one of the beautiful perks of having a mom who’s a DJ. Although he developed an early ear for music he didn’t realize singing was his true passion until college. Jones has had quite a journey up until now which makes his story a crowd pleaser. Once you see him, then hear him sing from his heart it’s easy to get why fans have fallen in love. Check it out!
J.T: With the success artist have been having with mix tapes lately. What are your expectations for the Life Tape? Do you want it to serve as a re-introduction?
Steph Jones: Well I don’t feel like I ever had a proper introduction so I consider this my introduction starting from the ground up.
J.T: The track ‘Gravity’ is a beautiful and soulful remake ft. PJ Morton how was that collaboration?
Steph Jones: Ahh thanks, I’ve always been a fan of Pj Morton and I know that he is just as big of a fan of John Mayer as me so I just reached out to him and it was like magic. I don’t believe in forcing a collabo, it just has to work.
J.T: Who else would you like to work with in the future?
Steph Jones: I’d love to work with Kanye West, Andre 3000, Kid Cuddi, Amy Whinehouse, Lady GaGa, Jazmine Sullivan, Jordin Sparks, John Mayer and a few others
J.T: What’s your favorite track on the Life Tape?
Steph Jones: that is a really hard question but the one song that gives me the chills every time I listen to it is A Girl Named Hollywood because of the weird ‘Paranormal’ stuff that was going on in the studio while I was creating the song with my producer Chris Warrior.
J.T: You have a lot of different sounds on the Lifetape. What’s your favorite style to sing?
Steph Jones: I like “Delicious” that’s my favorite sound. It’s hard to describe my sound because I don’t want to be put into one category but if I had to I would say its an R&B, Alternative, Pop sound.
J.T: Who are some of your musical influences?
Steph Jones: My mom is a DJ in Houston so even though she was a fan of “Shut Up” in the house I was still being influenced by everything she played like Stevie Wonder, Marvine Gaye, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Bob Marley, the words of Gil Scott Herron, Joe, Frank Sinatra… I could go on and on with people who put their heart and sole in their music.
J.T: How were things at DTP and how has it affected your career?
Steph Jones: Things at DTP were good, they were like a family at that Label and it effected my career tremendously because i got a chance to sit back and watch how hard Chaka, Luda, Uncle Jeff, and everybody else hustled to make things happen.
J.T: So how’s independent life treating you?
