Sean Jones

By: Chris Clay

October 29, 2008 03:51 PM - There's another side to Mississauga musician Sean Jones that never really emerged when he was recording and touring with the Juno Award-winning R&B quintet In Essence.

Jones, who went under the name Smooth during his time with the singing group, had an appreciation for rock music. But, when you're in a group with others, you're working in a democracy and sometimes individual tastes have to be subjugated for the greater good.

"Well, I had plenty of ideas that included the guitar that just didn't fit in the In Essence mould so I tucked them away," Jones told The News during an interview to promote his debut solo album, This Is Love. "It's just what came out of my heart and my head. But, I can't get the R&B out of me, it's just how I am. So, the singing is still soulful. That's why I call it soul over rock."

Growing up in Saudi Arabia, before he moved back to Canada and Mississauga, Jones said he wasn't exactly surrounded by hip-hop and R&B.

"There weren't a lot of black Canadians there," said Jones, with a chuckle. "So, I grew up on skateboards and listening to Whitesnake and Depeche Mode. Still, I remember my sister coming to visit with a Michael Jackson record one time so I did get a huge mix of sounds. But, that's me. I still listen to everything."

Currently based in Burlington, Jones released his new album on Tuesday. It can be purchased through online digital retailers such as iTunes.

Samples of the seven-track album, including the highly-engaging This Is Love as well as 2 Wrongs, Highway Enough, Spanish Angel, One Good Reason and See the Sun, can be heard by visiting www.seanjonesmusic.net.

Signed to WIDEawake Entertainment Group, Jones said the plan was to release the album as an appetizer. If it does well and people are receptive to the sound, he plans to follow it up with a full-length release.

"(This Is Love) is really about introducing Sean Jones to the world," said the Clarkson Secondary School graduate.

The album was produced by Maurice Jones (no relation) and Jones credits his producer for helping him nail down his distinct sound.

"I've been writing for the past three years, but it took Maurice to bring the music to life," said Jones. "In Essence was a five-man group harmonizing and that isn't the same as a live band, which was the sound I heard in my head."

While he doesn't envision himself as a singer/songwriter, Jones said he appreciates the power of one voice accompanied by guitar.

"If you can lay out a song with just a guitar and then sing and play it and it moves people, well, that's just an amazing song," he said.

cclay@mississauga.net
- Mississauga News

In Essence had a major NYC single, worked with Funk Flex and eventually signed with BMG Canada. What happened? Did BMG do their job or was it all talk? I had some of my greatest moments with In Essence. Hearing our song on the radio in New York City for the first time, signing a major label deal, winning the Juno award in 2004, are things that I will always remember. More importantly though, I grew so much as an artist from that experience. As a human being I learned how important communication is and how it can tear people apart if ignored. As a musician I learned how and where to place harmonies, vocal techniques, and showmanship. I also learned a lot about the business of music which is just as important as the musical side of things, if not more so these days. We all go through life and experience different things. All we can do is hope that we take away more positives than negatives from any experience and that those positives will enrich our lives for the better. I cherish the moments spent with those guys. I am on a different path right now and very excited that I have the opportunity to share my music with the world.

Why the solo route now? I am a firm believer in the saying that goes, “nothing happens before its time”. I wasn’t ready back then to do what I’m doing now. I needed time to develop as a songwriter and artist. I needed time to develop my sound and be able to communicate to people what it was that I was hearing in my head. But most of all I needed to develop confidence in my vision and my abilities. Those kinds of things don’t happen overnight. They take time. And funny enough, when I had finally reached a point where I could fly on my own, the universe sent me the support I needed to help me climb the rest of the mountain, WIDEawake. The ‘time’ just feels right. People are tiring of the same old sound and they are looking for something fresh and new that harkens back to a time when a song lasted a lifetime, not just a season. This is what I’m aiming for and God willing, that is what I will achieve.

Tell us about your soul over rock sound. The term was actually coined by Lara Lavi, CEO of WIDEawake, the entertainment company I’m signed with. The easy way to explain it is soulful vocals over heavy guitars but I don’t think that really provides an accurate description. I do sing over some distorted guitars but there are harmonies that I’ve layered over the music that provide a beautiful compliment to the raw guitars. In terms of chords, I’ve stayed away from the usual chord progressions found in most R&B music but yet still found a way to leave the listener feeling emotionally engaged. I usually tell people that they just have to hear it to understand it. It was a challenge at first trying to explain what was in my head because the sound I was hearing was so organic, a sharp departure from the syncopated rhythms of In Essence. However my producer, Maurice Jones Jr., took the time to listen to my ideas and used his experience with live instrumentation to craft the perfect blend of “soul over rock”.

