Exclusive Interview: Singer,Song-Writer and Musician PJ Morton from Maroon 5
Singer, Songwriter and Musician. Tell us a little bit about how you got into entertainment business.
PJ Morton: Well music for me started early on with my family. I was a preachers kid so it really started in church and then from there with my father being in music I was able to meet other songwriters. I got my break in Gospel music, moved to Atlanta and got my mainstream break writing and producing a song I wrote for India Arie and that really kind of started it off, that was my junior year in college and kind of kept rolling from there.
Who are some of your musical influences?
PJ Morton: Of course my dad because that was in the house. I would have to say Stevie Wonder, Al Green and Donny Hathaway who kind of affected me on the soul side. I always said I wanted to make music like Stevie because its so simple and beautiful, talks about love and its something everyone can get into.
So what is it like being in American Pop/Rock Maroon 5?
PJ Morton: We are in and out touring, I love my brother’s man. It is great music and good people so I love it. I will be with those guys for as long as they need me.
What genre would you put yourself in?
PJ Morton: I consider my style of music to be called soulful pop and with that it kind of goes through a few genres, there is a hint of rock, a hint of pop music, its always going to be soulful and some RNB in it. I am from New Orleans so I call it a gumbo
Lets talk about your new music, what is the feel and message that your trying to convey to your audience?
PJ Morton: I feel as if there are only a few subjects you can talk about in the world. I am still talking about the same things Stevie was talking about, love, life, relationships, so my message does not change much it is just new ways that we find to talk about those things. Stylistically the music evolves, changes and does different things, I am always experimenting and trying to stretch the boundaries of what I know and build on top of those things.
Your New release “ built for love” featuring RNB Songstress Jazmine Sullivan is amazing btw. What was it about Jazmine that made you want to have her on this track?
PJ Morton: Jazmine was the only person I wanted on this track from the jump because I feel like she is the REAL THING! We are in the 21st Century but she is the continuation of the real thing Aretha Franklin had. I wanted to get someone who was authentic and I knew Jazmine could pull that off because I know that’s who’s she is.
LINK TO SONG: tmblr.co/Zs2onwBwN-BI
With this new project give us an exclusive about what other features can we expect from you.
PJ Morton: Cannot really say who but I will reveal that I have a song with my brother from Maroon 5 Adam Levine which is dope, and then a few rap features I cannot name yet. I am excited about it.
When can we expect an album from PJ?
PJ Morton: Hopefully April or May of next year!! I am praying and it looks like a solid date.
Do you have any live performances booked that you would like to promote?
PJ Morton: Man I told my fans that when I got more music I would start performing live so hopefully in April or May of 2010
What is one thing you want people to know about you?
PJ Morton: I am a simple guy with a passion for music!
Good to hear PJ is coming out with new music and that he’s about making meaningful music. Can’t wait to hear his new work !!