With a style more real than rehearsed, more lyrical than pop, Rockstar Jones is an artist who only comes around once in a lifetime. Born in Toledo, Ohio to two aspiring college students, this self-produced artist and descendent of legendary author, Alex Haley (Roots) began studying classical piano at the tender age of four. Fast-forward a decade and Rockstar Jones balanced a strict Catholic high school with a knack for composing his own music on saxophone, piano and whatever studio equipment he could find.
I’ve always been around music. My moms always made sure I had that in my life…
After briefly attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, gigs as a college-radio DJ and label promoter, and even briefly living in Europe, Jones graduated with a degree in Marketing from the University of Arkansas. These unique experiences have become the foundation for the eclectic/innovative Rockstar Jones sound.
BSQ: What made you realize that music was your path?
RockStar Jones: I’ve been doing music since I was 4 yrs. old…took classical piano lessons and then I played saxophone from the 6th grade through my first year in college. Gave the instruments up because it got in the way of mackin to the chicks.
Got serious about being in the music game after being a college radio DJ at the University of Maryland-College Park. I was doing college promo for Sony Music and realized how you could actually make the music I enjoyed into a career. I didn’t start making my own music until maybe 2-3 years later but I already knew I was going to be involved somehow in the music industry as a career from then
BSQ: What career or profession would you pursue if it wasn’t music?
RockStar Jones: If it wasn’t music I would probably be in jail or a lawyer. Know that sounds like 2 opposite ends of the spectrum but that’s how my life as been. I’ve always had a series of crossroads where whatever I chose would probably affect the next 20 years of my life. I don’t promote whatever I’ve done illegal in the past but as far as the lawyer biz, I dropped out of law school after my first year to pursue music full-time.
BSQ: What has been the biggest obstacles for you?
RockStar Jones: The biggest obstacle for me is to remain patient and focused in the music game. People tend to underestimate the dedication and confidence it takes to be great in this music scene…especially in the urban genre. This is the genre where 1 song can really change your life, people come off the block and make music that their hood is bumping virtually overnight. In deciding to be as true to myself as possible and make the music me and my team wants to hear, I’ve been through car repos, evictions, lost relationships, friends getting murdered, etc. Through it all I’m still pushin, still Rockstar Jones. My VH1 “Behind the Music” Episode will need 2 episodes…lol.
BSQ: Did you ever feel like giving up?
RockStar Jones: Honestly…everyday. I’ve never admitted that outside my close circle. The funny thing is every time I have those thoughts I get a random tweet or talk to someone who tells me they listen to my music everyday…or I get an email for some production/songwriting work. I’ve realized my music touches people. My catalog is deep, my sound is unique. With that being said I’ve forced myself to remember that originality and true music sometimes takes a little longer to get
its just due.
BSQ: What’s your outlook on the music industry today?
RockStar Jones: My future is looking good. As far as the industry…there’s so many fly-by-night artists and movements out here it’s hard sometimes for me to latch onto anything to pay attention. I song write, I produce, I’m an artist, I’m starting to direct videos, write films. For me these are just extensions of my mind, my creativity, my dreams, etc. I feel that the music industry will forever more be defined by the most creative…the people who make soundtracks to times in your life. Throughout the years though there will be people who come and go, make money for labels, disappear, reappear, etc. The industry will never die because there’s corporate money to be made but it will continue to evolve as creatives push the envelope, create and recycle. I’m just looking to be remembered and respected for my work in the industry despite what “direction” the industry takes.
BSQ: Who are your biggest musical influences?
RockStar Jones: I am most influenced by the greats such as Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, people I loved growing up…New Edition (for the melodies), Nas, B.I.G., Kanye, The Dream, etc. I like artists who define their generation.
BSQ: Do you have immediate music goals?
RockStar Jones: My immediate goals include getting my videos on major networks such as MTV, BET, VH1, etc., releasing 2-3 projects before the end of 2012 and achieving widespread attention in major media magazines and blogs for my Dirty Drum movement. Also looking to begin touring nationally and internationally to reach out to people loving what I do. Going into 2012, I want to be anticipated and discussed. We will see…
BSQ: Have your been on tour? If so what did you experience?
RockStar Jones: I’ve put together small tours with my team. We’ve done shows in and around my hometown, Little Rock, AR, Memphis, TN, Dallas, Atlanta, Washington, DC, NYC, Maine, LA, etc. It’s an interesting experience performing for people who don’t really know who you are or your music. As always, I tried to give the most passionate/entertaining show possible despite the circumstances. I always left people something to think about.
BSQ: Has there been one particular moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?
RockStar Jones: I’m most proud of my debut video “BOMBS“. This was my first official video and I came up with the whole concept Directed by the talented Tapebot Films production team out of Los Angeles. I really felt the video accomplished the message I was trying to get across about the creation of music (being something that is controversial, volotile, misinterpreted, etc.). The goal of the video was to make a mini-movie where I was the ring leader of a “terrorist-like” cell spreading my message (positive I promise) to the world. I received a mixture of shock, praise and attention around this video…mostly positive. I just wanted to make something that got people talking and had replay value for the visual alone. I think we were successful with it.
BSQ: What’s next for you?
RockStar Jones: On May 22, 2012 I’m dropping the Better Than Good (Deluxe Edition) which is my debut album complete with 2 brand new records, special artwork, viral video series, music videos, etc. In June I’m releasing a 3-song EP by the name of The From Here..July a new mixtape which is Untitled right now and then in August, I’m formally dropping the After the Hangover (EP). All projects will be available at http://www.WhoisRockstar.com. Lookout for
Rockstar Jones!
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. It would be great if you subscribed to our RSS feed or sign up for email updates to receive daily articles from us. We have lots more in store! Thanks again, Team BSQ
About the Author
More articles by Aaron Young »
backseatquarterly
backseatquarterly
backseatquarterly
backseatquarterly
