Review Fix chats with singer Tameca Jones, who discusses her recently released new single, “Hot and Bothered,â€Â from her forthcoming EP. She recently joined forces with fellow Austinite, Gary Clark Jr., on the track “Wings†from his new album, The Story of Sonny Boy Slim. Also awarded a grant from Black Fret (a public charity headquartered in Austin whose mission is to empower musicians to create and perform great new music), Jones talks about her creative process and goals for 2016.
Review Fix: What do you think makes you a special musician?
Jones: I really don’t know what makes me special. I just do what I do. I try to give the audience an honest performance. I try to give 100% of myself 100% of the time. If I can’t feel what I’m singing, I can’t sing it. I don’t have it in me to fake anything that comes out of my mouth.
Review Fix: What artists have influenced you the most?
Jones: Beyonce, Tears for Fears, Coldplay, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Joe Cocker, Son House, FkaTwigs, Aaliyah, George Michael, Prince and on and on.
Review Fix: What makes this EP special for you?
Jones: This EP is special because I finally step from behind the cover songs I’m known for and reveal who I am as an original artist. I never set out to be a cover singer. I just wanted to be on the scene while I wrote originals. It took me a little longer to write than I expected. So, I’m really excited to be able to show people my songwriting talents.
Review Fix: How has winning an award from Black Fret changed your career?
Jones: It was a shot in the arm that I desperately needed. The money I was awarded helped me finish my EP. It also allows me to say no to gigging so much, which helps me to focus on writing and recording. I used to perform several times a week. It became a grind that depleted my creativity and energy.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for Hot and Bothered? How was it written?
Jones: Hot and Bothered was inspired by a crush I had on a guy. I wrote it in about 30 minutes. I heard a Motown inspired bass and drum loop and the words flowed out of me. I tried to think of smooth and clever ways to compliment someone.
Review Fix: What was it like to work with Gary Clark Jr.?
Jones: We ran in the same circles back in the day. I’ve been a fan of Gary’s for a long time, so working with him was a dream come true. He is a really chill guy and a fabulous musician. It was an honor to sing on his track.
Review Fix: What are your goals for 2016?
Jones: My goals are to write and record as much music as possible. I also want to book more shows outside of Austin. I mainly played shows in Austin because I didn’t want to be on the road while my twins were little. Now that they are almost 15, I can branch out and tour more.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Jones: SXSW is what is on deck for me next. I have an official showcase at the Continental Club on March 19.
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