How can I put this lightly...what happened to the music? Each award show I get very excited to watch, hoping to see something new. Yes, Chris Brown had a great performance, and J-Lo made me situp in my seat (she still got it), but for the majority of the performances, it felt like I was just listening to the radio (which I turn off most of the time). I know all of the artists performing work very hard at what they do, but they also have tons of handlers, and people telling them what to do, and how, and when, to do it. I just wish the award shows would call for a certain standard of performance when choosing who should perform. I'll be sure when I schedule my next performance to keep this in mind, and to make sure I can provide something that will make people sit up in their seats.
What I'm Watching Now: Patriots Game of Course!!
Link to my website: www.jaredjonesonline.com
Talk with you Tuesday!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Looking Back to Move Ahead
I can honestly say that for as long I've been focusing on my music career (since 15 years old when I began learning how to use studio equipment, songwriting, etc), as of today I feel like I'm just getting started. And that's the absolute truth. The music industry looks and operates like a completely different animal than even just two years ago. Below I've listed somethings I've learned over the last 10 years (yes, I'm 25 years old now).
1) Embrace my personal circumstances
With every job I've ever had, I've always made it a battle between job and music. Sure the job was paying my bills, and keeping food on the table, but when it took too much time away from my music, I would find a way to get out of it. Then to be without a job for a few months, realize that I not pulling in any money was helping my music career either. Only recently did I realize that having a full time career can actually enhance my music career. Forget that it would take time away from music, no, it would allow me to put more money into my music career. Sure I'm not going to be able to attend all the music conferences across the country, and easily hope a flight to L.A. or Atlanta to work with certain artists, but I do have the power to build the music career that I want for myself. My thoughts used to be, "If only I could get a contract I'd be able to make music full time, and then my career would really take off". But after reading tons of articles on the music business, the reality is I'm in the best possible position without the contraints of a contract, and still having money. And let's look at what my true desires and passions are at that. Did I want to have to fly all over the country at a moment's notice, or feel obligated to write songs I did not like, or sing songs I did not like? I have a wife, and two daughters that I enjoy seeing everyday. And last time I checked, I've always wanted creative control over everything I do. So maybe a contract isn't what I wanted (or needed) in the first place.
2. Run with any idea, don't second guess it
I'm sure you've had an idea, only not to act on it, and then see someone else do the same thing you were thinking. I'm sure you may have even stood the chance to earn some money too. Well that was me, and producer Ezemdi Chikwendu, just four ago, when we were sure we had the formula for music and financial success. Music Licensing. You see at the time, little was known in the independent music world about music licensing (which is the practice of granting permission for a film or television show to use your song, and negotiating the amount of money they will pay you). At least little was known in the R&B/Pop world. The only talk we would hear from other artists, songwriters and producers was about big time album placements. So we focused our attention on music licensing, and wouldn't you know within 5 months of learning about it, we had our first placement on CBS, "The Young and The Restless". We went crazy! How many people can say they've had music placed on a national television show?
Anyway, we thought we had our ticket. We went on to achieve a few more placements through various 3rd-party licensing services, and then something happened. Nothing. Let the waiting game begin. Instead of continuing to pursue more placements just as frantically as we had done in the past, we waited....and waited, for that next e-mail, or phone call telling us that we had a placement. Nothing. What was the difference? Well, as the record labels began to sell less and less music, all but killing the dreams of many artists, smaller companies and producers to hi big, they all had to look for other ways to bring in money, and they all seemed to find music licensing at the same time. So much for our ticket! Needless to say, there are more and more networks developing every month, and all are creating new shows, and most all will need music. Time to get focused again. And when the next idea hits, we can't let up.
3) Plan 3-5 years ahead
Yes, we are not promised tomorrow, but I'd sure like to go into with a plan. I thought was pretty good at long range planning, but I've really only ever had long range hopes, not actual plans. I know it has a lot to do with being in and out of jobs, in and out of apartments, and it's I because I was chasing something I never really wanted in the first place. With a new plan in place, that includes new music, films, a new brand, and an all encompassing direction, my mind has never been more clear.
