There comes a time in every man’s life when he realizes his true purpose and singer/producer/songwriter Jon B. has come to know that the very meaning of his existence is LOVE. It’s his destiny to give it and receive it in return. That love is expressed deeply, emotionally, physically and musically and audiences will have the opportunity to experience that love through his new album Helpless Romantic.
His first album since 2004, the multi-platinum artist has a new lease on life that is inspired by his family and his craft. Now an independent artist, Jon B. is excited about what’s on the horizon and anxious to present his new material to fans. He’s still the smooth R&B tenor with a divine falsetto audiences fell in love with in the 90’s, only now he’s “fully grown” and has more experiences to sing about. His mission on his newest album is to continue making great music while reconnecting with people who thought he was gone and connecting with those who may not be familiar with his music.
EUT: You’ve been off the radar for the past three years. What have you been doing during that time?
Jon B: I’ve just had a daughter; she’s a year old now and a very beautiful girl. I’m also married. Besides that, I was working on my current album which it out in the States on October 28th. I’m really looking forward to releasing it in the UK as well.
EUT: Why the title Helpless Romantic? Is that the theme of the album?
Jon B: Yeah, it describes it very well. It’s a metaphor for where I am in life at the moment. It’s for all of the people who have enjoyed my music in the past. It’s a personal album and wasn’t recorded with the intention of putting out lots of commercial records and hits for the radio. I’m a very grounded and happy person right now. This is definitely the best place I’ve been in in life. The last album was more of a transition. I’m still here doing my thing regardless and will continue putting out music.
EUT: Are there any tracks for the clubs on this album as well as the ballads?
Jon B: Definitely some club bangers on there. It depends what you consider a club banger though. The first joint featuring Paul Wall, Ooh So Sexy, is big. I’ve been down South a lot lately so there’s that influence. Being down South was an eye opening experience for me and it was cool to hang out with Paul Wall. It’s good to be able to vibe with someone who’s a dope artist but also a good person. I would call us both underdogs in the game.
EUT: Did Paul Wall offer to make you any grills while you were out there?
Jon B: I actually asked him and he said he would but I’m holding off on that right now. I want to get the grape juice grills, it’ll be amazing.
EUT: How do you feel now about the classics like Don’t Talk and They Don’t Know from before?
Jon B: I appreciate the compliment that somebody would refer to them as classics. I definitely think so. They Don’t Know was recorded around 1996 with production by Tim & Bob. That record was one of the biggest records I’ve had so far as radio play and sales are concerned. In terms of the club, Don’t Talk was a song I produced myself which I was proud about.
EUT: Have you done much production since then?
Jon B: Yeah that’s my main thing that I do when I’m not out performing. I’m always in the studio producing my next record or for other artists. An artist I’m really excited about working with is Keith Robinson. I’m also working with a female vocalist signed to my label who is also featured on my album called Jonesii. She did some writing for my Pleasures U Like album a while ago. She’s very talented and has an angelic voice.
EUT: You’ve been through a couple of labels in your career. How’s your current situation?
Jon B: Right now it’s independent so my destiny is in my hands in terms of what I create and being able to do what I want in the studio. I get pointers and advice but it’s only to enhance what I do. When I was signed to Epic, there was someone who was very much a gladiator on my behalf but a lot of the time a major label doesn’t go for the record you produce yourself they’d rather go with the bigger names. In this case, Don’t Talk was a really strong record and the guy behind it got it through. Things are much less of a headache now. I let the core audience, my fans, decide what they like or not.
EUT: Do you still think you’re underrated and should have more recognition for what you’ve accomplished the past decade?
Jon B: I’ve been told that but in terms of how I view things I’m very happy with my life and the recognition I’ve been given has been amazing. There are great albums that go under the radar and never get noticed, I’ve put out a couple of records like that but I know a lot of people would give a lot to trade places with me because of what I’ve achieved so far. I’m not worried about how the world perceives me.
EUT: What’s the best song you think you’ve written?
Jon B: That’s a hard question to answer because you can judge it from a lot of different ways. The song that has touched me the most was the title track of this album Helpless Romantic. It’s a very tell-all kind of record but at the same time it’s using metaphors like Titanic and the ocean are metaphors for love. That’s my favourite record right now because that’s where I’m at in my life.
EUT: What do you like or not like about the current music scene?
Jon B: I’m really feeling it all, I really am. For the first time, instead of looking at what’s wrong with a situation I’m looking at what’s good with a situation. I’m not glued to the radio so the only thing I listen to is my iPod and I have everything. I think music’s in an open place right now. Most Pop music is very versatile right now and is probably the most eclectic it’s ever been. A lot more people are using computers in music now as well and changing the game with the sounds. Michael Jackson could definitely take some tips from Ne-Yo. Colby O’Donis is also doing his thing. It’s very nice to see what Robin Thicke is doing and the openness he’s been able to receive. People are now more open to piano songs like John Legend’s Take It Slow. It’s a classic time for music right now.
EUT: You’ve been around for at least ten years. Why do you think you’re still around being able to put out good music?
Jon B: I’m still here because I have a very strong will to produce, write and sing my own music and to collaborate with others. I want to live my dreams. I’m also self contained and have so much belief in what I do it’s not like I’m coming out over cocky. I’d like to think of myself as putting out an album like someone puts out a book. You find out a good book, buy it and read. That’s what’s up.
EUT: You like to visit the UK and perform. Any plans of returning?
Jon B: Definitely soon, most probably after the US release date. There will be some exclusive songs on the UK version of the album. I did some shows in Camden like the Jazz Café which was a very consistent and fun gig for me out there. I love London and England as a whole and had the pleasure to be able to spend real time out there and get a sense of it all. I also like to play with other UK musicians and singers and hearing the sophistication of how people play out there. I get a lot of love out there.
www.myspace.com/jonbmusic
Rashmi Shastri – October 2008
