Independent R&B/Soul artist, JeRonelle McGhee, is a true star in the making with excellent stage presence and vocal ability to match.
Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, JeRonelle continues to build the foundation towards a successful lifelong career as a national recording artist, songwriter, producer, actor, and all-around entertainer. In addition to recently graduating Summa Cum Laude from Clark Atlanta University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, JeRonelle has become well known for his performances throughout the Atlanta University Center, and the city of Atlanta at large. JeRonelle has even gone on to share the stage with nationally known recording artists such as Common, Deitrick Haddon, & Geoffrey Golden.
In this interview, we chop it up with JeRonelle about his influences, struggles as an indie artist in a digital world, and his newest project.
Full Q&A, links, and a stream of Outta My Head below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
My love for R&B/Soul started from a very young age and was inspired heavily by the music that my Mom and other family members grew up listening to, and later passed on to me. I developed a real appreciation for great melodies, intricate harmonies, solid lyrical content, and amazing vocal ability. I often fuse my R&B/Soul influence with influences from 90s Gospel to form my own unique sound.
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
I’ve been singing since age 3, and I’ve always had a knack for entertaining and engaging with large audiences. Although I’ve known since childhood that I wanted to sing as a career, I didn’t really begin to hit my stride and create (as a music artist) until I started college. During those 4 years, I really began to perfect my craft and developed a strong sense of work ethic that would allow me to really persevere as an artist in such a cutthroat industry.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
Many of my influences stem from music I grew up listening to as a child. Some of my biggest inspirations include John Legend, Donny Hathaway, Maxwell, & Daryl Coley. In addition to my love for R&B/Soul/Gospel, I was heavily exposed to Classical music during my final 2 years of high school, as well as all four years of college. Researching amazing Classical works and musicians allowed me to develop an even greater appreciation for music as a whole and how diverse it is. Utilizing all of the classical training I was given during my 4 years of college helped me greatly as a singer to build on my tone, control, and technique.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
‘Finally – The EP‘ is my debut project. Working towards this EP has been a 2 year journey full of ups and downs and a whole lot in between. I’ve put out songs here and there in the past, but I really wanted to have a complete project of my own that I could promote and call my own. With this EP, I wanted to showcase growth: vocally, production-wise, and even with lyrical content. The EP has song topics that range from love and relationships, to deeper subjects such as social justice and battles over depression. I wanted to showcase a side of R&B that is not often heard/seen in mainstream music; a side that says that we as R&B/Soul artists can make songs that are relevant to the times we live in, and yet still capture wide audience attention.
What was the last song you listened to?
The last song I listened to was “With You” by Chris Brown. It’s got a few years behind it now, but its still really fun to listen to and sing along with.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Plot twist! Cassette Tapes! LOL!
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I love listening to music on SoundCloud. Its free and it allows artists to freely share and express themselves with the world. Although music streaming in general is great, I think SoundCloud just has a little more of a personal feel to it. I’ve discovered a LOT of amazing fellow indie artists via SoundCloud, some of whom are now really good friends.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
The biggest challenge I think for most indie artists (myself included) is trying to find new ways of making our voice and our art stand out from the rest. With so much talent on the rise, everybody is competing in similar avenues and fighting to gain the attention of the same eyes. I believe it comes down to faith in God, your gifts and talents, and having good timing.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
I’m on Social Media & SoundCloud – @ImJeRonelle. And my debut EP – ‘Finally’ – is available for streaming and free download now on SoundCloud, as well as my official website: www.jeronellemcghee.com!
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?
Just wanna say THANK YOU for the opportunity to share my voice and my art with your audience! I hope and pray that someone will enjoy and be blessed by the music they hear from me (now and in the future). I have big plans for the future, the #TeamJeRonelle movement is just getting started!