Have you heard Dru’s solo release? I went out and bought Dru’s CD the day it came out. I have nothing but love for Dru and want to see him rise to the top. There are some great songs on that record. “Stay with me” and “Seasons” are my favourite.

What is your favourite Lenny Kravitz record? I love “Are You Gonna Go My Way” and “Fly Away” but my probably my favorite Lenny track is “It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over”.

What is the state of Canada’s urban music scene? Is there a community? There is some amazing talent here in Canada. However, much of that talent needs to be developed further in order to realize its full potential. Artist development is an expensive word in the music industry and Canadian labels just aren’t willing to put in the kind of capital it takes to get that act to the next level. In terms of business, they do have a point as the return on investment here in Canada for an urban act right now is next to nothing. It’s a tough situation for everyone involved. Then you add in music downloads and a failing economy and you find yourselves with executives who are not going to pull the trigger on your project unless it’s a sure thing. What’s the answer? If you’re an artist, you keep grinding. If you work hard enough, long enough, your chance will come. Just make sure you’re ready for it. Labels aren’t needed these days to become successful. The web has become one big shopping mall. Find a way to make your music. Find a way to perform your music. Find a way to market your music. It can be done. Will it be hard? YES! There is no way around that. But by doing it all yourself you are in a sense going through that artist development that I spoke of. It’s a slow road but if you truly love what it is you’re doing you’ll stay the course.

Can you make a living and bring up a family as a solo artist in Canada? I believe you can but it’s not going to happen overnight. There i - Peace Magazine

Burlington’s Sean Jones, best known for his vocal work in Juno award-winning R&B group In Essence, is releasing his solo album This Is Love.
His debut solo project (WIDEawake/Universal Music) initially will be released digitally worldwide on Tuesday (Oct. 28).

Along with the seven songs, the release will feature bonus video footage and a link to exclusive online content.

‘Soul over rock’

“I’m really proud of this solo project,” said Jones. “It’s something I like to call ‘soul over rock’, which is a fusion of soul vocals over various shades of rock.

“I started writing years ago, but what I was writing was not In Essence material.”

He said while writing the new material took years, the recording was completed in two months.

“The making of the record was quick once we got the studio time. Recording vocals is a simple process for me,” said Jones. “I write about relationships and tough times, emotional stuff. I don’t want to make music that could be dated; I want to make music that touches people and stays around.”

In addition to performing and writing new material, Jones is the international artist spokesperson for AKW Charity, founded by Canadian Lieutenant Commander Albert K. Wong, which builds schools for disabled children in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Jones plans to release an on-line video for his song Wounded, the theme song for the charity.

“The song is about being wounded but not dying and that is how I see the United States now. It needs a bit of help,” he said. “I’ve always worked with kids, so when I was asked to help out with children who have seen the effects of war, it was a no-brainer for me.

“It’s an honour and it’s humbling. The charity is still growing and so am I, so it’s amazing to watch it and myself grow while helping children.”

A musician, actor and model, Jones was a founding member and one of the lead vocalists of In Essence. The group received the 2004 Juno award for best R&B recording and the Much Music Video Award for Best Canadian R&B Video of the Year for the band’s hit Friend of Mine.

Credits support system

“I’m ready to go. Most people don’t get a second chance,” said Jones. “I’m venturing out on my own, but my support system has been incredible. I have very good material with better material to come. Good music always sells so that’s what I’m trying to do.”

For more information, visit www.seanjonesmusic.net .

If you would like a band considered for this column, contact kathryndunmore@yahoo.ca .

* * *

- Burlington Post

Sean Jones - This is Love
Review by Laurie Lonsdale
www.myspace.com/laurielonsdale

This is Love is a solo project by musician/actor/model Sean Jones, the former lead vocalist of Juno-winning R&B band In Essence. The EP features 7 songs, one of which is a bonus track, and though it falls just shy of being a full-fledged album, it makes up for it with extra content, including a link to Jones’ website, a video, and footage of the artist discussing his life and his music.

