Jahméne chats to MarkMeets in a new interview where he discusses his musical influences, being signed to a new record label and his support in the community.

The British soul/gospel singer was the runner-up to on The X Factor back 2012, returns with new single ‘Down For Love’.

Jahméne has a naturally soulful voice in addition to an outstandingly impressive vocal range that continues to wow audiences everywhere.

Jahméne says: ‘I have been paired with some incredible people. This album wasn’t ever something I was going to rush and it hasn’t been easy. Each person has understood that and helped me create this labour of love allowing it to be everything I wanted.’

Great to meet you Jahmene, We’re big fans of you at MarkMeets Entertainment!
Thank You!

Following your X factor journey, you had great success with your debut album ‘Love Never Fails’; is your new music a follow on from this or a new beginning for you?
For me, this is the debut of Jahméne. I feel like this is my first album and I am finally introducing you all to me.

‘Down For Love’ is a great track, and the video really shows us the real you. What chart expectations do you have this time around?

Thank you.

I think that If I were to have chart expectations it would mean I was in it for the game and every thing built around that becomes a lot less real and a lot more pretend. The music I am making is the music I want to make, without compromise, so my focus isn’t on chart it’s more so on the fact that I can throw the music out there for people to catch and listen. “Down For Love” for me is more of a re-introduction and a preparation for the music that’s going to follow. I sit in the fact that God has already blessed me, the blessing isn’t in the reward for an expectation.

Having been writing with some big names like Diane Warren, what ideas/concepts did you have going into these sessions and were you pleased with the outcome?
I’ve always admired Diane Warren since I was young so when I went into that session I had no doubt in her ability to sort me out with something amazing and leaving LA I was left with just that, not only an incredible song, but an unforgettable experience, a dream come true and a new friend in Diane. Every session I’ve had has been extremely rewarding and the songs have all found their place on the new album.

Back in 2013 you said you wanted (more creative input), being signed to an independent label, did you enjoy the process of making music more?
This process has been a lot more rewarding spiritually and creatively. Being able to be in full control has been a much better experience because I’ve been able to throw myself completely into my songwriting and connect much deeper with each song mentally and vocally. I’m very thankful to Moonshot for letting me make the album I wanted to make.

What musical influences / artists have you had over the past few years as we know you love R&B with soul and gospel, plus who would you like to work with?
My main vocal inspiration has always been Whitney and through out making my album her “My Love Is Your Love” album has been an inspiration which, in my opinion, is such a perfectly balanced album for her voice with her ballads and RnB … a balance I’d love to recreate in context with me. One of my favourites lately is Gregory Porter, I would love to work with him and I’ve always wanted to work with Erykah Badu.

You met Kourtney Kardashian on the show in London, obviously she is a big star around the world but is the US a market you are looking at getting your music heard?
The US is definitely a market I would love to share my music with because I feel it will be well received. One of my favourite studio places to record is in New York down in Stanley Browns Studio. The vibe and spirit there are amazing and the team there feel like family. The tracks from my New York sessions are some of my favourites too! Can’t wait for every one to hear them.

As an supporter of Woman’s Aid as a youth ambassador, what does this role mean to you?
The role to me is a highlight of the responsibility I carry through life to make sure that my experiences are ones that I’ve learnt from to help others grow up learning about healthy relationships, preventing domestic violence and helping others do the same.

You’ve been in the music business professionally now for several years, do you ever miss your old retail job? and have you been back recently?
Asda Walmart have been a great support and I miss talking to customers and the friends I worked with, I’m sure I’ll pass through again some time.

Finally, can you tell us if you be performing on one of the live X factor shows?
I have not yet been invited, but it would be great to see the xfactor team again.

It would be odd going back with out The Scherzy boys and Nicole!

We wish you all the very best.

‘Down For Love’ out Nov 6th.

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