A Few Words with Jeremiah
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Shelia Goss: You're from New York right?
Jeremiah: Upstate New York--Rochester.
Shelia: How did you get involved in music?
Jeremiah: I grew up in a musical family. My mother is a classical pianist. I grew up listening to classical music. My mom also played at church. My sisters were aspiring singers at one point and my brother a percussionist. I grew up around it.
I really fell in love with music when I was about 9 or 10 years old. Instead of going outside playing with my friends, I would be in the house at my piano. It got to a point that I would fake sick so I could stay at home and write songs. I was an overweight kid and my siblings would call me fat boy.
Shelia: How did you lose all the weight?
Jeremiah: For me, I woke up one day and I just didn't love myself. I didn't love what I looked like. I felt like I could change. I started to love myself and started working out.
Shelia: When did you decide to do it?
Jeremiah: A couple of years ago in college.
Shelia: Now you can tell those same people "how you like me now." (smile).
Jeremiah: I was definitely one of those kids who was an ugly duckling that turned into a swan. People see me now who I haven't seen in years and they can't believe it's me. Sometimes they even pass me by on the street because they don't know who I am.
Shelia: Back to your new CD "Chasing Forever," did you write the songs for it?
Jeremiah: I wrote every song on there. I co-wrote "Love for A While" with Shanice--which is my new single. She wrote the bridge on the song. I'm not like some others who have to have someone write for them. I not only wrote the songs, but I produced the album myself.
Shelia: I don't like doing comparisons, but you remind me of a younger Brian Mcknight.
Jeremiah: That's a great compliment. I think he's supertalented. I'm honored. I feel like he's a very talented artist and he has his own original voice.
Shelia: You have to have a distinctive voice to stand out.
Jeremiah: Exactly. We've gotten to a place of unorginality. I don't listen to the radio that much. So many people sound so much alike. I think artists like Alicia Keys and John Legend are creating opportunities for artists like myself.
Shelia: True music lovers appreciate originality. We really do.
How does your family feel about your music success?
Jeremiah: They have been very supportive. My mom is like my number one fan. They are superexcited and are always calling to see how things are going. Between my family, friends and the label, the word of mouth campaign has been really inspirational.
Shelia: What was your major in college?
Jeremiah: I was a music major in college--classical voice major. I tried to write my vocal lines to expose the vulnerability in my voice. I want to tell a story.
My upbringing in church and listening to R & B...all of those experiences are infused in my music as well. I wanted to bring every piece of my experience into my album. I can only write what I am--which is all of those experiences.
Shelia: What advice give other aspiring singers?
Jeremiah: Do your homework. Learn the business. I believe in studying to show yourself approved. Learn your craft. When you learn your craft, it brings you the ability to have longevity.
Shelia: What kind of message are you trying to get across with your album?
Jeremiah: Hope...inspiration...ablility to love again. I'm a crooner in sort of that sense. I'm like a slow song kind of person. At the heart of me, I'm a balladeer. I want people to be inspired...to love and to hope...that's what I want people to walk away feeling.
Shelia: Is there anything else you want to share with my readers that we haven't discussed?
Jeremiah: I hope that your readers will be inspired to take a chance on something different. If you're tired of the same old thing, I'm the new fresh voice for the times.
To learn more about the new R & B crooner Jeremiah, visit one of his websites.
Myspace page: www.myspace.com/jeremiahsoul or Website: www.jeremiahonline.com
Shelia M Goss is an entertainment writer and National Bestselling author of My Invisible Husband and Roses are thorns, Violets are true. For a full bio, go to www.sheliagoss.com/espire.htm.
