Thanks To You…….I’m sitting on top of the world. Those of you who know me well know I write and sing solely for the love of music, but a brother’s gotta make some dough too, so my first shout out goes to those of you who put your money on me by coming to my shows and purchasing the album right out the gate….and a special shout out goes to all of you who are definitely going to hit up CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon and other digital retailers to make your purchase next pay day. You show me I’m valuable to you.
I Appreciate and Give Thanks…..to all of you who stay in touch via my website and social network sites. Your comments and compliments keep me going and remind me why I make music my life. I appreciate and give thanks to all of you who watch and forward the links to my videos and music, and post my music and videos on your web pages. You keep my dreams alive. I appreciate and give thanks to all of you who have reached out offering your services to become a part of my dream. You show me that I have much to offer. And, although Hip Hop is not my official genre, I appreciate and give thanks to the Hip Hop community for writing and recording with me and providing me much media coverage. You prove music is universal, and my grind is tight.
You may continue reading this post, previous posts and view photos at my blog FLYING WITH THE PHOENIX, http://jphoenixinflight.blogspotcom
Music frequently tells the stories of the times we live in, so, I decided to use my song, “Heart of a Soldier,” from my debut album Masterpiece, to create a story in honor of Barack Obama’s historic Democratic Presidential Nomination. Check it out on my video player below, and if you’re at Youtube and would like to rate and comment, here’s the link, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjwoZ7w85GY. I hope you enjoy it.
The A&Rs Get Me…….I’m just not sure they know it. Let me share a lil sumpin’ with you. Like most songwriters I get my share of passes; and the reasons vary. In the past it’s been the artist is not going in this direction, we’re looking for something a little more uptempo, or we’re looking for something with more hook and less message.
But lately I’ve been hearing that my songs don’t sound like everything else on the radio; and that my songs are a perfect fit for film, television and advertising. This is where I say, “you do get me.” True, I don’t sing like everyone else on the radio. I have a style of my own; and, like film and television, my songwriting is about storytelling, not just coming up with a hook to keep the club bouncing.
Oh, by the way, has anyone noticed that some songs played on the radio are the same or similar in title and storyline as three of the songs on MASTERPIECE?: “Hate That I Love You” (Rihanna/Ne-Yo), “Just Like You” (Keyshia Cole) and “Money’ Don’t Mean A Thing” (Dwele’s last album)
To read this entire post, previous posts and view photos visit FLYING WITH THE PHOENIX, http://www.jphoenixinflight.blogspot.com
Not being in the States to celebrate the career and life of Isaac Hayes with other artists does not sit well with me. However, due to technology and the vision of David Nathan, of Soulmusic.com, I was able to join Dionne Warwick, The O’Jays, and others in paying tribute to our legendary Academy Award winner. Please take a moment to check out the site and read some of the great things said about this legendary soul music artist.
Well Sort of……It’s not an article, but it’s a sho nuff start. Right there on page 40 of the August issue, “12 Essential Posthumous Tupac Songs” at number 2 is Thugz Mansion featuring Nas and J. Phoenix.
It’s been an interesting two weeks since we last hooked up…….Since then I’ve picked up a legion of new online fans and some nice press regarding FOR THE PEOPLE and its national release to radio. Now for those of you who don’t know how the industry works, this doesn’t mean that you will be hearing me every hour on your local radio stations just yet. But what it does mean is that radio program directors and music directors have all now heard and heard about J. Phoenix. So if you feel like exerting your influence, feel free to call those request lines.
You may continue reading this post, read prior posts and view photos at FLYING WITH THE PHOENIX, http://www.jphoenixinflight.blogspot.com
After creating hits across genres, I’m coming out swinging on my on July 29th with my first single, “For The People,” and the official release of MASTERPIECE (From The Soul Music), available word-wide at iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, Rhapsody, Ruckus, CDBaby, and a host of other digital retailers.
“For The People,” is produced by The Heatmakerz, the phenomenal Hip-Hop team known for their work with Cannibus Cam’ron, Lil Flip, and Lil Wayne. The high-spirited, infectious song has recently enjoyed more than 7,000 plays online and is called “a winner and real crowd pleaser with good melodies and a great message” by the A&R team at Taximusic.com.
This song is about getting people back to happy, and reminding them that regardless of how the world is changing our souls never die. Ultimately, for me, music is about healing. That’s my goal always.
Back To The Music…..I’ve been so caught up in the environment, I haven’t spoken to you about the music. Trust me, in addition to the performances music is on my mind on a regular. Even when I’m climbing the steps of ancient ruins, I’m working on a melody. I just started two new shows, Jazz Set and Summer Breeze, and I’m hyped because I’m singing with the fabulous Shevon Jacobs and that sister can wail!!.....just the two of us lightin’ up the stage. You may continue reading this post and view photos at FLYING WITH THE PHOENIX, http://www.jphoenixinflight.blogspot.com
At the end of last week I was in Venice. All I can say is WOW! Then I hit Tunisia. Yes, Tunisia. Looks like I got here just in time since I hear gasoline back home is now $4.29 a gallon for regular. I’m scared to ask what’s going on with the diesel people. So I’m posted up on top of this camel…..you may continue to read this post and view photos at FLYING WITH THE PHOENIX, htto://www.jphoenixinflight.blogspot.com
Well, I got what I asked for. The audience loved Big Time Swing. Long story short, the response was off the meter. Not just an ovation, but a standing one. I started off the show in the shadows (lil drama) doing a bass line Acappella scat. You may continue reading this post and view photos at FLYING WITH THE PHOENIX, http://www.jphoenixinflight.blogspot.com
Saturday Night Was Sizzling!.........a packed house in Portugal and two standing ovations for the first show, “Tango Buenos Aires”. Your boy had his Spanish and choreography tight! The show was hot and so was the after party. You may continue reading this post and viewing photos at FLYING WITH THE PHOENIX, http://www.jphoenixinflight.blogspot.com