Hailing from Toronto, Jones’ musical tastes embrace several different genres, and he has pulled from all of them in order to create his own sound – a fresh sound he describes as “soul over rock”. It’s a fusion of soulful vocals arranged overtop of varying shades of pop/rock, with a combination of electric and acoustic guitars.

Jones’ has an amazing honeyed voice. His delivery is pure and smooth and highly appealing, and on the majority of songs featured, an influence of Lenny Kravitz and a touch of Prince can be heard.

Although the lead and title track of “This is Love” is noteworthy, for me, “2 Wrongs” proved to be the standout. With an infectious groove and a hint of retro ‘70’s, I was instantly hooked and played it over and over again. Also of special mention is “Highway Enough”, featuring heavier sounds and an interesting arrangement. As perhaps the most Kravitz-inspired song on the EP, it too warranted repeated plays and quickly became one of my favourites. The effective intro to “Spanish Angel” compelled me to listen, and once again the song scored high marks with me.

This is Love…….you’re damn right! For, despite that this isn’t the type of music I typically listen to, I ADORED this EP. It’s a rock-solid offering from a multi-talented man we’re sure to hear more from soon.

source: http://www.fazer.ca/2008/11/10/sean-jones-this-is-love-review/ - Fazer

June 16, 2008
Graham Rockingham
The Hamilton Spectator
(Jun 13, 2008)
A military tattoo may seem like a strange place to find a Juno-winning R&B singer performing.

But Sean Jones, former singer for the band In Essence, hopes his appearance at this weekend's Canadian International Military Tattoo at Copps Coliseum will help ease the plight of disabled children in war-torn Afghanistan.

Jones, a Toronto native now living in Burlington, will be performing a song called Wounded during each of the tattoo's two performances (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, 2:30 p.m.).

Jones has recorded Wounded for AKW Charity, a fund established by a Canadian soldier to help educate disabled children in Afghanistan.

Wounded will be made available for purchase on iTunes and spectators at the tattoo will also be able to purchase download cards of the song for $2 at Copps Coliseum with proceeds going to AKW Charity.

Wounded was composed by top-flight Nashville songwriters Amy Dalley and Jeremy Stover, who have penned songs for stars like Reba McIntyre and Emerson Drive.

"Martina McBride recorded it but never used it," explains Jones. "It's a beautiful song and I put my own little twist to it."

AKW Charity is the creation of Lieutenant Commander Albert K. Wong, a career public affairs officer with the Canadian Armed Forces. Wong served in Afghanistan for a year ending in September 2006. During that time he became involved in helping a small school in Kabul, for children with special needs.

Wong discovered there existed virtually no special curriculum or teacher training for children with disabilities such as autism and cerebral palsy. He brought a special needs' instructor to the school from Iran to instruct other teachers and saw immediate results.

"You could see the change in the school in two days," Wong said. "You could feel the joy that was coming out of the school."

With money raised by AKW through the song Wounded, Wong hopes to help open a learning centre in Kabul. Once the Centre is established, AKW will hire and train a cadre of instructors and expand the network of special needs schools across Afghanistan.

"Unfortunately, in a country where the scale of needs is so overwhelming," Wong says, "children with mental and physical disabilities are often left behind."

Meanwhile, Jones hopes Wounded will help launch his solo career.

Four years ago, he was better known as Smooth, one of two lead singers in In Essence. In 2004, the group won a Juno for R&B/soul record of the year. In Essence, however, fell apart when its record label, Sony, merged with BMG.

Jones moved to Burlington and started working on his own songs for a solo project. He hopes to have a five-song EP released this summer, followed by a full-length album. He calls his style of music "rock over soul, R&B music with a rock edge."

The International Military Tattoo features more than 500 military and civilian performers from around the world.

This year, the tattoo features a special salute to the Royal 22nd Regiment and a celebration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City.

grockingham@thespec.com

905-526-3331

Singer hopes sales of Wounded can help children in Afghanistan

Showtime

What: The Canadian International Military Tattoo

When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, 2:30 p.m.

