21 year old J-Sol, is South London born and now lives in Essex, he is a multi talented, singer/songwriter and choreographer.
J-Sol has worked with big names including, Wretch 32, Boys II Men, Chipmunk and rap superstar Kanye West.
Since is debut EP, ‘Genesis’, the young star has gone to be widely tipped as the next big thing.
He went on to perform at the Olympic Stadium, and was nominated for the coveted ‘Spirit Of London Award’ for ‘Achievement Through Music’.
I was lucky enough to catch up with ‘One To Watch’ J-Sol, for an interview.
What was it like growing up in South London/Essex?
Essex is cool, I’m still living there so I guess I’m still growing up there Lol.
Have you always wanted to be a singer?
For as long as I can remember it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.
What is you earliest memory of music?
Sitting around the television with my family every Friday night watching top of the pops. Watching the greats such as: Janet Jackson, Usher and Destiny’s Child.
How old were you when you first performed live?
I was about 8 years old and it didn’t go too well. I basically froze on stage due to nerves and another guy ended up taking my solo part. Random fact but the guy that took my solo part is one of my stylists and actually styled my ‘Treat Her Like A Lady’ music video.
How did your family react when you told them you wanted to be a singer?
My dads always been cool with the idea a bit more than my mum. I think they 100% got behind me when they heard my song on radio and on the television. I think there biggest fear was me failing.
If you weren’t a singer what would you be doing?
I would either be a performing arts teacher or an accountant, I love dealing with figures and money Lol.
Who are your musical influences?
So many, from Whitney Houston to Michael Jackson to Destiny’s Child to Usher, Brandy, Luther Vandross and a lot of Gospel music.
If you could collaborate with any artist who would you choose?
I would choose Usher, I’ve grown up watching him and he’s a massive reason as to why I wanted to be a singer.
Describe your sound in three words?
Honest, Fun and Colourful. I say colour, because colour is the best way to describe different moods.
Would you ever consider entering a talent show like The X Factor?
I’ve been approached several times, a couple months ago to be precise, it’s defiantly always been an in head thought. To be honest I’m not sure, what I will say is that if I was given a £1 every time someone told me to go on the show I could probably buy everything in Tesco Lol.
Where would be your dream venue to perform at?
Wembley Stadium. When I was a kid I went to a show there with my family and at that moment I said to myself I have to perform here one day. I’m still working on it, fingers crossed it happens soon.
Growing up did you have to sacrifice anything to become a singer?
Yes, I sacrificed losing friends and not spending as much time as I would like with my family.
Who has been your favourite person you have worked with so far?
I’ve worked with a lot of people, I feel bad to mention a favourite. They’ve all been great to work with, everyone I’ve worked with I’ve been a fan of. If I have to mention one, it’d be Dondria. We collaborated on my last single ‘Keep It On The Low’ together. It was just fun and when I met her we just connected, we both LOVE to eat! Plus I grew up watching her on YouTube, so It was a big deal working with her and having her fly down to London from the states.
Apart from music what other things do you enjoy doing?
I like going to the gym, most times if I’m not in the studio I’ll be at the gym. I like hanging out with my friends and family. And I love to eat, I’m always eating, it’s my favourite hobby.
What do you hope to have achieved in the next ten years?
In the next 10 years I’m going to achieve being happy. I like to think very optimistic. I would love to do an arena world tour singing my music.
You can check out J-Sol’s new single ‘No Make Up’ here:
You can follow J-Sol on Twitter @JSoLworld