Although Jhameel could have had a lustrous career in the Army that likely would have led to him becoming an officer, he had a change of heart after joining, deciding instead to put all of his energy behind his true passion—music.
Jhameel’s music creates pop with a bite—think along the lines of Prince and Michael Jackson (both of whom he sites as influences) mixed with the sensibilities of modern electro-pop. Along with his vocals that can quickly switch between gritty and soulful, Jhameel plays every instrument on his latest release. To date, he has released two albums and an EP, which featured “Shut Up,” a high-energy pop track that generated a buzz on the Internet and was also used by Forever 21 in the Fall 2011.
Coming off his December residency at Bootleg Bar, Jhameel starts 2013 with a show at the Satellite on January 28, followed by gigs at Central SAPC (Feb. 14) and Amplyfi (Feb. 16).
What made you give up what would have most definitely been a lucrative career in the Army to make pop music?
The whole military experience really made me think about my motivations and ethics. Some of the things I witnessed and was a part of in the Army culture were things I couldn’t accept, so I started having an identity crisis. After a good bit of thought, I made my decision, had my contract revoked, and pursued my real passion, which was music.
Do you feel less pressure to be successful as a musician because you have a solid educational background to fall back on?
I don’t feel that way. This is not just a job for me, this is my life, this is who I am. I would literally give a limb and an eye if I had to in order to keep doing what I’m doing.
Who are your biggest influences?
My dad, who was a pretty prominent violinist in Europe, was a big influence on who I am. All my life, he told me every chance he got, “play now pay later, pay now play later.”
The annoying thing about that was that it was never really a choice, there was only one right answer. It was frustrating to hear it so often, but looking back, he really instilled a huge amount of drive and stamina in me. If I didn’t have that, I don’t know where I’d be in life.
What three artists/bands would be on your dream tour with you?
Frank Ocean, Lana Del Rey, Ellie Goulding.
When you aren’t performing or writing, what do you do for fun?
I like a good hike, going to out movies, cooking, the usual
What are some of your favorite local hangouts?
I like the Bootleg Bar, they have good bands all the time, and interesting drinks.
If you had to describe your music to someone that has never heard you, what would you say?
It’s minimalist pop with heavy influences in Michael Jackson and Prince, but with indie production in the vain of MGMT or Passion Pit
What has been your best moment in music so far?
I got a letter from a fan a few months ago, telling me that they were on the verge of suicide. They watched one of my music videos, and told me that it made them feel less alone in what they were going through, and found the will to try picking up their lives again. That was by far one of the best moments for me.
What can we expect from you in 2013?
My best album to date, music videos of new singles, and I’m really crossing my fingers to make a U.S. tour happen.