Where: Copps Coliseum

Tickets: $30 with discounts for students, seniors and children. At Copps Coliseum box office, 905-527-7666 or ticketmaster.ca

Source: http://www.thespec.com/article/387245 - The Hamilton Spectator

Sean Jones - This is Love
Review by Laurie Lonsdale
www.myspace.com/laurielonsdale

This is Love is a solo project by musician/actor/model Sean Jones, the former lead vocalist of Juno-winning R&B band In Essence. The EP features 7 songs, one of which is a bonus track, and though it falls just shy of being a full-fledged album, it makes up for it with extra content, including a link to Jones’ website, a video, and footage of the artist discussing his life and his music.

Hailing from Toronto, Jones’ musical tastes embrace several different genres, and he has pulled from all of them in order to create his own sound – a fresh sound he describes as “soul over rock”. It’s a fusion of soulful vocals arranged overtop of varying shades of pop/rock, with a combination of electric and acoustic guitars.

Jones’ has an amazing honeyed voice. His delivery is pure and smooth and highly appealing, and on the majority of songs featured, an influence of Lenny Kravitz and a touch of Prince can be heard.

Although the lead and title track of “This is Love” is noteworthy, for me, “2 Wrongs” proved to be the standout. With an infectious groove and a hint of retro ‘70’s, I was instantly hooked and played it over and over again. Also of special mention is “Highway Enough”, featuring heavier sounds and an interesting arrangement. As perhaps the most Kravitz-inspired song on the EP, it too warranted repeated plays and quickly became one of my favourites. The effective intro to “Spanish Angel” compelled me to listen, and once again the song scored high marks with me.

This is Love…….you’re damn right! For, despite that this isn’t the type of music I typically listen to, I ADORED this EP. It’s a rock-solid offering from a multi-talented man we’re sure to hear more from soon.

source: http://www.fazer.ca/2008/11/10/sean-jones-this-is-love-review/ - Fazer

Montreal R & B fans will undoubtedly be treated to quite a show when soul diva Divine Brown and up and coming solo artist Sean Jones pair up to bring a phenomenal live concert with full production and full band at Le Cabaret, on February 20.
Divine Brown is already burning up the charts with 'Lay it On the Line', 'Meet Me at the Roxy' and 'Sunglasses' from her new album The Love Chronicles and who amongst us doesn't remember her 2005 Canadian radio hit 'Old Skool Love' which reminded us what it's like to reminisce over an old love.

Having paid her dues on the Toronto club circuit before she was even old enough to legally hang out in bars, then honing her skills as a cast member for theatre productions like 'Ain't Misbehavin' and 'Rent', Brown finally found her voice as a soulful, sassy singer who seamlessly mixed retro musical influences from the doo-wop era and gave it new life as neo-soul and sexy R & B.

In The Love Chronicles she does exactly that by melding different styles and themes, from rhythm and blues to rock 'n' roll to gospel and blues. Having just finished touring with the Backstreet Boys for their Unbreakable Tour in North America, Divine has been touring across Canada and will be hitting Montreal on February 20. For more on Divine Brown and her music, you can log on to: www.divinebrown.ca
Sean Jones
While Sean Jones may not yet be a household name, he's well on his way and has the experience and talent to ensure that takes place.

As a former leading vocalist in the Juno award winning group In Essence, this musician/actor/model has been quietly honing his craft and waiting for his re-emergence as a solo soul musician. With personal musical tastes embracing a variety of genres – something that has contributed to Jones creating his own unique sound that he refers to as "soul over rock", his new album This is Love is an ear-pleasing fusion of soulful vocals with shades of pop and rock, featuring a combination of electric and acoustic guitars.

There's no denying that Jones' smooth as silk voice and impeccable delivery, coupled with his movie star good looks will make him a natural love interest for teenagers everywhere, but it would be a disservice to such a talented musician, singer and songwriter to focus on that alone. Jones is the real deal. Songs like 'This is Love' and '2 Wrongs' are highly infectious and have an easy, soulful groove, certain to move people and convert them to his 'soul over rock' sound.

If This is Love is about "introducing Sean Jones to the world" as he recently stated in an interview, then the world looks forward to hearing what's in store in the future for this talented Canadian artist. For more on Sean Jones and his music, you can log on to: www.seanjonesmusic.net or www.myspace
Le Cabaret on February 20

While seeing even one of these singers live in concert would be a guaranteed night of fun, both of them have teamed up to offer an amazing tour package that will leave no lover of R & B disappointed.

