‘Right There’ is the new single from rising East-London Soul/R&B talent Jerome Thomas.

The new track showcases Jerome’s distinctive, honeyed vocals as he addresses the theme of being ‘Right There’  for a loved one no matter the time or place after they’ve been there for him. The new track is a low-key, smooth comfort of a track blending Jerome’s R&B and jazz-tinged tendencies.

Since the release of his debut EP ‘Conversations’, Jerome has cemented himself in his very own lane as one of the most dynamic and authentic voices to have emerged from the UK. Tipped by BBC 1Xtra DJ & tastemaker, Jamz Supernova as an ‘Artist to Watch,’ Jerome is also a gifted live performer having sold out the Jazz Cafe last year and having being hand-picked to appear at the Nile Rodgers curated Meltdown Festival at the Southbank Centre.

1.    So tell me, how did it all begin?  What sparked your love for music?

I can’t remember a time without music. I found my love for music specifically at around 8/9, but my Mum might tell you earlier. Speaking of which, it was her love of soul and rare grooves that ignited my interest in music; D’Angelo’s Brown Sugar album was probably the one that sparked it for me!

 

2.    Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Well no surprise on D’angelo - his tone, lyrics, delivery, placements, I could go on.

Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Joe, Brandy were the main soundtrack of my early childhood, and kind of make up the core of my sound.

Aside from the artists mentioned,  I’d love to work with Alex Isley; I saw her perform back in 2015 in Haggerston somewhere, and is still one of the best gigs I’ve been to pre-rona.

3.    Your new single is doing the rounds and, we here at Wordplay magazine love it, but the question on everyone's lips though is, is there an album coming and when we can expect it?

Ah thank you! I can say an album is definitely in the works, but the question of when is a myth. Don’t get me wrong, I have a lot of music and I could collate some tunes and call it an album, but it wouldn’t feel right, right now, but I’m happy releasing little projects and singles right now. I still want people to get a full rounded idea of my sound; I love jazz to my core and haven’t really shown much of that side, at least in my releases.

Also the use of my band! It’s a whole other level when we play together, and that has only been captured in shows and rehearsals. Expect it to be a true indication of what I call F.O.E Music.

 

4.    How would you describe your sound?

F.O.E! Fusion of everything, freedom of expression...I feel genres matter less and less in this time of music, and it’s more about the vibe, feeling, and journey. I always say, all music is soul music in a sense, because our soul is the base of our creation.

 

5.    What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I think it has to be selling out Alcazar in Rome, Italy, just after selling out the Jazz Cafe in London.

 

6.    Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Please don’t compare yourself to your peers. Your journey is unique and tailor-made for you! Meditate! Meditate! Meditate! Practice  sitting with your thoughts and developing a strong sense of self because this business loves to tell you who you are and who you should be. You are the only one who governs that.

 

7.    Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

Gramn, Jamilah Barry, Ayesha Raquel.

 

8.    What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

For some reason I can’t find that section in my Spotify, but, Right now, I’m honestly listening to the same 7 songs at the bottom of a long ass playlist. But album wise I’ve rinsed Brandy - b7, Cleo Sol - Rose in the Dark, and Ego Ella May - Honey For Wounds.

 

9.    What do you like to do when your not making music?

I like working out, watching trash tv and documentaries; abusing my friends over card games and dominoes, listening to podcasts, and of course..listening to music.

 

10. Name Three things you can't live without?

Mumsy, solitude, and a Creative outlet.

Words - Ed Lindsay