Q&A with Cleveland P Jones

I think you are one of the top 10 male vocalists in Atlanta. Your tones and inflections are amazing. Is that all God-given, training or both?

It’s definitely not training. You know the movie, “Something the Lord Made;” I would have to say that’s kind of what it is. A lot of times I’m asked how does it happen or what’s going on. I don’t see it as being unique because it’s me doing it. And when it moves someone else, I’m moved too. But I don’t see it as I’m truly special. I just think that I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing – using my gifts. I made a decision to follow my purpose – my passion six years ago, and I have not turned back. So I would have to say, “it’s something the Lord made, and I’m going to keep on singing because I know I’m supposed to sing.

You were encouraged by your mom as a child to sing. Were there anything else you wanted to do aside from singing – a childhood dream?

Yes. I initially wanted to be a doctor. I wanted to deliver babies, and when I saw the process, I said no. Then while I was at Morehouse College, I was looking into law – thinking I would be a good lawyer, and hopefully an honest one. But I thought I was doing it at the time because of my grandfather because at the time he was saying, “you’re gonna be that person in the family. You’re gonna be the doctor, or the lawyer.” So I kind of geared myself towards that. But ultimately that was about him and not me. So he passed my first year at Berklee (College of Music) in 2006, and I felt it was gonna happen. So I went and pursued music. I’m happy, and I’m following through on my dream. It’s not easy, let me be very clear, but it’s very worth it. I would never change it. I’m excited to be following through with this music.

So what was the most profound thing you learned while attending Berklee College of Music?

I would say the most profound thing I learned at Berklee was to respect other people’s gifts and do not compare yourself. I don’t compare myself to any of these singers in Atlanta. I don’t compare myself because ultimately we all have our own tone, signature sound or whatever. The comparison or jealousy doesn’t work for me, and I’m gonna sing anyway. I’ve seen clickish stuff happen and I’m not into that. I’m not trying to be different. Ultimately Berklee taught me to accept people for where they are. At Berklee, there are so many people from all walks of life, from all over the world, and you came for this one common thing, which is music – to celebrate it, and no one cares if you were black, white, gay or straight. Whatever you were, you just did your thing. So if anything, you just love people where they are, find your niche, and stay in your lane. But ultimately Berklee definitely gave me more courage to be an honest musician and not having to do the cookie-cutter thing or the trendy thing, because my album I’m working on right now is definitely interesting, and I’m excited. This is my authentic soul speaking.

So what was the process getting into Berklee?

I got accepted to Berklee in 1999, but I did not go because I wasn’t ready. Then I auditioned for a scholar and was offered a partial scholarship. It wasn’t a lot of money, and I know I also did not have a lot of money to put towards my education, so I just left it alone. I finished Morehouse and started working as an assistant teacher. Later I realized I had to do what I was supposed to do truly. So I decided that I had to stop being afraid and just go for it and see what happens. I did go for it and was in Boston for eight years, and it was very beneficial for me, but I’m glad to be back in the ATL. It was a little rough starting back here in Atlanta, but I’m happy to be back again.

Let’s talk about your new single, “Be Kind.”

Yes. My new single, “Be Kind,” which was released yesterday, was produced by me, and I had a little help from Mr. Darrin Benjamin, known as Daz IQ. He added a different drum beat to the song. It just feels good to know when people are listening to this song; it is actually me playing those keys. When people say the song is hot, I’m like, ”what,” because you know I’m still stuck on insecurities, because I’m not Darkchild or these other big producers that are known. I’m growing. In a nutshell, I’m growing, and I’m never going to stop.

I have conducted a lot of interviews, and so many people in the entertainment/music business tout big-heads, or at least pretend to be something they’re not. They forget the struggle to get to where they are at the moment, and where it is they want to end-up. Many of these people tend to look down on others, which is often a ruse to hide their insecurities. For someone to be as talented as you are, you have a lot of humility.

Thank you. Well, my mom always told me this, “Cleveland it’s nothing wrong with wanting things, but don’t be looking for a lot of great things to happen. Now, I wouldn’t tell my child that. If I had a child, I wouldn’t say that. But, I understood her. She was trying to prepare me for when something bad happens and the letdown, so that I could stand strong. If I ever have a kid, I would say, “please go and do that. Let’s find out.

You have so many artists these days who walk around like these prima donnas; like I’m the ish, and they’re not doing anything.

Well, I can’t speak on that. I won’t speak on that.

I interview a lot of artists, and this is the attitude I get from many of my interviews. So I definitely can speak on that.

