PRINCESS OF R&B | Ashthon Jones
INTERVIEW TERRELL “REALIFE” BLACK PHOTOGRAPH QUADIR THOMAS
While it seems the days of real R&B as we knew it are gone, every now and then a voice comes along that reminds us of what once was. Artists like Ashthon Jones, with her soulful sound give us a glimpse of hope. You may remember her from the tenth season of American Idol where she finished as the 13th place finalist. Or more recently, you may recognize her face as one of the recurring judges from the hit TV series “Shine”. No stranger to hard work, the Grammy Award winning singer and songwriter is currently promoting her chart-topping hit record “Pop Out” and enjoying its global success.
Validated reached out to the songstress to discuss the success of her “Pop Out” record and to see what else she’s been up to since our 2020 interview.
VALIDATED: Your voice and your penmanship are phenomenal but if you could only do one which would it be and why?
ASHTHON JONES: Wow, that’s a tough one because I’m forever grateful for the voice that God has given me, but being a writer makes for an interesting career because you’re able to write different genres and projects for others and the financial benefits are great when done right! With all that being said, I’m not sure if I could give up my voice!
VALIDATED: One of your musical collaborations led to you winning a Grammy, which record was it and where does this accomplishment fall on your bucket list?
ASHTHON JONES: I collaborated with a producer called Barnone and he introduced me to Lecrae who was then working on his album “Gravity”. At the time he was looking for a powerful voice for his record. I wrote and sang the hook called “Mayday” and then he got BIG K.R.I.T. on it! Later the album won a Grammy which allowed the writers, producers, and collaborators to also win! That was and still is a blessing!
This was definitely number one on my bucket list! Now it’s time for me to achieve Grammys for my own song!
VALIDATED: You’ve also written music for TV and film, how did the initial opportunity come about and is it something you can see yourself doing more of in the future?
ASHTHON JONES: I started my music career off by joining a publishing company years ago which allowed me to come across some great writing opportunities throughout the years. I will definitely be doing this forever!
VALIDATED: Your recent single “Pop Out!” peaked at #8 on iTunes Top 40 Hip Hop, hit #6 on the Top 40 UK Hip Hop & Rap Tracks and it’s playing on 76 stations worldwide. What would you contribute the success of the record to?
ASHTHON JONES: First off being on the charts alone is one of the greatest feelings ever, especially being an independent artist! I’ve put out records in the past that I just knew would make the same noise, but unfortunately they didn’t, but I didn’t let that stop me! I kept putting out music regardless, and I even had an ex-friend tell me not to release it because it wouldn’t do well. That’s just an example of never allowing any negativity to stop you from doing anything!
VALIDATED: The record has been getting love internationally, in addition to the United Kingdom, Africa and Australia are also feeling it. As an artist what is it like to see your work accepted and embraced by multiple different cultures?
ASHTHON JONES: Honestly I put out my latest single just to give my supporters something to hear not knowing it would receive the praise it’s been given. I guess it’s the music you never except that people gravitate to. That’s why it’s great to just put music out and see what the people like instead of holding on to it.
VALIDATED: The record also landed you a feature in Billboard Magazine, how did you find out about the feature and what was your initial reaction?
ASHTHON JONES: YES! One of their team members reached out and I was overly excited! The last time I was mentioned in Billboard magazine was during my time on American Idol so it’s amazing being featured on my own because of my own music!
VALIDATED: You’ve launched Songbird Records, what motivated you to do so and what can you tell us about?
ASHTHON JONES: I’ve had a few labels offer me deals throughout the years, but I never wanted to sign my life away for a few bucks I had to pay back so I decided to start my own and sign myself! All the money goes to me from what I make, and also I put everything back into myself! Later in life I’ll sign other artist, but this moment is about me only. To build myself into that mega-star with massive success so that I can then pass my knowledge down to other upcoming artists.
VALIDATED: In addition to your musical success, you’ve also ventured into acting, appearing in the film, “A Reminder”, how did the opportunity come about and is acting something you can see yourself doing more of?
ASHTHON JONES: Wow you went way back! That was a short film I did years ago not knowing it would receive an award for best short film that year. A very talented independent film producer reached out to me for that part and I had so much fun filming it! RIP to the soul that created it, Ryan Rossum. I definitely will be doing more acting in the near future but I need 3 more Grammys first!
VALIDATED: Would you prefer any particular type of role over another? Do you see yourself in a drama, horror or action film?
ASHTHON JONES: Oh Lord, I would NEVER do horror! But drama is more my speed. In the past I did screenplays and I feel like I’ve mastered the drama.
VALIDATED: I know when we spoke last you were a judge on the hit music talent show SHINE, but you’ve since been recruited as a judge for their spin-off show, ShineJUNIORS. What can you tell us about the show and the experience?
ASHTHON JONES: Being apart of the Shine family has been an incredible experience! It’s definitely allowed me to see the other side of singing competition shows. Seeing such amazing talent and watching them grow right before your eyes, it’s truly nothing better! Working alongside Brandon Stewart and 2Live Bre has been a joy! We shot the first episode for the spin-off and I can’t wait until you guys see these gifted kids! Shout out to the Shine family!
VALIDATED: What would you say has been your most memorable moment from the show so far?
ASHTHON JONES: My most memorable moment would be the time we tricked the contestants into thinking they were being eliminated and sent home! I know that’s cruel, but I will never forget the look on their faces! It got a little heated a few times, they didn’t like that.
VALIDATED: You understand the importance of giving back, using your platform to give back to the community, but what does it mean to you to be able to giveback?
ASHTHON JONES: The whole purpose of doing this is to give back, but giving back takes a Village so it’s key to have a great team of people around you that are likeminded in understanding that purpose.
VALIDATED: We recently lost Tina Turner, how significant were her contributions to the music industry and more specifically the doors she opened for black songstress such as yourself?
ASHTHON JONES: When I heard that Tina passed all I could do is smile, not because of her death, but because of how she lived her life and succeeded past all the things she went through in her life. She is and always will be a huge inspiration for my life, and I’m sure her legacy will continue to empower others forever.
VALIDATED: You’ve got a lot going on but currently what’s next for you?
ASHTHON JONES: I already have my next single written and I’m now getting it ready for a winter release! (Spoiler Alert) I’m very excited about this next release because the sound is totally opposite from “Pop Out!” This song showcases my voice and penmanship a lot stronger than my other music.
VALIDATED: How can everyone support you and everything that you’re involved in?
ASHTHON JONES: Just by continuing to do the same thing they’ve been doing! Always engaging, always sharing, and always watching! Everywhere I can be found, just type in Ashthon Jones!
Instagram: @AshthonJones