Divine Brown and Sean Jones will be appearing live in concert at Le Cabaret (2101 St. Laurent) on Friday, February 20, at 8 p.m. For tickets, call 1-800-361-4585 or log on to: www.admissions.com. Tickets are $21.75.

Source: http://www.themonitor.ca/article-302482-Divine-Brown-and-Sean-Jones-to-perform-at-Le-Cabaret.html - The Monitor

by Lailani Mendoza

Soul masters will take Kamloops by storm as Divine Brown and Sean Jones take to the stage at Blue Grotto on Feb. 2. These two extraordinary talents are in the middle of a Canadian whirlwind tour from Ontario to the western provinces and back to the East Coast, spreading soul magic across the country.

Divine Brown brings a fresh twist on soul music with her amazing vocal prowess and music that ranges from smooth and sensual to catchy and energetic. Her new take on the single Old Skool Love released in 2005 received prominent play over the airwaves and instantly climbed up the charts. She has recently wrapped up the Unbreakable tour with the Backstreet Boys and is currently promoting her newly released album The Love Chronicles.

A former member of award-winning musical group In Essence, Sean Jones puts his soul and R&B roots into carving his own artistic path, creating a new sound that he aptly describes as "soul over rock." Like Brown, Jones is a musical powerhouse who has put his love for writing and creating music into a batch of fresh songs, starting with his single This is Love. His first video single of the song garnered a welcome audience at Much Music. With a record deal at WIDEawake Entertainment Group, Jones unleashes an irresistible blend of pop rock tracks that's sure to captivate the audience. His newest single Two Wrongs was released January 2009.

For more information on these new artists, visit www.divinebrown.ca and www.seanjonesmusic.net.

Source: http://www.sunpeaksnews.com/2009/Feb/300109_5.htm - Spin Magazine

Montreal R & B fans will undoubtedly be treated to quite a show when soul diva Divine Brown and up and coming solo artist Sean Jones pair up to bring a phenomenal live concert with full production and full band at Le Cabaret, on February 20.
Divine Brown is already burning up the charts with 'Lay it On the Line', 'Meet Me at the Roxy' and 'Sunglasses' from her new album The Love Chronicles and who amongst us doesn't remember her 2005 Canadian radio hit 'Old Skool Love' which reminded us what it's like to reminisce over an old love.

Having paid her dues on the Toronto club circuit before she was even old enough to legally hang out in bars, then honing her skills as a cast member for theatre productions like 'Ain't Misbehavin' and 'Rent', Brown finally found her voice as a soulful, sassy singer who seamlessly mixed retro musical influences from the doo-wop era and gave it new life as neo-soul and sexy R & B.

In The Love Chronicles she does exactly that by melding different styles and themes, from rhythm and blues to rock 'n' roll to gospel and blues. Having just finished touring with the Backstreet Boys for their Unbreakable Tour in North America, Divine has been touring across Canada and will be hitting Montreal on February 20. For more on Divine Brown and her music, you can log on to: www.divinebrown.ca
Sean Jones
While Sean Jones may not yet be a household name, he's well on his way and has the experience and talent to ensure that takes place.

As a former leading vocalist in the Juno award winning group In Essence, this musician/actor/model has been quietly honing his craft and waiting for his re-emergence as a solo soul musician. With personal musical tastes embracing a variety of genres – something that has contributed to Jones creating his own unique sound that he refers to as "soul over rock", his new album This is Love is an ear-pleasing fusion of soulful vocals with shades of pop and rock, featuring a combination of electric and acoustic guitars.

There's no denying that Jones' smooth as silk voice and impeccable delivery, coupled with his movie star good looks will make him a natural love interest for teenagers everywhere, but it would be a disservice to such a talented musician, singer and songwriter to focus on that alone. Jones is the real deal. Songs like 'This is Love' and '2 Wrongs' are highly infectious and have an easy, soulful groove, certain to move people and convert them to his 'soul over rock' sound.

If This is Love is about "introducing Sean Jones to the world" as he recently stated in an interview, then the world looks forward to hearing what's in store in the future for this talented Canadian artist. For more on Sean Jones and his music, you can log on to: www.seanjonesmusic.net or www.myspace
Le Cabaret on February 20

While seeing even one of these singers live in concert would be a guaranteed night of fun, both of them have teamed up to offer an amazing tour package that will leave no lover of R & B disappointed.

