Music is ever changing and artists like Jonathan Emile open up new musical paths to be explored by the audience at large. I sat down with Jonathan Emile, also known as ‘Jon E’, to talk about everything from his life philosophy, to his company, Mindpeacelove, and finally about his plans for the future. Check out the interview right here:
Interviewer: Let’s start from the beginning. What determined you to start singing and writing music?
Jonathan Emile: From the beginning it was based on a desire to change things. It seemed there was something missing in music, namely hip-hop.
Interviewer: What inspires you to keep going and how far do you hope to take this?
Jonathan Emile: The people around me and my personal quest for self-improvement pushes me the most, but what inspires me the most is change – I guess that leads to how far I’ll take this. I won’t stop ‘til I change the game, open up minds and share a different view with people.
Interviewer: Have your family and friends been a good support through your ups and downs?
Jonathan Emile: The BEST support. They are a huge reason for my success. There is no way I could have ever made it without them on board.
Interviewer: Has life taught you any valuable lessons? If so, which ones?
Jonathan Emile: Many. This is a touchy question. With all my experiences I guess the most important lesson is to LIVE… NOW! And make sure the way you’re living has positive effects on the people near and far from you. This enables others to live well.
Interviewer: Have you ever dreamt of being famous?
Jonathan Emile: Sure I have. But all in all, I feel that it’s more of a side effect to making good music and sending a message.
Interviewer: What has been your greatest musical accomplishment thus far?
Jonathan Emile:: Winning the Gloria Mitchell Aleong Award for Artistic Achievement. It’s a pretty honourable and prestigious community award. Actors like Omari Newton (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1191973/) and Tristan D Lalla (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1941571/), who are both friends, have won it. Notice how it’s an award for actors, but I won it for music, film production and writing. I keep that trophy in the Lab as a reminder that I can be a leader, not only in music but also in my community.
Interviewer: Now let’s talk about your current company. What does ‘Mindpeacelove’ stand for and why is it spelled as one word?
Jonathan Emile: I’ll start backward with this answer. It’s one word because the three parts are linked together at the core of my philosophy. In other words, to a achieve balance you would need to have all three of these parts working together. The first part is the intellect (mind) that examines things rationally, the second is a bridge that allows balance and pertains to spirituality (peace), and the last part is passion and the range of emotions associated with our deepest desires (love). I use this in life, art, business and relationships. It got me through my toughest days – I’ll write a book on it one day (laughs).
Interviewer: What’s the story behind your new album coming out this summer?
Jonathan Emile: Well, well, well…That’s still kind of a secret! All I can say is, I’m pioneering a new sound. The idea of ‘The Lover/Fighter Document (that’s what it is titled) permeates everything. It explores the duality of individuals and the music.
Interviewer: How do you see the hip-hop/rap scene evolving in the years to come?
Jonathan Emile: I think the Internet is the best thing to ever happen to hip-hip. I think it takes the power away from large Music Monopolizers and allows the art to reach the people. You just have to filter out all the WHACK noise though. I think the Internet will continue to play a key role in hip-hop, rap, pop-culture, politics and everything. We’ll see where it takes us in the years to come.
Interviewer: What goals and plans do you have for the future?
Jonathan Emile: Hmmm…Well I’m thinking of going to get some Ice cream this afternoon. Then I’ll think about album number two (Smiles).
Interviewer: What message would you like to pass along to the fans?
Jonathan Emile: FANS!! Oh…you all have great taste! (Laughs). If you are a fan or just plain curious be sure to download my free Mixtape. It’s called ‘The Secret Lightspeed Tapes’. ‘Free’ is my favourite price and it’s probably yours too!!
Interviewer: Now the last question I would like to ask you: Would you ever consider auditioning for Canadian Idol?
Jonathan Emile: HELL NO! But if there is a Jamaican-Afro-American-Quebec-Canadian Idol… I’m there (Smiles).
Interviewer: Thank you very much for you time Jon E!
Jonathan Emile: No. Thank YOU! Don’t forget to download your free copy of the ‘The Secret Lightspeed Tapes’ Mixtape available online May 30th 2008. Check the official website www.mindpeacelove.com for the latest info, links, downloads and all that good stuff.
JONATHAN EMILE INFORMATION:
Website:
http://www.mindpeacelove.com
Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/jonathanemile
Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/jonathanemile
Facebook Group: “Jonathan Emile”