Beginning with this blog on Friday, November 18, 2011, you have entered with me into the Jared Jones Journey. I'll talk with you again Monday.
What I'm Listening to Now: "Just Me" - Brian McKnight
YouTube Video You Should See:
1) Embrace my personal circumstances
With every job I've ever had, I've always made it a battle between job and music. Sure the job was paying my bills, and keeping food on the table, but when it took too much time away from my music, I would find a way to get out of it. Then to be without a job for a few months, realize that I not pulling in any money was helping my music career either. Only recently did I realize that having a full time career can actually enhance my music career. Forget that it would take time away from music, no, it would allow me to put more money into my music career. Sure I'm not going to be able to attend all the music conferences across the country, and easily hope a flight to L.A. or Atlanta to work with certain artists, but I do have the power to build the music career that I want for myself. My thoughts used to be, "If only I could get a contract I'd be able to make music full time, and then my career would really take off". But after reading tons of articles on the music business, the reality is I'm in the best possible position without the contraints of a contract, and still having money. And let's look at what my true desires and passions are at that. Did I want to have to fly all over the country at a moment's notice, or feel obligated to write songs I did not like, or sing songs I did not like? I have a wife, and two daughters that I enjoy seeing everyday. And last time I checked, I've always wanted creative control over everything I do. So maybe a contract isn't what I wanted (or needed) in the first place.
2. Run with any idea, don't second guess it
I'm sure you've had an idea, only not to act on it, and then see someone else do the same thing you were thinking. I'm sure you may have even stood the chance to earn some money too. Well that was me, and producer Ezemdi Chikwendu, just four ago, when we were sure we had the formula for music and financial success. Music Licensing. You see at the time, little was known in the independent music world about music licensing (which is the practice of granting permission for a film or television show to use your song, and negotiating the amount of money they will pay you). At least little was known in the R&B/Pop world. The only talk we would hear from other artists, songwriters and producers was about big time album placements. So we focused our attention on music licensing, and wouldn't you know within 5 months of learning about it, we had our first placement on CBS, "The Young and The Restless". We went crazy! How many people can say they've had music placed on a national television show?
Anyway, we thought we had our ticket. We went on to achieve a few more placements through various 3rd-party licensing services, and then something happened. Nothing. Let the waiting game begin. Instead of continuing to pursue more placements just as frantically as we had done in the past, we waited....and waited, for that next e-mail, or phone call telling us that we had a placement. Nothing. What was the difference? Well, as the record labels began to sell less and less music, all but killing the dreams of many artists, smaller companies and producers to hi big, they all had to look for other ways to bring in money, and they all seemed to find music licensing at the same time. So much for our ticket! Needless to say, there are more and more networks developing every month, and all are creating new shows, and most all will need music. Time to get focused again. And when the next idea hits, we can't let up.
3) Plan 3-5 years ahead
Yes, we are not promised tomorrow, but I'd sure like to go into with a plan. I thought was pretty good at long range planning, but I've really only ever had long range hopes, not actual plans. I know it has a lot to do with being in and out of jobs, in and out of apartments, and it's I because I was chasing something I never really wanted in the first place. With a new plan in place, that includes new music, films, a new brand, and an all encompassing direction, my mind has never been more clear.
Beginning with this blog on Friday, November 18, 2011, you have entered with me into the Jared Jones Journey. I'll talk with you again Monday.
What I'm Listening to Now: "Just Me" - Brian McKnight
YouTube Video You Should See:
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Upcoming Projects
I've had tons of ideas rolling around in my head for the last few months now, and asked myself why I was not sharing them with all of you. So here are just a few ideas I'm going to be rolling out over the next year or two.
1) Begin filming more music videos
2) Begin writing/directing short films based off of songs I've written, and songs I've written, but you've never heard.
3) Plan a destination performance (2013), where we'll pick a nice location and invite other artists to come and perform, and bring their fans. (Like a 2 or 3 night stay somewhere)
Gonna take a lot of planning, but I'm definitely thinking long term, because I don't want to contribute to the music industry being any more superficial than it already is. I wanna give you a reason to want to be a part of the Jared Jones/Speak-EZ Music brand.
