Photo by Dan Winters
We Caught up with the the “Queen of Austin Soul,” Tameca Jones to chat about her highly anticipated debut EP and to get to know her a little better and see what makes her tick.
What was it like growing up in Austin, TX and how did Austin influence you in your pursuit of a music career?
Growing up in Austin made me a colorful and eccentric person who embraces all genres of music. I like country, rock, alternative, blues, etc. I can usually find the groove and goodness of most songs. There was so much music going on when I grew up that you couldn’t help becoming a sponge.
What inspired you to make music?
I always sang around the house and wrote quirky songs when I was young. I didn’t start taking it seriously until I had my twins. My twins inspired me to launch a career in music.
What can you tell me about the process of making your new EP?
The process was very frustrating and time consuming. It was my first solo project so I made a lot of mistakes that cost me time and money. It has to feel right for me to be able to sell it. If I can’t feel it, I damn sure can’t put my name on it.
Your single ‘Hot and Bothered’ is full of sass and swagger and is confidence building and fun for the listener was this your intention when you were writing the track and was this song fun to write?
Absolutely. I’m a very sassy and assertive person when it comes to getting what I want. I intimidate most men so I’m usually the one making the moves. This track was a blast to write because it came so quickly and easily.
Your track ‘Head over Heals’ is a raw emotional track that has the ability to make the listener feel every word and emotion, you portray the heartbreak beautifully through your vocals, was that an effect you intended to have or did it come organically?
I usually want effects to come as organically as possible. I can’t fake anything. This song was written about my kids growing up and pulling away from me, which was a very sad time in my life. So every note I sang was organically sentimental.
What has been your biggest challenge as an artist so far? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Biggest challenge has been trying to hold down the business side of music. My mind is not wired for wheels and deals. It just sucks to have to wear a million hats just because you don’t have the capital to have people helping you manage your career. I’ve overcome this challenge by seeking counsel of other successful artists and organizing my time better. The business side is like seeing a dirty sink full of dishes. You know you don’t want to do them, but eventually you have to or you aren’t going to eat.
You have opened for stars such as Gary Clark Jr., Max Frost and Bob Schneider. You have also performed at the 2015 Austin Music Awards, but what do you feel has been your most defining moment as an artist so far ?
I had a show at a venue called The Parish once. I opened there for Max a few months before I headlined. It was just a great feeling to go from opener to headliner and have people come out to support my art.
You got the opportunity to work with Gary Clark Jr on one of his tracks how did this come about and what was it like?
Gary and I are old friends. We would go to each other’s shows around town before he got famous. We always planned to work together, but couldn’t ever connect. He came by my show one night and asked me if I could could record the hook on one of his new songs. I jumped at the invitation of course. I love me some Gare Bear.
Which of your songs are you most proud of and why?
I’m most proud of Head Over Heels because it is the best song I’ve written, melodically and lyrically.
Any Plans to come to Ireland in the future?
Boy that would be awesome. I haven’t toured very much, but I would love to see that beautiful luscious country. I LOVE Irish accents. Oh my goodness. I’d probably fall in love with someone with an accent and red hair and never return to America.
What advice do you have for people who want to pursue a career in music?
The business model has changed so much. My advice is to write with as many people as you can and make as much content as you can so you can sell your work to other artists, TV shows, and movies. You have to diversify your income stream to survive as an artist.
Whats next for Tameca Jones?
I plan on touring and collaborating with other writers so I can diversify MY income stream and take my own advice. ?
An Irish accent and red hair …… yeah that would be enough to keep anyone from returning to America.
Stream Tameca Jones new single ‘Sandman’ below
