Jermaine Jones has been a Canadian Idol finalist, a 3-time Apollo Live Winner and is an incredibly active singer, songwriter and producer in New York City. Just after Canadian Idol, Jermaine travelled the world with a cover band to complete his own self-directed education in accomplishing polished vocal performances.
All of this talent and hard work brought him to Singdaptive’s attention – we just love his original multi-genre music, emotional delivery and polished vocal work! We asked Jermaine to share insights on what’s helped him become the singer he is today.
Key turning points in developing your own unique vocal work?
Performing overseas four hours a night six nights a week. After Canadian Idol I knew I wanted to have more performing experience before I released my own material. But I also have to say that singing in the choir at church as a young person also helped me with learning how to feel a song and connect with my audience using my heart.
What has been a performance high for you?
In addition to my experience singing bgvs with some of the industry’s finest including Trey Songz, NEYO and Ryan Leslie to name a few, one of my proudest accomplishments was singing the national anthem (both Canadian and American) for the New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors game at the Madison Square Garden and also at the Yankee Stadium in New York City.
What was your first gig/performance?
My first performance was when I was eight years old in church, my first gig was on a national hit television show, “Canadian Idol.“
What did you learn from those performances?
From church, I learned that if you sing from your heart the people will feel you, and on Canadian Idol I learned the importance of eye contact with the camera if you want to connect with your audience at home.
An important lesson you’ve learned in terms of vocal health and/or technique?
How to work around a song when your voice is not in its best condition – and how important it is to get vocal rest.
A vocal artist who inspires you?
NEYO’s songwriting inspires me and the “pain” in the voice of Donny Hathaway (as well as his vocal control and skills) always gives me something to aspire to.
What’s a lesson with tech (mics, camera, recording) that’s helped you make or share your music?
How important lighting is and how efficient the iPhone camera is as well.
What’s your relationship with social media?
That something I’m still trying to master, using the correct hashtags, making the correct song choice, time of day when you post, paying attention to the IG insights and analytics – all of these play a factor in successful social media marketing.
Any social media “fails” or “successes”?
Yes… I failed at not understanding the context of each social media platform and what content is appropriate for them respectively. I’ve also experienced success with understanding hashtags and increasing my engagement.
What are you currently working on in terms of your voice/music-career?
I’m currently working on releasing a new recorded project and building an entertainment company that provides live custom ensembles for private events.
What performance would you single out as being a “turning point” & why?
My performance on the Apollo Live stage in Harlem New York. Why? Because I was overwhelmed with fear, and it was a risky move because this audience is encouraged to boo performers they do not enjoy, and to have that happen while being recorded on national television could be damaging to one’s career in my opinion. After overcoming that and winning first place, I gained the confidence I needed to perform on any stage going forward.
What were one or two critical steps you took to reach larger audiences with your music?
One of them was to audition for a major television singing competition like The Voice, or Canadian Idol. Overnight you can go from nobody knowing your name to almost everyone saying hello when they see you out in public.
A favorite quote.
Grant me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Career dreams/goals?
Besides becoming a millionaire? LOL! To record a song so effectively that it ends up at the top of the charts.
Jermaine Jones Website | Jermaine on Instagram | Jermaine on YouTube
Jermaine Jones is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer working in New York City. See www.jermainejonesmusic.com
Singdaptive is the new way to learn singing and reach your singing goals. You’ll receive personal one-on-one coaching through video exchanges with a lead instructor who is supported by a multidisciplinary instructor team. You will do this at your own time and pace. Because we have a diverse team, you can work on any singing-related goals from technique, to performance, recording, vocal health, vocal effects, promotion and more…