You ain't seen nothin yet!
1) Begin filming more music videos
2) Begin writing/directing short films based off of songs I've written, and songs I've written, but you've never heard.
3) Plan a destination performance (2013), where we'll pick a nice location and invite other artists to come and perform, and bring their fans. (Like a 2 or 3 night stay somewhere)
Gonna take a lot of planning, but I'm definitely thinking long term, because I don't want to contribute to the music industry being any more superficial than it already is. I wanna give you a reason to want to be a part of the Jared Jones/Speak-EZ Music brand.
You ain't seen nothin yet!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Learning New Things
Here are a few new things I'm learning over the next few months...
1) Learning to play piano by ear, courtesy of a course I purchased from PlayPianoToday.com
2) Learning to cook a new dish (Yes, I cook, you should too!)
3) Learning about more stories in the Old Testament (Read your Bibles)
4) Well, I thought about learning a new language, but I'm going to wait a while...wanna focus on these other things first.
You noticed this is a lot different than my other posts huh?? Well, I gotta give you the real Jared Jones. I'm not just about music, I'm about living live to the fullest. We're only here on this world for a short time, so we need to enjoy it. I encourage you to learn something new.
1) Learning to play piano by ear, courtesy of a course I purchased from PlayPianoToday.com
2) Learning to cook a new dish (Yes, I cook, you should too!)
3) Learning about more stories in the Old Testament (Read your Bibles)
4) Well, I thought about learning a new language, but I'm going to wait a while...wanna focus on these other things first.
You noticed this is a lot different than my other posts huh?? Well, I gotta give you the real Jared Jones. I'm not just about music, I'm about living live to the fullest. We're only here on this world for a short time, so we need to enjoy it. I encourage you to learn something new.
Monday, August 1, 2011
AUGUST GIVEAWAY
AMERICAN EXPRESS GIFTCARD GIVEAWAY
Here's your chance to win a $25 American Express gift card from me personally. Only two (2) things you need to do!
1) Sign up for my mailing list at www.jaredjonesonline.com (if you are already a member, skip to step 2!)
2) Post a comment on my "What Could've Been" music video on YouTube
And That's it! Every Sunday afternoon for the month of August, a winner will be selected from the mailing list at random. If that member has also commented on my "What Could've Been" music video on YouTube, they will win a $25 American Express Gift Card. If the randomly selected winner has not completed step 2, another winner will be chosen. Gift Card will be mailed the next day (you must include an accurate mailing address when you sign up for the mailing list)
Contest begins Monday, August 1, and runs until August 31, 2011. Total of four(4) winners for the month of August. Good Luck!
Here's your chance to win a $25 American Express gift card from me personally. Only two (2) things you need to do!
1) Sign up for my mailing list at www.jaredjonesonline.com (if you are already a member, skip to step 2!)
2) Post a comment on my "What Could've Been" music video on YouTube
And That's it! Every Sunday afternoon for the month of August, a winner will be selected from the mailing list at random. If that member has also commented on my "What Could've Been" music video on YouTube, they will win a $25 American Express Gift Card. If the randomly selected winner has not completed step 2, another winner will be chosen. Gift Card will be mailed the next day (you must include an accurate mailing address when you sign up for the mailing list)
Contest begins Monday, August 1, and runs until August 31, 2011. Total of four(4) winners for the month of August. Good Luck!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Reason Why Your Heart Breaks...Literally
So I stumble across this great psychological study in Psychology Today that was just conducted and written about this past April on "The Neuroscience of Relationship Breakups" - Written by: Melanie A. Greenberg Ph.D. Researchers asked for participants who have experienced an unwanted breakup in the past six months, and they studied their brain activity. One of their findings that blew me away was "Our brains appear to process relationship breakups similarly to physical pain". Talk about heart break!
