Jamie Sparks: 9th IMA R&B Song Nominee
THE INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS
Nominee Spotlight- R&B SONG
BAND NAME: Jamie Sparks
WEB SITE: www.JamieSparksMusic.com and www.Myspace.com/JamieSparksKicksta
ARE YOU SIGNED OR SELF-RELEASED? Self-released
NAME OF LABEL: Kicksta Music Group
HOMEBASE/COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
ALBUM NOMINATED SONG IS ON: Fabulous Clothes
ARTISTS ON THIS TRACK: Jamie Sparks featuring Jacques Tynes & Nadasi
WHERE WAS SONG RECORDED? Smash Track Recording; Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
WHERE IS YOUR MUSIC AVAILABLE? CD Baby and www.JamieSparksMusic.com.
WHICH GENRES BEST DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC? Soul/R&B
WHAT’S THIS SONG ABOUT? Talks about how sometimes we get focused too much on material things, and often miss all the good we have right in front of us!
WHY DID YOU SELECT THIS TRACK TO SUBMIT TO THE IMAs? Although this song was co-written with my friend David Mindel, we both had the same vibe and idea for the track. I selected this song because in today’s “microwave” society, everyone wants everything now, people expect (because they see these reality shows, etc), they can become stars overnight. Some will do anything, hurt anyone to get a few extra dollars, but don’t realize the damage it does…to others, and themselves until it’s too late. I think this song represents that sentiment. The song was written out of love, but it’s not just another love song. I wanted to say something different; bring a message, and hopefully bring some awareness to this underlying issue in our lives. Maybe this song will make a difference in someone’s life and allow them to change…for the better.
WHAT UNUSUAL INSTRUMENTS OR TECHNIQUES DID YOU USE ON THIS ALBUM? One thing I did different from my other songs, was how it starts and ends. I wanted to paint the picture of a young girl sitting up in her bedroom, listening to music and maybe fantasizing about finding a guy with lots of money to buy her all the fancy things she’s ever wanted. So the music is just there playing in the background as if it’s on TV, a boom boom box, iPod or whatever. Then, it kinda fades up as if she’s going into a dream and gets loud and full-stereo as if she’s living the dream. At the end of the song, it goes back to reality, just playing in the background, but she hasn’t stopped thinking about having her dream guy buying her everything! You can still hear the sample in the background saying “won’t you buy it for me, give it to me.”
DID FANS HELP FUND THIS PROJECT? Yes, absolutely! Every CD or download sold, allows me time in the studio to make more music for the fans! That’s who it’s for, that’s what it all about.
DESCRIBE YOUR AUDIENCE: Stylish, adventurous and cool.
WHAT MAKES YOUR FANS UNIQUE? They appreciate good music, not just the next hot pop song out there.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO PLAY? In places where music is appreciated. I love going to new towns & cities.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE? Opening for Rhianna in 2007 and Akon in 2009.
WHAT’S IN THE WORKS FOR 2010? A new CD. Also a new single,”Tomorrow,” with Samantha Fox (Sony Music). Yes, she just got voted off the reality TV show, I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Outta Here!
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS… Full of any hopes and dreams!
WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS? Being able to do what you love all day, every day and get paid to do it!
WHAT’S ON YOUR IPOD THAT WOULD SURPRISE YOUR FANS? Coldplay.
NAME SOME ARTISTS YOU ARE CHAMPIONING: Ledisi (sounds like Legacy) Soul/R&B, Lucius Kayne- Hip Hop, Jacques Tynes and Nadasi.
