 
Published: September 28, 2008 11:08 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA
(Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight
Jamie Sparks
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Jamie Sparks
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Coming to us with a very soulful and powerful voice, this upcoming new R&B singer promises to win your heart. We at Junior's Cave are proud to present to the readers of our magazine, Jamie Sparks. Enjoy!
Isaac: Elaborate on who you are and your upbringing.
JAMIE: I come from a musical family; music was all around. My brothers had a band when I was about 11 or 12 and I'd listen & take in all the music I could...until it was bedtime :o) I studied music from elementary right through to the finish of high school. I released my first CD 4 years after grad.
Isaac: Was there any one musician that spoke to your heart so profoundly, you were
inspired to do your own thing?
JAMIE: I really liked what Teddy Riley was doing back in the day. Other than him, not really anyone in particular. So many artists were doing so many different things, so I listened to a bit of everything. Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, Sting, Genesis, Roberta Flak, R. Kelly, Nirvana.
Isaac: Which singer/group would you say you would most like to do a duet with?
JAMIE: I really like Jordan Sparks voice (plus, he's a Sparks!). The singer I'd most like to pair up with is Roberta Flack. She has a very smooth & sure delivery.
Isaac: What singer/songwriter do you most connect with?
JAMIE: Hard to say. Again, so many artists do so many things I like. Honestly, I don't really listen to that much music. If I do, then it comes out in my writing; a little of that is good. Too much is plagiarism (haha). Really though, it clouds my musical vision. A lot of times, I can drive in my car for an hour with no sound at all. Just quiet!
Isaac: Out of your entire song collection that you've written thus far, which song(s)
would you say is/are the most personal/meaningful to you?
JAMIE: From my CD "Fun Tonight", the track "YOU". I wrote this for someone very special to me. And from the CD "It's The Music", the track "Wish You Were Here". I wrote this while I was gigging in New York city for about a year and I was separated from her. It was really hard to cope being alone for so long.
Isaac: Which singers/groups do you enjoy/like from some of today's music genres?
JAMIE: I really like what Alicia Keys is doing, also Neyo & Akon.
Isaac: What charities are you involved with or support?
JAMIE: I support a thing here in Nova Scotia called "Christmas Daddies". This is an organization which puts on a televised concert every year around Christmas time to raise money for needy families. I also support the local food bank because I can remember when I first moved out on my own starting my musical career, I wasn't making much money, with a wife & a child, there were times we were pretty close to being homeless and the food bank was a Godsend for us. I'm doing much better now, so I make donations to them for others who may be in the situation I was once in.
Isaac: Have you (or would you ever consider) writing a song about any of today's
particular world issues/problems? If so, what world issue would speak to you the most to
write about?
JAMIE: Maybe if I did a co-write with someone, it's possible. I'm not really into politics & world issues. That doesn't mean I turn a blind eye. I'm very aware of what's going on around me. I just try to keep my music positive & uplifting. There are artists out there who are great at getting an issue out to the masses through song. If I'm the plumber, I don't try and do the electrician's job!
Isaac: Why should people listen to your music?
JAMIE: People should listen to my music if they're looking for good music although something a little different from the everyday pop song. There is so much music out there, and it all doesn't make it to the radio. Best way to hear good music is to go to a show. Even some of the big pop stars have some great songs that didn't make it to the radio, but you'll hear them at the show!
Music is kind of like ice cream, there are so many flavors out there, but some people only know about chocolate & vanilla. I say go ahead & try hoof prints, butterscotch ripple, peppermint cotton candy, or chocolate chip cookie dough :o)
Isaac: Your music is relaxing and chill. What inspired you to toss out these awesome
lyrics and cords?
JAMIE: Thanks! I write these songs when I'm just chillin & relaxing, and it usually comes out in the music. If I'm stressed, I can't write. If I do, it comes out in the music, and it's not usually that good. If I'm stressed and I'm getting ready to write, I'll usually meditate even just for 10 minutes. That gets me in a relaxed mood so I can feel & be one with the music. Sometimes it's like I get a transmission from God and I have to be ready to receive the message. I don't think God is always about the gospel & preachin' a smokin sermon. Sometimes I think He just wants us to live our best and most enjoyable life possible. For me, it's when I can write some great smooth melodies & chords that fit together like peas in a pod. When my music is right, I think it inspires others in a positive way. This (I believe) is my gift from God; to inspire & uplift people through my music.
Isaac: How far into the creation of a song do you share any of it with anyone? Who would
you play it for? Would it be a chorus, a verse and chorus, or a complete song?
JAMIE: Not usually. Sometimes (and only sometimes) I'll let my wife listen to a basic 8 bar pattern or chorus I have if I think it's super cool. She won't hear it again until it a finished product. This is a very early stage of the writing. If you were building a house, it would be just the foundation. The most anyone else would hear is just before mastering. To compare it to house building, mastering would be the final coat of paint.
Isaac: How much do you let others "mess around with" one of your new songs?
JAMIE: I have a very small circle of people I'll let "mess around" with my songs. It really depends on your credentials. I'll let anyone play around with them if they can show me good stuff they've done...stuff that I like!
Isaac: Do you have to be a tortured soul to be a singer-songwriter?
JAMIE: I don't think so, but I think you'd get a different answer if you ask my wife. She thinks I'm on the brink of being committed to a mental institution every other week (haha...but really, that's what she thinks!).
Isaac: Are your songs strictly autobiographical or are they embroidered autobiography?
JAMIE: Sometimes I sing about what others may be feeling, and sometimes it is about me.
Isaac: How long does it take you to process your emotions and turn them into songs?
JAMIE: I can have a melody, chords, drums & lyrics in about 30 minutes. It would usually take a week to complete.
Isaac: The best piece of advice you actually followed?
JAMIE: Don't stress over small things. Trust & believe that things will work out for the better.
Isaac: Give Shutouts to your family and friends.
JAMIE: I'll say hello to the rest of the Sparks Family, and whaddup to my Kicksta Camp! (Kicksta Music Group).
Isaac: Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now?
JAMIE: I'm working on a new CD for 2009. In between I'm doing shows, and a little bit of acting. I'll be appearing in an episode of Jesse Stone (starring Tom Selleck). If you want to find out everything I'm doing as it happens, you can just go to my site www.JamieSparksMusic.com and check out the News section.
Isaac: Thanks for the Support!
JAMIE: Thank you, for allowing me to be a part of your show!
JAMIE SPARKS
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