This got me thinking of a song I wrote, and recorded that is featured on my new album, "What Could've Been". The song is called, "Reason Why Your Heart Breaks" (produced by: Tiago Gouveia, from Portugal), and it was inspired by a Facebook status posted by my good friend, Mocha Dee, as she's known on Facebook. The status was posted I believe last fall, and it said something like, Ladies, ever wonder the reason why you experience heart break. (I'm paraphrasing). One of the biggest guilty pleasures people have (admit it) on Facebook is seeing when "relationship statuses" change. And of course the comments after the status change read: "What happened?" or "It's about time", or "Let me know if you need anything". Unless we know what happened personally, we can not know if it was a wanted, or unwanted breakup. Maybe it was mutual. In any event, I wrote the song to reach those who get their heart broken. When the breakup hits them with shock, or when unfortunately they find out their partner has falling in love with someone else.
You can hear the song at www.jaredjonesonline.com , and if you know someone who has gone through a recent breakup, or you yourself may be experiencing a breakup, read that article above, and go download the song for free (you do have to join the Jared Jones Journey mailing list on the website first, but hey, free music!)
This got me thinking of a song I wrote, and recorded that is featured on my new album, "What Could've Been". The song is called, "Reason Why Your Heart Breaks" (produced by: Tiago Gouveia, from Portugal), and it was inspired by a Facebook status posted by my good friend, Mocha Dee, as she's known on Facebook. The status was posted I believe last fall, and it said something like, Ladies, ever wonder the reason why you experience heart break. (I'm paraphrasing). One of the biggest guilty pleasures people have (admit it) on Facebook is seeing when "relationship statuses" change. And of course the comments after the status change read: "What happened?" or "It's about time", or "Let me know if you need anything". Unless we know what happened personally, we can not know if it was a wanted, or unwanted breakup. Maybe it was mutual. In any event, I wrote the song to reach those who get their heart broken. When the breakup hits them with shock, or when unfortunately they find out their partner has falling in love with someone else.
You can hear the song at www.jaredjonesonline.com , and if you know someone who has gone through a recent breakup, or you yourself may be experiencing a breakup, read that article above, and go download the song for free (you do have to join the Jared Jones Journey mailing list on the website first, but hey, free music!)
Sunday, June 19, 2011
So Sorry - Behind The Song
It was a cool, cloudy, rainy summer afternoon. I was sitting outside a recording studio known then as The Destination, in Framingham,MA. I was two hours away from recording my first song with Grammy-nominated music engineer, Joey P (known for his work with Ludacris, Fabulous, and others). I had met Joey at a music conference here in Boston back in 2005, and here it was two years later that we began working together.
I had produced a simple guitar, drum, string instrumental, and was playing it over and over in the car, hoping to create such a universal song, it could apply to anyone (especially so I could get another television placement). The weather and music equally set the mood and tone for what became "So Sorry". The melody of 'Im sorry, so sorry' continued playing in my head, and was quickly followed by 'Na, na, na. Na, na, na. Na, na, na-na'.
There it was...simple melody, universal topic, everyone has to apologize to someone at somepoint right? And how many times to people have to apologize over the course of their life?
An hour later, the song was written, and just in time as Joey pulled up to the studio. I went in, recorded vocals, and left with the demo of thr song. Now the plan was to finish producing more music around it, mix, and master it so I could put the song out, and proceed to place it on a TV show, but I began to get busy with other things, and it was harder to set a schedule to complete it.
Fast forward to my good friend Ezemdi beginning to look for songs for his debut album. I told him I had a song that would not only fit him, but would allow him to get creative with the production as well (he's also a music producer). I sent him the demo recording and he said "Yeah, I'ma make this a big production!"
Over the next few months, Ezemdi recorded his vocals, made subtle changes, until he couldn't find something he could change.
We agreed, "So Sorry" is going to save a lot of friendships and relationships.
Take a listen to "So Sorry" on Ezemdi's debut album "By Your Side", at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/by-your-side/id443520586
Let me know what TV shows the song would fit well in.
I had produced a simple guitar, drum, string instrumental, and was playing it over and over in the car, hoping to create such a universal song, it could apply to anyone (especially so I could get another television placement). The weather and music equally set the mood and tone for what became "So Sorry". The melody of 'Im sorry, so sorry' continued playing in my head, and was quickly followed by 'Na, na, na. Na, na, na. Na, na, na-na'.
There it was...simple melody, universal topic, everyone has to apologize to someone at somepoint right? And how many times to people have to apologize over the course of their life?