I can’t speak on that because I don’t know the history of what someone has gone through. I don’t know the history of why these artists do what they do. I don’t understand why people feel like they need to be pompous. My quick little model now that I’m in my 40s is to do all the things that I can do for myself. I love to serve and give to people, but I also learned to take better care of me and discover the power of no, which is a big thing that I started getting into.

When did you learn the power of no?

I was at Berklee, and a professor wanted me to do something, and I was over-exerting myself to try to satisfy everybody. I was very excited to be a part of things, but just knowing that I was one voice and my voice was really tired and I was going through all this crap. At the same time, I didn’t want to say no. But then one day he told me, “Cleveland, I know this is very hard for you, but why don’t you just say, “it just doesn’t work for me,” and you don’t have to explain yourself. I still find it hard at times, but I’m still working on it. I feel so much better in my skin now, and it’s because I love me. It took a long time for that, so I’m excited.

Let’s get into your music. One of my favorite songs is “Fly Free.” How did the collaboration with you and producer Kejam begin?

Kejam (Dee Majek) is a long-time producer and has been doing a lot of great things over in the U.K. for years. He sought me out on Facebook and said he wanted to work with me, to help me do something outside the box. So we agreed to do four songs, and “Fly Free” was one of those songs. Dee is definitely a true angel to me.

What was the inspiration behind “Fly Free?”

Well, when I heard the track, I kept thinking life is what you make it, and you gotta stay in the race. Every day it’s a struggle to stay alive. So, I’m saying, “be set free. Do what you need to do to be free and dance while you’re doing it – making life much easier.” So the thing was to put a positive message behind the song, and not have cookie-cutter lyrics. I wanted to say something.

What about “Be Kind?” The release date was December 8?

Initially, it was scheduled for release on December 8, but it’s available now on all digital stores.

Listen/Buy “Be Kind”

What was the inspiration behind “Be Kind?”

“Be Kind” will be a part of my album, “Love and Humanity.” It’s about me opening up to love again and wanting to express that feeling. I love to sing and express, and I love that song.

Are you seeking a label deal? I know that there are many artists, especially indie artists, who self-release their music. They don’t necessarily need a label to be successful nowadays. But, many artists still seek to have that major label deal as a sign of approval, acceptance, self-worth, or for the idea of gaining prosperity. Now we know that signing a major label deal is no guarantee that you will be prosperous at all. It is also not a guarantee that you will become a superstar. That is a misconception.

No, I’m not seeking a major label deal. I have been involved with two labels in the past, and have gotten out of those deals. I just don’t have that desire, but I will not say no to something that is good for me – to be clear. So if there is a right label situation, I’ll do it. I do have my eyes on three labels I would like to look at.

Which three labels?

I like Blue Note. I love Verve, and I’m also interested in Motema. I’ll put that out in the atmosphere, and if it’s a great deal, I say, “let’s go for it.”

So you’re a more Jazz/R&B artist?

I love Jazz a lot; extremely a lot.

I think you have a really great voice for Dance.

I’m down! I’m open to it all.

Every time I listen to “Fly Free;” I just wanna dance. So you would welcome collaborations with other Dance Music artists and producers?

Yes, I would. I just actually did another dance song called, “Always There” with a team in Russia. It will be out soon. I did another song with a group in Italy. So I’m open to it.

When is the drop date for your new album, “Love and Humanity?”

Right now, I have it listed for Spring of 2018. I am leaving for Russia for the entire month of March to tour. So it may be in February if I finish-up sooner, or as late as April, but I’m very proud of what I’m doing on the album. I feel really good about it.

Who are you touring with, and do you tour often?

Well, this year was my first time touring. I did a two-week tour in Russia. I did 12 cities in two weeks, with only two days to rest, but It was amazing. I loved it and did not want to come back home.

Now these engagements, are you singing with other artists?

I’m absolutely going as the solo artist name Cleveland Jones. Touring as a solo artist was always what I called my shower prayers, and now they came to fruition. A gentleman by the name Jeff Edelman heard my song “Patience” on Youtube and said he wants to book me. All I can say is that I’ve been to Russia three times this year.

Do you have any shout-outs?

Absolutely! I’m always gonna shout-out mom, for being loving and open, which I appreciate. I want to send a Shout-out to USL Magazine. I’m always honored and grateful for people like you taking time out of their schedule to do these interviews because you don’t have to do it. I am sincerely grateful for all opportunities and every person who takes a moment to listen to what I do and hear my voice. So I don’t take it for granted; I’m honored.

Connect with Cleveland P Jones: @ClevelandPJones

A special thank you to Cleveland P Jones.