Urban World

» Introducing Neo Soul Singer, Jonas.

Jonas, a Danish neo soul singer living in South East London, ooozes talent, ambition and focus that is impossible to ignore. Since early childhood music has been Jonas' greatest passion, urging him to sing and play guitar, bass and keys. He formed the band Jonz and landed a worldwide recording deal with Sony Music all the way back in 1998, but like many other self assured artists turned to the independent route. Since taking matters in his own hands, the journey has been increasingly rewarding – from touring most of Europe, US and even Africa promoting his music, to getting airplay and press coverage from Nuuk to Nairobi to New York.

Some of Jonas's achievements include having his previous album Sweet Dreams Guaranteed listed in the Top 25 Soul Releases in the UK magazine ECHOES and Essential Album of the Month in Blues & Soul Magazine, and he has returned to the scene with his new album WAITT which is looking to become a vehicle for even bigger success and recognition around the globe. It is an album entirely based on the concept and statement “We Are In This Together”. (Released 25th of May).

We Speak to the man himself and get the low down on who Jonas is.. and he's latest album WAITT.


For those that don't know you Jonas, tell us a little about you.
I'm a son, a brother, a husband, a father and a friend. The rest of my time I spend on music, and have been for more than 25 years. For periods of time, music has been my main (or only) income, but I'm not interested in fame and fortune. I just love to create. That's the main thing that drives me.

Tell us some of the amazing people you have worked with? Is there any one you haven't worked with you want to work with?
Here comes the name dropping... Daniel Fridell (the most amazing musician/producer ever!), Honey LaRochelle, Omar, Lynden David Hall, Keith Harris (Stevie Wonder's manager), Pete Smith (Randy Crawford, Sting, Joe Cocker..), Demonté Posey & George Nash Jr. (Eric Benét), Marc Nelkin (Corinne Bailey Rae), Kevin Mark Trail, Scratch Professer.. and lots of other dudes and dudettes! I would love to work with Myron, Sade, Bob Dylan, John Legend, Foy Vance etc.. and anyone who's interesting and who can help me grow as an artist and songwriter.

Who are your biggest influences?
Bob Marley, D'angelo, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and a million others..

Your new album is called WAITT. Tell us about the meaning behind it.
This album is not just about me as a solo artist, but just as much about everybody else involved. It's a collective effort. The statement also means that in this life we can not do much by ourselves. I grew up with hippie parents, and the values I've learned is about peace, love and understanding. If we wanna do things, we have to come together. Share yourself with the world, and don't be selfish, I guess that's what I'm trying to say.

Where can we buy your album and when is your next performance in London?
As soon as I have the physical distribution sorted for my new album in UK, I'll come back and do as many shows as possible. But just keep an eye on my Myspace page (jonasoul). I always update it with all live dates.

How would you like the British public to know Jonas as?
I would like people to know me as someone who's real. And hopefully they will enjoy my music and get something out of it. I don't wanna label the music myself. I will let other people do that.

Written By Nasima Ahmed

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