An hour later, the song was written, and just in time as Joey pulled up to the studio. I went in, recorded vocals, and left with the demo of thr song. Now the plan was to finish producing more music around it, mix, and master it so I could put the song out, and proceed to place it on a TV show, but I began to get busy with other things, and it was harder to set a schedule to complete it.
Fast forward to my good friend Ezemdi beginning to look for songs for his debut album. I told him I had a song that would not only fit him, but would allow him to get creative with the production as well (he's also a music producer). I sent him the demo recording and he said "Yeah, I'ma make this a big production!"
Over the next few months, Ezemdi recorded his vocals, made subtle changes, until he couldn't find something he could change.
We agreed, "So Sorry" is going to save a lot of friendships and relationships.
Take a listen to "So Sorry" on Ezemdi's debut album "By Your Side", at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/by-your-side/id443520586
Let me know what TV shows the song would fit well in.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Classic Songs vs. Songs
We all may not be able to describe what makes a classic song different from any other song, but we know it's different. It gives us a different feeling, more of an emotion. It's that song from years ago that you can still turn up the radio for. It's that song you hear at the end of great movies, or sometimes the only song that you can remember from a particular artist.
What is the first song you think of when I say, "classic song"? And now ask yourself why. I know it may be hard to answer at first, but think about it...that's exactly why it's a classic! It just does something to you.
One of the first songs that come to my mind is the Diane Warren penned "Don't Wanna Miss a Thing", recorded by Aerosmith, and made famous during the end credits of the 1998 Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton movie, "Armageddon". Simon Cowell, (known to many as critical American Idol and X-Factor judge) dubbed the song as "one of the greatest songs of all time".
Just what did that song do. What kind of characteristics does the song have?
1) It is EMOTIONAL
I bet this song made half the people in the movie theater cry (in a good way). The movie and music video helped convey that emotion. But even just listening to the recording creates a different atmosphere. You tell me...
2) It is RELATABLE
I believe every person on planet earth can relate to missing something at one point or another, and not wanting that feeling again.
3) It is TIMELESS
You will turn on the radio in 20 years, and still hear this song playing (granted there is still radio at that time). Now I know some of you will say all songs are timeless now because they can be played forever on the internet. I don't mean it like that. But think of it like this...there are songs you will continue to search for on the internet years from now, or songs that will always be in your ITunes library, or CDs you will never throw away or sell at a yard sale because they have your those classic songs. Then there are other songs that you forget existed and they only came out a few weeks ago. That's the timeless I'm talking about.
4) It leaves an LASTING IMPRESSION
This is similar to being timeless, but I gave it its own section to clarify. Again, the movie and music video helped this songs make a lasting impression, because when you hear the song, you can see the movie or music video playing in your head. And even if there was not a movie or music video out to give you that impression, this song as well as other classics may make your mind create it's own "times of your life" inner-mind video; say makes you reminisce or playback sections or moments of your life that you can relate the song to.
Now don't get me wrong, we still need those songs that stay around for a few weeks, play in the clubs, and 70 times on the radio (per day), just to disappear shortly after. It helps to justify the classics, and separate great songs from good songs. These type of songs are the ones that pop in your head at some random moment 5 years later, and make you remember a night you thought you forgot (and try hard to forget again). But today as I write, with so many new songs coming out every hour, I want to remind us all to be on the "ear out" for those next classic songs. You'll know it when you hear it.
Three More Classic Songs:
1. One Sweet Day - Written by Mariah Carey, Walter Afanasieff, and Boyz II Men
2. Because You Loved Me - Written by Diane Warren (Recorded by: Celine Dion)
3. Complicated - Written By Avril Lavigne and The Matrix
Please comment and post your classic songs.
I will do the same. :-)
- Jared Jones
Singer/Songwriter/Vocal Producer
jaredjones@jaredjonesonline.com
What is the first song you think of when I say, "classic song"? And now ask yourself why. I know it may be hard to answer at first, but think about it...that's exactly why it's a classic! It just does something to you.
