Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremy J. King.
Hi Jeremy J., can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been singing and creating as far as I can remember. Like many people I started in the church. My grandmother was a pretty well-known pastor in Columbus, Georgia where I am from. I grew up in the gospel tradition. She helped set a spiritual foundation in me that left me assured yet searching (in a good way). I remember seeing my mom, my aunts and other church members singing around the microphone before my grandmother would preach for the radio broadcast. Little did I know these years would mean so much to me.
At the age of 8, my Elementary music teacher Mrs. Dietrich selected me to audition for the Columbus Boy Choir. That choir at the time was an active and all-boy international traveling choral group located in the city. I joined CBC in 2001 under the direction of Mrs. Sue Smith. I got to enjoy singing choral music and traveling around the country.
In 2006, I started making music on my own. During and after middle school I began to sing all around the city with various choirs, school ensembles, and for community events. I started making cover albums and using that as my first trial and error with making music and performing. Some of those projects were Shine (2006), Christmas From My Heart to Yours (2007), A Classic Christmas (2008), The Inspiration of Legends (2009), Classic Covers (2009), My Grown-Up Christmas Songs (2009), A Dream Goes on Forever (2010), I’m Every Man (2011).
I graduated high school with honors and attended Morehouse College in 2011. While at Morehouse I majored in Music with an emphasis in Vocal Performance. I was also a part of the Morehouse College Glee Club under the direction of Dr. David Morrow. During my time at Morehouse I continued to make cover albums and eventually original music: The Heart of the Matter (2012), The Christmas Continuum:14 Gifts of Song (2012), Forever Christmas (2013), The Art of Me (2014), Welcome Yule (2014), Nightsongs EP (2015), King at Christmas EP (2015), and The Age of Enlightenment (2016).
After graduating from Morehouse College, I went into teaching music and also worked for the US Army for 2 years. During this time I make the album CROWN: The Rise of the Sunflower King (2019), toured A New Dawn Tour (2016), and released some cover projects: The Seventies Project (2017), Sacred Christmas (2017), and The Standards (2018). The CROWN album would be a resurgence for me after I had taken a short break from music to focus on artist development and writing.
In 2019, I moved to Houston and started working for Aldine Independent School District as a Choir Director at Vernon L. And Kathy E. Lewis Middle School. I am currently working on music that is set to be released Summer 2022. This project will be entitled ‘JJK’. I am now getting back to singing live and hopefully set to tour Summer 2023.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing in this business is easy. It is all about hard work and being consistent. You cannot have one without the other. I overcame a lot of obstacles due to me knowing how to produce on my own. Having that knowledge cut a lot of cost that many artists simply cannot afford, especially starting out. But I still have struggled in other ways.
From time to time, I used to struggle with social interaction. Some of that was due of the influx of social media that began around 2011. I had to learn to not let imposter syndrome creep in and to use my social platforms to send messages of love, encouragement, and inclusion.
Social interaction is also hard to face when you think the market is oversaturated and that there is no room for you. That is another obstacle/challenge that has made me and other artists feel discouraged to create and share their art. But there’s beauty in that. It makes making art a bit more accessible and a easier playing field.
Money has also been up and down; which is common for many in this career field. I would go through moments of poverty and moments of plenty in prior years. Now, I am glad to say things have been the most prosperous and consistent in my entire life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an Alternative R&B/Dance/Pop artist. At times I can be a one man band. I have been in the field for so long that I have learned so much along the way. Though I am 28 I have studied, practiced, and performed all my life. My voice, talent, and overall persona sets me apart from others and makes me unique. I resonate with authenticity. I resonate with things everyone can enjoy and feel. My music is for everyone, from every walk of life. A lot of my songs are about my life and just life itself. I have released numerous works that range from Classical to pop. My goal is to elevate the spirit and minds of others so they too can be a light for themselves and others. I sing, I write, I produce, I compose, I create and edit all kinds of media, and I play piano and trumpet. There are so many things I can do just not all at once. That would be a challenge for sure. It’s in my veins at this point.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Learn your craft. Be intentional. Be consistent. This is my advice to anyone starting out. Take that advice in that order. Know the “why’s?’ of what you do. In hindsight, I missed a lot of opportunities because I was not consistent. That was my element I was missing for the longest. This was due to my lack of confidence and at times being overwhelmed by the listening to others. You cannot listen to every opinion. That is where learning your craft and being intentional come into play. Go with your gut and find mentors along the way to affirm and guide you the right way. Make sure those mentors are people you aspire to be and/or can get you where you want to be. Even though I missed things I think it was a great way to find my voice, work on technique, and build confidence. Don’t be afraid to take a break. Be patient and intentional. Don’t rush a product. No one wants fast food music. If you want longevity, make your music built to last.
Pricing:
- Sound Engineering $15 per hour
- Any singing/vocals please contact directly
Contact Info:
- Email: jeremykingsings@gmail.com
- Website: linktr.ee/thejjkiofficial
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thejjkofficial
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/thejjkingofficial
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/jeremyjking
