EMGWORLD CHATS WITH THE U.K.’s LATEST R&B SENSATION JERMAINE RILEY
When it comes to good music, quality always finds a way to reach the masses. No matter the artist or country, good music finds a way to catch its own flight around the world. South London’s Jermaine Riley speaks with EMGWorld on just why he should be considered as the next U.K. star to create a universal sound with an international impact.
Location: South London, UK
Latest Project: ‘Hello Earth’
EMGWorld: What inspired you to pick up the microphone? What was it that made you say "I don't want to just listen to music, I want to make my own."
Jermaine Riley: I’d say Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. I grew up on Michael and Whitney, as well as other artists such as Mary J. Blige, Brandy, Boyz II Men, etc. I spent most of my childhood listening to those artists until I found my own voice. I didn't even know I could really sing until I won a talent competition in Primary school. My mind was made up on becoming an artist after that moment.
EMGWorld: How long have you been grinding as an artist in music?
JR: About 10 years now. I joined a group when I was in the BRIT School, then went on to form [the group] Fun*dmental when I was around 17-18.
EMGWorld: Digital distribution is giving light to new and seasoned artists. How frequently do you release digital mixtapes and albums?
JR: It depends on my work load and how well a previous project does after its’ release. However, my supporters usually never have to wait longer than 8-9 months. Keeping them happy is the most important thing to me. You're NOTHING without your fans.
EMGWorld: How strong would you say your connection is with your hometown fan base?
JR: Fairly STRONG indeed. I make sure I show appreciation for all their support. It doesn't matter if you've just started supporting or if you've been showing me love for years. I'm always on twitter keeping them updated and making sure they know I love them back and do it for them.
EMGWorld: Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
JR: Michael Jackson, Usher, Whitney Houston, Brandy, Boyz II Men, Mary J. Blige, etc. Those are just a few. I've been inspired by a lot of different artists over the years.
EMGWorld: R&B music has seemed to join forces with hip-hop in order to garner success. Would you say your style of music also caters to the hip-hop audience?
JR: Definitely! I think that's why I'm asked to sing on a lot of hooks for hip-hop grime artists and why I work really well with Dready. We had "Then & Now" on Chip's last album and he always knows what type of beats to send me to write on. I always tend to write songs over Hip-Hop beats for my mixtapes too.
EMGWorld: Which producers out there are you working with?
JR: Well, I'm still working with Dready, who produced the first single on my next album. I've got more music to make with Harmony, who had 2 singles on Hello Earth. I love working with 3Mindz, Perry Mystique, Maleek Berry, Caligraphist and The Sonix. I really want to work with Labrinth too.
EMGWorld: What radio stations have shown love to your music?
JR: Bang Radio and 1Xtra have shown an IMMENSE amount of love. Reprezent Radio, Academy FM, Deja Vu, and a few between France, Berlin and Japan have also shown support. I'm really grateful for all the airplay.
“I don't see why an R&B singer from the U.S. can come over to the U.K. and get a No.1 with an R&B song or sell out an arena and I can't.” – Jermaine Riley, Blackboard Spotlight
EMGWorld: Have any major labels taken notice of the movement you’ve created off of your mixtape releases?
JR: I know they see everything I'm doing.
EMGWorld: What would you say is the biggest challenge of being an independent artist?
JR: Finances. There's a lot I want to do as an artist but can't because of the financial side of things. Sometimes I think people don't understand the SACRIFICES artists have to make just to stay moderately present in the industry. But I'm strong enough to keep going no matter what. This is my dream and I'm not letting go.
EMGWorld: What would you say you’re bringing to the table that other mainstream artists aren’t?
JR: I don't see anyone else singing AND dancing in the U.K. We don't have an all-round entertainer like the ones I grew up admiring. Plus, I don't treat R&B like it's a dead genre. I don't see why an R&B singer from the U.S. can come over to the U.K. and get a No. 1 with an R&B song or sell out an arena and I can't. That's a ridiculous notion. If it's done right and presented well, people love it.
EMGWorld: Is there any one artist outside of your camp that you would like to collaborate on a track with?
JR: Angel.
EMGWorld: How can producers out there send beats to you?
JR: They can send music to jermaineriley.music@gmail.com.
EMGWorld: Where can fans connect with you?
JR: They can hit me on my website jermaineriley.com. Fans can follow me on twitter or instagram @jermaine_riley and like my facebook page at facebook.com/jermainerileymusic.
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