Wow factor

Singer Sean Jones shares the love with his new album

BY: Afro P

Sean Jones is in love. We're not talking about candlelight dinners and moonlit walks. Jones is in love with his art and the process of creating. Sway caught up with the passionate but eclectic crooner and former In Essence frontman while he was on a promotional stop in support of his latest release, This Is Love.

This is Love has an organic and timeless feel. It almost sounds like a live album. Do you think other Canadian musicians will imitate this fresh approach?
That's a tough question because clubs will always be there and dance music will always be there. Dance music right now comes with a lot of beats that can be made in a studio setting, and the music may be good but often it's usually only remembered for a few months. But timeless music is an entirely different animal and you are going to have to be able to bring it live. I'm not trying to make a statement with more organic-sounding music. I just want to make the music Sean Jones wants to hear and what I think the rest of the world wants to hear.

What do you like most about playing live?
Ahhhhh... it's the look on everyone's face. I mean I can get up there, they will introduce me and everyone knows me from In Essence. They may have seen me on TV, but they don't know me in this way with a guitar strapped on and a full on rock band supporting me. I can start a song and by the end the audience, one that has never heard of me, is at attention and that is when I know the music, the lyrics and melody have touched them. I love that "wow" factor.

How did working with In Essence open your eyes about the music industry?
In Essence was definitely a learning experience. Being with a major label, we found out about how the labels work — it's all about the bottom line. Not so much artistically, but monetarily. It's totally about business. Fortunately, I've chosen to sign with WIDEawake Entertainment Group which handles all the pieces I need to build the Sean Jones brand and fan base. So I'm really excited about this project. Everyone is completely positive. They completely believe in it. I've got so much support right now I get emotional just thinking about it; I'm very blessed. But you have to know how to manage all that support. Lara Lavi and the team get me and get what needs to happen. That's one of the most important lessons learned from my time with In Essence.

Lastly, we have to talk about Barack Obama. Your song "Wounded" was inspired by his campaign for the Presidency. You mention things are boundless now. How has his victory impacted you?
Well, I think everyone recognizes and realizes how historic and powerful his election was. Everyone wanted this man to win — the world wanted this man to win. For hundreds of years, people of colour have been discriminated against and now for a superpower to be led by a man of colour — well that speaks volumes around the world. So any child who feels that they cannot accomplish great things can just look at Barack Obama. It will take blood, sweat and tears, but anything can be achieved.

This Is Love is available through music vendors across Canada. To find out more about Sean Jones visit seanjonesmusic.net.