August/September 2008
Music TRIBE -- Debut CDs
Jeremy
Johnson's "Open"
By Lyric, Music Journalist
Open your ears, your minds, and your hearts and let the music of Jeremy Johnson inside. His soulful R&B sound evokes legendary musicians of the past like Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye and Al Greene, all who've embraced beautiful love ballads, meaningful mid-tempo grooves and inspirational melodies. Add some smooth dance moves suggestive of the Godfather of Soul, and you've got a powerhouse performer with an amazing vocal range that will indeed captures hearts and excite listeners.
Ten years in the making, "Open", Johnson's first official collection of musical recordings on CD, will be released in August 2008 with tracks about life, love and the many tough choices that come along. In an interview with TRIBES, Jeremy shares inspirations, hopes for the future and tells us what's listneres can expect.
TRIBES: Jeremy, who are your targeted listeners and what can they expect when they hear Open?
Jeremy: Grown and sexy folks! Individuals who are mature enough to handle grown folk lyrics, melodies and subject matters. My music is not for the faint at heart or for those individuals simply looking to have a shake yo' booty, laughy taffy good time. Now certainly, there are songs on the album that will inspire individuals to get up and dance, but as for what my listeners can expect, expect to have your conscience and awareness peaked. I am so sick of turning on the radio and listening to music that basically has no merit. I am here to change the scene, to restore soul, dignity, depth, passion, and integrity!
TRIBES: Inspirations behind the songs on the CD. Tell us about them.
Jeremy: I am inspired by what I see around me. By people, situations, the media, my own night and day visions. When I wake up each morning, and I am afforded the opportunity to move with the inner strength that has been given me and I am inspired. Love inspires me. I am deeply inspired by this emotion. The thought of creating and affecting positive change inspires me.
TRIBES: Did you face any challenges while recording and producing your debut CD?
Jeremy: Let's just say that the only reason it took me ten years to complete this first project is because of challenges. One of my greatest was the lack of financial resources. Growing up, finances were always a struggle in our household. To this day, I still get teary eyed whenever I envision my mother walking down the country roadside with a bucket and some fishing canes. She would walk to the river and go fishing for hours and wouldn't return until she had caught enough fish to feed our family. My father was a hard working man as well but financial struggles often led to other struggles in my household. In addition, there was also the challenge of my religious upbringing. I come from a Christian background and initially I was forewarned of the hellfire that would await me if I strayed away from God to pursue 'secular' music. So, for the longest time, this scared the hell out of me making me question the music I wrote. I was made to feel like I was writing "devil" music. Thankfully, as a result of much self reflection, meditation, and reading other religious philosophies, I can say today I am overcoming all these challenges.
Get the full interview now! Also visit www.myspace.com/jjjthemovement to listen and learn more.
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