Divine Brown and Sean Jones will be appearing live in concert at Le Cabaret (2101 St. Laurent) on Friday, February 20, at 8 p.m. For tickets, call 1-800-361-4585 or log on to: www.admissions.com. Tickets are $21.75.

Source: http://www.themonitor.ca/article-302482-Divine-Brown-and-Sean-Jones-to-perform-at-Le-Cabaret.html - The Monitor

interview by Emer Schlosser, photography by Eric McBain



insideEonline caught up with the joyful R&B singer Sean Jones and caught his enthusiasm as we sat to chat at Light Lounge in Toronto’s Entertainment District. First impression: this is one happy dude. He actually apologized for his massive grin which spread from ear to ear (clearly a Canadian through and through). So why is he so happy? Cause everything seems to be going his way these days, his solo album, This is Love, drops today (October 28), he’s working with passion for children’s charities and he’ll pick up acting to make him a triple threat. It’s been a long road with some bumps along the way, so, let’s see where is all began…



Sean Jones: Once upon a time there was a little boy named Sean Jones, and the little boy named Sean Jones moved to Saudi Arabia for five-and-a-half years with his parents and he experienced a bunch of different types of music. [He] came back [to Toronto] and didn’t really fit in because [he] was a skater listening to Guns N’ Roses, but also listening to like LeVert and Michael Jackson…I always kind of liked to sing, but it was nothing big, and I was always very shy. Fast forward to ninth grade and I’m sitting in a French class - I’ll never forget this - I’m humming and a girl is like “Miss, Sean can sing!” and she was like “Oh really, Sean come up to the front of the class and sing.” I was mortified! I got up to the front and I sang a song called “The Kissing Game” by Hi-Five and I literally saw all the girls’ eyes go, “Oh my god,” and I was like “Wow, this is great, this is my new thing!” So that was it. That’s what started me singing; it was to get attention from the ladies.



Jones does have an incredible voice, but trust me, he doesn’t need to open his mouth to catch a ladies eye. He’d just need to stand there with his beautiful smile. But it’s a good thing he didn’t realize that back in his grade nine French class, because who knows if he would have found his way to the R&B group In Essence otherwise.

SJ: I guess people heard that I could sing and I eventually ended up meeting [In Essence]. Pops, Touch and Que had already formed a group and they were looking for two new members. We all got together one day in [Pops’s] basement and In Essence was born in, like, 1993 or something crazy like that. Very cool. We had our success. We got signed to BMG, put out some records, won a Juno and a Much Music Video Award.



Things were looking really good. But like anything that’s amazing, like ice cream, it melts all too soon.



SJ: The bottom fell out because Sony merged with BMG…They said they were going to keep us, which they did. However, they were going through so many financial problems and restrictions, they couldn’t release our new album, which was done. Very frustrating…After heckling and arguing, the whole nine, they finally said “Sure, you can go, but we’re going to keep the music.” So that turned into a legal battle, which we couldn’t afford; so it was a very slow legal battle. Eventually they said, “You can just have the music.” By that time, there were rifts going on, because times were tough, and the group was tying to figure out which direction to go.



And out of what was initially a rough break, Jones turned it into an opportunity to break out on his solo self.



SJ: During the period of time when we were totally confused about where we were going, I kept on writing. I went to a Prince concert at Massey Hall and I was just like, Prince is the man. He was playing guitar and playing it so well. I thought, if I pick up a guitar now, by the time I’m his age maybe I can be doing the same thing. That’s what was going through my head, as crazy as that may be.



IE: Prince can be as good motivation as any.



SJ: Absolutely. So I went out and bought a guitar…and I started taking lessons…after which I began using it to write songs and help me compose. Then I really got into it and I went out and bought a computer and bought equipment so I could record myself; I learned how to do all that stuff and started producing a whole bunch of demos…I’d never really thought about doing the solo thing, but I was like, “You know what? I’m doing something really good right now and let me just run with it.” So it’s just so happen.



Timing was on Jones’s side yet again and he found himself with WIDEawake when they were looking for something new.