One of the first songs that come to my mind is the Diane Warren penned "Don't Wanna Miss a Thing", recorded by Aerosmith, and made famous during the end credits of the 1998 Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton movie, "Armageddon". Simon Cowell, (known to many as critical American Idol and X-Factor judge) dubbed the song as "one of the greatest songs of all time".
Just what did that song do. What kind of characteristics does the song have?
1) It is EMOTIONAL
I bet this song made half the people in the movie theater cry (in a good way). The movie and music video helped convey that emotion. But even just listening to the recording creates a different atmosphere. You tell me...
2) It is RELATABLE
I believe every person on planet earth can relate to missing something at one point or another, and not wanting that feeling again.
3) It is TIMELESS
You will turn on the radio in 20 years, and still hear this song playing (granted there is still radio at that time). Now I know some of you will say all songs are timeless now because they can be played forever on the internet. I don't mean it like that. But think of it like this...there are songs you will continue to search for on the internet years from now, or songs that will always be in your ITunes library, or CDs you will never throw away or sell at a yard sale because they have your those classic songs. Then there are other songs that you forget existed and they only came out a few weeks ago. That's the timeless I'm talking about.
4) It leaves an LASTING IMPRESSION
This is similar to being timeless, but I gave it its own section to clarify. Again, the movie and music video helped this songs make a lasting impression, because when you hear the song, you can see the movie or music video playing in your head. And even if there was not a movie or music video out to give you that impression, this song as well as other classics may make your mind create it's own "times of your life" inner-mind video; say makes you reminisce or playback sections or moments of your life that you can relate the song to.
Now don't get me wrong, we still need those songs that stay around for a few weeks, play in the clubs, and 70 times on the radio (per day), just to disappear shortly after. It helps to justify the classics, and separate great songs from good songs. These type of songs are the ones that pop in your head at some random moment 5 years later, and make you remember a night you thought you forgot (and try hard to forget again). But today as I write, with so many new songs coming out every hour, I want to remind us all to be on the "ear out" for those next classic songs. You'll know it when you hear it.
Three More Classic Songs:
1. One Sweet Day - Written by Mariah Carey, Walter Afanasieff, and Boyz II Men
2. Because You Loved Me - Written by Diane Warren (Recorded by: Celine Dion)
3. Complicated - Written By Avril Lavigne and The Matrix
Please comment and post your classic songs.
I will do the same. :-)
- Jared Jones
Singer/Songwriter/Vocal Producer
jaredjones@jaredjonesonline.com
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Why I'm Performing At All Asia tonight, April 26, 2011
On March 22, 2011, I performed my first live show in two years. My throat was scratchy and soar, and my nose was stuffed more than stockings at Christmas. My band and I had already adjusted the key of the songs I was to perform to make it easier on my voice, and if I could get through this, I could get through anything. So...I did. I had to. I had recently watched a YouTube video of Usher being booed as he left the stage in Germany because he was too sick to get through his performance. I had to keep going.
A few days later I received a call from Plectrum Entertainment, the company that booked me to perform that night, and they asked me to participate in a benefit for the Japan Disaster Relief Fund, taking place tonight, Tuesday, April 26, at 9pm, at All Asia in Cambridge, MA. And this time thankfully, I'm not sick! I had been hoping to do my part in helping the people of Japan since the massive destruction of their land on March 11, 2011.
So tonight, 100% of the proceeds from the door go to benefit Japan. Only $6 to get in.
All Asia
334 Mass Ave.
Cambridge, MA
9pm
A few days later I received a call from Plectrum Entertainment, the company that booked me to perform that night, and they asked me to participate in a benefit for the Japan Disaster Relief Fund, taking place tonight, Tuesday, April 26, at 9pm, at All Asia in Cambridge, MA. And this time thankfully, I'm not sick! I had been hoping to do my part in helping the people of Japan since the massive destruction of their land on March 11, 2011.
So tonight, 100% of the proceeds from the door go to benefit Japan. Only $6 to get in.
