Soul singer Tamika “Love” Jones is a recognized name in her stomping grounds of Washington D.C., performing regularly up and down the historic U Street corridor that was once called “Black Broadway”. But, while she is already a superstar in her home city, music fans outside of DC’s tri-state area seem to also have their ears perked for new sounds from this soulful songstress who is easily a candidate as our next new soul break-out artist. Jones has recently opened for acts such as Amel Larrieux, Marsha Ambrosius, Jaguar Wright and Maya Azucena and doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. She recently dropped her first self-titled CD in 2010 and is enjoying airplay of her recent singles “Damn, Damn, Damn” and “Dumb Love”. We had the opportunity to interview the talented singer and she told us in a recent Q & A session what D’Angelo, Amel Larriuex, Lauryn Hill and Billie Holiday have in common, what she has in store for us musically in 2011 and what inspired her recent CD.
Soul Train: You recently dropped your first CD in 2010 after years of appearing on the work of other artists. Tell us about your new album and the inspiration that went into crafting the songs for this debut from you.
Tamika “Love” Jones: The new album is a culmination of where I was after working with inspirational greats like Chucky Thompson, Brad Taylor, Jarvis Smith and Claude McKay. After my experiences in writing and working with them, I found genuine freedom in music and expression. The inspiration for the EP, was my life and my experiences by using them to inspire others. I feel this CD is true to who I am in my expression of love, life and everything that encompasses the depth of my soul. Specifically, the subject matters and themes expressed on the album represent my personal experiences and my musical itch for a more live, soulful return to music. I’m excited that I was able to capture sonically my feelings and emotions at that time, and how much I’ve grown musically since, from being a presence in the live music scene.
Soul Train: Who are some of the artists that you worked with before you released your own CD?
Tamika “Love” Jones: My first demo ever was totally produced by ex-BadBoy Producer Chucky Thompson of ChuckLife Productions. My first collaboration with a major artist through Chucky, was with Nick Cannon. He was actually doing his demo to get signed to Disney. That song was called “Temptation”; maybe you can still find it. Another major artist I worked with as a songwriter was Grammy Award-winning writer Denise Rich who has written for Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. We were writing a song for Michael Jackson, with references from Denise Rich, Lil Kim and Phillip Aaron. Nothing happened with the song but Lil Kim came and did the references.
Soul Train: You have been amassing a large following since you’ve begun performing in the Washington, D.C. area. What have been some of the more unexpected places you’ve performed at since you’ve begun performing?
Tamika “Love” Jones: Carter Barron Amphitheater was a great experience. I shared the stage with Deborah Bond, Fertile Ground, and Wayna for The Washington Post Soul Series. It was a complete honor to be considered for that event at such an early stage in my career. Honestly the overwhelming response from clubs now all over D.C. is crazy. Very familiar places like Bohemian Caverns/LIV now recognize me as an independent powerhouse in D.C., not the open mic girl I was before I decided to do music full time and produce a project. Nashville in Tennessee was an awesome experience. The music truly runs that city. For me to be able to perform at the historic BB Kings there was an great accomplishment. I also am proud of being featured at the 5th Annual International Soul Music Summit in Atlanta, GA.
 Tamika “Love” Jones music on iTunes |
Soul Train: You’ve been compared to everyone from India.Arie and Mary J. Blige to Jill Scott and Ledisi. Who would you consider your musical idols and why?
Tamika “Love” Jones: I would say Karen Clark-Sheard is at the top. She inspired many of my other inspirations. Jill Scott and Erykah Badu always bring us back from the R&B and hip hop crazed world. Other greats for their individuality and vocal prowess are D’Angelo, Amel Larrieux and Lauryn Hill. Jazz also colors my musical palette. I’m always listening to Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Rachelle Ferrell and Nina Simone.
Soul Train: As an independent artist, who have been some of your role models in terms of getting your music heard and getting gigs? Has being an indie artist made things more challenging?
Tamika “Love” Jones: First, Chris Rob and Maya Azucena from New York City were my first interactions with independents that were making a lot of noise. In following them, I appreciated the way they stayed true to their music, and kept pushing the envelope with their art and infusing various elements In following them, other independent greats made it easier to aspire to heights like many successful artists like Eric Roberson, Erykah Badu and Zap Mama .They all inspire me to share my true voice and art. Is it hard? Yes. It’s a lot of work to compose songs, promote yourself, and push all in house, but the benefits are extraordinary. At the end of the day I am responsible for the final product and I love the influence it is making. So, overall I’m grateful for the challenge.
Soul Train: What was your inspiration for your song “Dumb Love” which is your album’s first single and first video?
Tamika “Love” Jones: I wanted to show the vulnerability of people in love. Simple. Wanted folks to see the fun, innocence, and nostalgia of new love. I’ll admit, looking back, my whole life I’ve been enthralled by music, so I’m still a novice in love. However I find myself every time stepping out on a limb to embrace the unknown. I can’t help it, I know others can’t either. I knew it was something everyone felt at some point in their life.
Soul Train: In today’s congested music arena, what makes your music unique enough to attract the large fan following you’ve been getting?
Tamika “Love” Jones: As soulful as my music is, it’s still able to be received by many. It’s relatable, clear and emotion filled. While personally, Tamika is timid and a little shy—Tamika “Love” Jones the artist demands attention. My words in my songs are always meant to be attention grabbing, thought provoking and encouraging, because of that I think everyone feels my spirit through the music.
Soul Train: Has music always been your primary goal? Was there a time when you may have imagined another profession for yourself?
Tamika “Love” Jones: Yes. I’ve always been interested in psychology. I wanted to be a psychologist. I once interned at George Washington Hospital for psychology even though I have a Business Marketing degree from Pace University. Recently I just realized that I’ve fused the two of my first loves. As an independent writer and singer, I find myself dissecting relationships and evaluating my emotions. I’m so glad my life today encompasses singing and psychology for the masses.
Soul Train: 2010 seems to have been your break-out year on all levels, what can we expect new from you in 2011?
Tamika “Love” Jones: I’m looking forward to more travel and tour dates and exposing my music more internationally. There is a full length album in the works as well as more collaborations with some other DC artists like Mr. Turner, Maimouna Youssef and M!DAS. I look forward to returning to The International Soul Music Summit other conferences and music festivals, as well as more writing, and a few other projects that we will reveal very soon.
Check out Tamika’s single “Damn, Damn, Damn.”
– Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman
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Khadijah is a writer based in the Washington D.C. metro area. Visit her at KhadijahOnline.com.
