Logo

Singer, songwriter and producer Donell Jones is a brand that doesn’t need a formal introduction. Donell has been streaming through our radio airwaves for well-over a decade. He’s consistently given us amazing hit after hit. Back from a three-year hiatus, Mr. Jones has returned to grace our eardrums (once again) with soulful ballads and primrose serenades. His recent release “The Lost Files” is a compilation that contains an appealing flurry of previously unheard melodies. Donell has also been hammering away in the studio completing a new LP that is scheduled to be released in early 2010. The distinguished and laid back R&B singer took some time out of his busy schedule to speak with EardrumKrushez:

EDK: So Mr. Jones, tell us more about your label Candyman Records.

DL: Well, it’s something that I wanted to do since the beginning. [I never really got the push that I deserved while at LaFace, Arista and Jive]. I always felt if I had my own label that I would go all out. When I got the chance I jumped at it.

EDK: The forthcoming album is currently “untitled”. What can the fansexpect?

DJ: The album is all new material from beginning to end! It’s going to be a smash! I’ve been off the scene for about three years, so I’ve had a lot of time to sit back and go through a lot of situations. I’ve got a lot to talk about on this next record. [This particular album is really soulful love album]. My fans have been waiting and they will get exactly what they’ve been waiting for.

EDK: All of your albums have contained simply awesome music. How is this album going to compare to previous releases?

DJ: [I’ve grown as a producer and as a writer, so it’s going to be the same yet better.] One thing I will never do [though] is change my musical style. [I’ve approached it as if every song from beginning to end could be a single].

EDK: What’s the secret to being consistent and making music that peoplewanttohear?

DJ: Staying true to myself. Most of the songs I write are based on personal experiences. I feel like if somebody out there can relate to what I’m saying then they can appreciate what I do.

EDK: Currently, R&B songs are no longer about love. It’s all about partying and sex. R&B singers act like rappers. What’s your take on this?

DJ: I feel like these younger cats today want to be R&B thugs. A lot of those guys are talented; it’s just the song choices. [Love is what’s missing in today’s music]. [If they tackle more of the things people can relate too, these guys could have fans forever]. I don’t think a lot of the music being played today will be played 15 years from now.

EDK: You’ve worked with many artists from Usher to Madonna. Is there any one in particular that you still desire to collabo with?

DJ: Definitely. Two people: Faith and Mary J. I think that they are both incredible and have distinctive voices that command the crowd. You can feel the emotion behind [their music]. I love those two girls.

EDK: What advice do you give to artists who are new to the industry or those who just want to stay consistent?

DJ: [Stick to whatever style they are coming with it and don’t try to copy somebody else]. Make good music that people can feel and get some emotion from. [That’s what I do].

EDK: Thank you for your time and your contribution to the music world. We appreciate you staying consistent and original. Good quality music is what the music game needs.

DJ: I appreciate it man. Thanks for having me. No doubt.

Donell’s latest release “The Lost Files” can be found on www.Amazon.com, www.iTunes.com or on any online music stores. You can follow him on at www.twitter.com/donelljones96 or www.facebook.com/donelljones96. Videos and latest music updates can be found at www.myspace.com/donelljones and on www.youtube.com/donelljonestv.