All Asia
334 Mass Ave.
Cambridge, MA
9pm
Friday, April 15, 2011
Ezemdi's New Promo Video "Cuddle"
I have a few "wow" moments every now and again, and this is definitely one of them. My good friend, artist/producer Ezemdi, just released his first promo video entitled, "Cuddle". The video is crazy!! Can't wait until the official full length comes out (which I may make a cameo in :-)
Ezemdi is signed to CrazzeHouse Records, founded my Mark Geohagen. Video directed by Ken Schmidt.
Click here to check it out >>>>> YouTube
Ezemdi is signed to CrazzeHouse Records, founded my Mark Geohagen. Video directed by Ken Schmidt.
Click here to check it out >>>>> YouTube
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
$20,000 in Four Hours
So there it was...the chance to turn it all around...or so I thought. Routinely checking my e-mail this morning, and opened an e-mail with a new opportunity. I've had my opportunities before, and it remains the same, if I have the music available, and it's a good fit, I'm gonna give it a shot.
What I am talking about was a chance to submit my music to company looking for a upbeat, energetic pop song in the style of Taio Cruz, Black Eyed Peas, etc. Well I consider myself a Pop/R&B singer-songwriter, but as I searched my catalog of songs I've written and recorded for both male singers, and female singers, I could not convince myself that one fit their need to a T. That is of course none of the ones that were completely finished; fully recorded, mixed, mastered, and ready to go.
You see, it takes a lot of time and effort to put together quality material worthy of being considered for such an opportunity, but I did have the "perfect" song. So I walk a few steps over to my ProTools home recording studio and get to work. Deadline for the submission: 12pm today. Time: 8 am
I begin doing what I know, polishing each of the 24 different instruments used to compose the music, and then focusing on creating the vocal "magic" heard in Top 40 records. Time 10am.
With two hours left to go, I am pretty satisfied with the mix of the song. I still have enough time to bounce the music down (meaning turning all of the separate music tracks into one finished track), put the finishing touches on, put it on a separate hard drive, upload it to my laptop, upload it to the website, and submit it for the $20,000 opportunity. Just one problem...I was pushing the computer to its limits. With so many different tools to process the music and vocals, to make everything sound just right, my computer warned me I had to make some changes. I continued to push. I need this song now!!
Finally, the computer was unresponsive. I shut it off, thinking I could turned it back on, and continue. The session file would not open! I tried everything I could...nothing. I have had this happen once before, and the song was a simple piano track with vocals, which I re-did within another hour. But this song had tons of instruments and tons of vocals. I had to deal with the fact that this opportunity wasn't for me.
I've read in many places before that success is when talent meets opportunity...but what the hell can I call this?
After phoning my producer, I realized stressing about wouldn't do me any good, and I began to work on something else.
Would the song have been chosen if I did have the chance to submit it? I'll never know. But this is what we have to fight through until our time actually comes.
What I am talking about was a chance to submit my music to company looking for a upbeat, energetic pop song in the style of Taio Cruz, Black Eyed Peas, etc. Well I consider myself a Pop/R&B singer-songwriter, but as I searched my catalog of songs I've written and recorded for both male singers, and female singers, I could not convince myself that one fit their need to a T. That is of course none of the ones that were completely finished; fully recorded, mixed, mastered, and ready to go.
You see, it takes a lot of time and effort to put together quality material worthy of being considered for such an opportunity, but I did have the "perfect" song. So I walk a few steps over to my ProTools home recording studio and get to work. Deadline for the submission: 12pm today. Time: 8 am
I begin doing what I know, polishing each of the 24 different instruments used to compose the music, and then focusing on creating the vocal "magic" heard in Top 40 records. Time 10am.
With two hours left to go, I am pretty satisfied with the mix of the song. I still have enough time to bounce the music down (meaning turning all of the separate music tracks into one finished track), put the finishing touches on, put it on a separate hard drive, upload it to my laptop, upload it to the website, and submit it for the $20,000 opportunity. Just one problem...I was pushing the computer to its limits. With so many different tools to process the music and vocals, to make everything sound just right, my computer warned me I had to make some changes. I continued to push. I need this song now!!
Finally, the computer was unresponsive. I shut it off, thinking I could turned it back on, and continue. The session file would not open! I tried everything I could...nothing. I have had this happen once before, and the song was a simple piano track with vocals, which I re-did within another hour. But this song had tons of instruments and tons of vocals. I had to deal with the fact that this opportunity wasn't for me.