SJ: [They were] looking for something to dig [their] hands and teeth into, and there I was. [They were] looking for something that was real music…I was playing guitar, I was using strings, I was trying to do the real drum thing...Always problems with business, understanding each other and blah blah blah. It took a good year-and-a-half to two years to truly work out. We parted ways and then we came back. Right now we are at the strongest point, now that everyone has the same vision, the same goal, the same energy and there’s - Inside E Canada

interview by Emer Schlosser, photography by Eric McBain



insideEonline caught up with the joyful R&B singer Sean Jones and caught his enthusiasm as we sat to chat at Light Lounge in Toronto’s Entertainment District. First impression: this is one happy dude. He actually apologized for his massive grin which spread from ear to ear (clearly a Canadian through and through). So why is he so happy? Cause everything seems to be going his way these days, his solo album, This is Love, drops today (October 28), he’s working with passion for children’s charities and he’ll pick up acting to make him a triple threat. It’s been a long road with some bumps along the way, so, let’s see where is all began…



Sean Jones: Once upon a time there was a little boy named Sean Jones, and the little boy named Sean Jones moved to Saudi Arabia for five-and-a-half years with his parents and he experienced a bunch of different types of music. [He] came back [to Toronto] and didn’t really fit in because [he] was a skater listening to Guns N’ Roses, but also listening to like LeVert and Michael Jackson…I always kind of liked to sing, but it was nothing big, and I was always very shy. Fast forward to ninth grade and I’m sitting in a French class - I’ll never forget this - I’m humming and a girl is like “Miss, Sean can sing!” and she was like “Oh really, Sean come up to the front of the class and sing.” I was mortified! I got up to the front and I sang a song called “The Kissing Game” by Hi-Five and I literally saw all the girls’ eyes go, “Oh my god,” and I was like “Wow, this is great, this is my new thing!” So that was it. That’s what started me singing; it was to get attention from the ladies.



Jones does have an incredible voice, but trust me, he doesn’t need to open his mouth to catch a ladies eye. He’d just need to stand there with his beautiful smile. But it’s a good thing he didn’t realize that back in his grade nine French class, because who knows if he would have found his way to the R&B group In Essence otherwise.

SJ: I guess people heard that I could sing and I eventually ended up meeting [In Essence]. Pops, Touch and Que had already formed a group and they were looking for two new members. We all got together one day in [Pops’s] basement and In Essence was born in, like, 1993 or something crazy like that. Very cool. We had our success. We got signed to BMG, put out some records, won a Juno and a Much Music Video Award.



Things were looking really good. But like anything that’s amazing, like ice cream, it melts all too soon.



SJ: The bottom fell out because Sony merged with BMG…They said they were going to keep us, which they did. However, they were going through so many financial problems and restrictions, they couldn’t release our new album, which was done. Very frustrating…After heckling and arguing, the whole nine, they finally said “Sure, you can go, but we’re going to keep the music.” So that turned into a legal battle, which we couldn’t afford; so it was a very slow legal battle. Eventually they said, “You can just have the music.” By that time, there were rifts going on, because times were tough, and the group was tying to figure out which direction to go.



And out of what was initially a rough break, Jones turned it into an opportunity to break out on his solo self.



SJ: During the period of time when we were totally confused about where we were going, I kept on writing. I went to a Prince concert at Massey Hall and I was just like, Prince is the man. He was playing guitar and playing it so well. I thought, if I pick up a guitar now, by the time I’m his age maybe I can be doing the same thing. That’s what was going through my head, as crazy as that may be.



IE: Prince can be as good motivation as any.



SJ: Absolutely. So I went out and bought a guitar…and I started taking lessons…after which I began using it to write songs and help me compose. Then I really got into it and I went out and bought a computer and bought equipment so I could record myself; I learned how to do all that stuff and started producing a whole bunch of demos…I’d never really thought about doing the solo thing, but I was like, “You know what? I’m doing something really good right now and let me just run with it.” So it’s just so happen.



Timing was on Jones’s side yet again and he found himself with WIDEawake when they were looking for something new.



SJ: [They were] looking for something to dig [their] hands and teeth into, and there I was. [They were] looking for something that was real music…I was playing guitar, I was using strings, I was trying to do the real drum thing...Always problems with business, understanding each other and blah blah blah. It took a good year-and-a-half to two years to truly work out. We parted ways and then we came back. Right now we are at the strongest point, now that everyone has the same vision, the same goal, the same energy and there’s - Inside E Canada