I've read in many places before that success is when talent meets opportunity...but what the hell can I call this?
After phoning my producer, I realized stressing about wouldn't do me any good, and I began to work on something else.
Would the song have been chosen if I did have the chance to submit it? I'll never know. But this is what we have to fight through until our time actually comes.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Featured on Front Page of Local Paper
I now know what it feels like to walk by a local store, and see my face on the front page of a newspaper. It is an underrated experience! The Randolph Herald, April 6-12 edition features an article about me on their front page. Thank you to Teresa Franco for putting that together. The online edition will be available soon. I've attached the pics.
www.jaredjonesonline.com
www.jaredjonesonline.com
Monday, February 14, 2011
Love Song Favorites
Michael Jackson's -"Baby Be Mine", and Stevie Wonder's "You are the Sunshine of my Life", are two of my favorite love songs of all time!! I used to play "Baby Be Mine" on repeat while walking home from elementary school thinking about the girl I was too shy to talk too! (Repeat meant rewind on the Sony Walkman!)
Along with celebrating my 25th birthday today, I'm reminded of why I write songs! When I was a senior in high school, I wrote my English research paper on, "Romantic Love through the Lyrics of Stevie Wonder". One of my favorite papers I had ever done. As a writer and recording artists, I want to separate myself from the others by writing lyrics that touch the heart a lot more than others. You won't hear me singing a lot about sex (unless you read more into "Dishes (Remix)", or hittin clubs, but more about a "Gorgeous Girl', with such a natural beauty that she doesn't need any make up on. Or my most popular song on Youtube, "Why I Love You" (close to over a combined 700,000 views). Or even my "Not In Love Yet" record, which gives the reason why some girls don't hear those words from their boyfriends! So I hope on this Valentine's Day, February 14, 2011, that one of these songs becomes one of you "love song" favorites.
Oh yeah, and don't bite your tongue today, and not say anything to the one you love, or you might end up with "What Could've Been"
Along with celebrating my 25th birthday today, I'm reminded of why I write songs! When I was a senior in high school, I wrote my English research paper on, "Romantic Love through the Lyrics of Stevie Wonder". One of my favorite papers I had ever done. As a writer and recording artists, I want to separate myself from the others by writing lyrics that touch the heart a lot more than others. You won't hear me singing a lot about sex (unless you read more into "Dishes (Remix)", or hittin clubs, but more about a "Gorgeous Girl', with such a natural beauty that she doesn't need any make up on. Or my most popular song on Youtube, "Why I Love You" (close to over a combined 700,000 views). Or even my "Not In Love Yet" record, which gives the reason why some girls don't hear those words from their boyfriends! So I hope on this Valentine's Day, February 14, 2011, that one of these songs becomes one of you "love song" favorites.
Oh yeah, and don't bite your tongue today, and not say anything to the one you love, or you might end up with "What Could've Been"
Thursday, January 6, 2011
"Not In Love Yet" Released as Exclusive Download
Surprise!! I haven't said anything about this song, which we originally intended for Justin Bieber. David Saint sent me a hot track, and I had already been thinking about the "Not In Love Yet" concept. I mean, every girl has asked a guy, "Do you love me?", or "Why don't you love me?", and the simple answer may be..."I'm just not in love yet". I wasn't even sure if I wanted to include this song on my album, but after quick feedback from some very devoted fans via Twitter, I definitely am going to include this on my album. Now hopefully my album designer won't be mad at me since we now have to include the title on the back of the album!! :-)
Just posted a YouTube version of the song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxKF0cr1CSE), and if you are a fan of my mailing list at http://www.jaredjonesonline.com, you can download the MP3 exclusively!! I do hope you enjoy it. Check the video, leave me comments, and holla at me!!!
Just posted a YouTube version of the song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxKF0cr1CSE), and if you are a fan of my mailing list at http://www.jaredjonesonline.com, you can download the MP3 exclusively!! I do hope you enjoy it. Check the video, leave me comments, and holla at me!!!
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