Interview with Donna Jo

My second interview…wow…that’s all I can say: the VERY talented Ms. Donna Jo. She has a natural, God-given talent that is not tainted by the virus of the 'industry'. With musical influences such as Norah Jones, Etta James, Otis Redding, and Janis Joplin—just to name a few—she has been singing since she was two years old; her grandmother actually has a recording of her singing when she was two. 

With roots in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and hailing from Augusta, Georgia, Donna has a deep passion for Blues music. She blends country and bluegrass to create a style of music all her own. Though we talked about many topics, the most inspirational for myself was about her biggest fears as far as her music goes. 

Me: “What’s your biggest fear?”

Donna Jo: “My biggest fear is becoming stagnant. I want to always be better than my last show; I would love to make it. I guess my greatest fear is ‘what if I don’t’?” She goes on to say that she loves music so much that “What level of success would make me happy?” is a question she often contemplates. 

However, despite any challenges that may arise, she's surrounded with a huge support system like her friends, family, and band mates. They have really been her rock through her storms; breaking free from chains that once bounded her, she's now ready to set sail on a new journey and her new songs are showcasing her newly found sense of self. Stating she's writing songs that are "more her". Though she plays guitar and has “dabbled in writing” here and there, she says she recently became a more serious writer in the past 8 months. “I’m 31 now so I feel I have more to write about.” 

I asked her after all this time what made her want to focus on her music and her answer was priceless, and one I’m sure most musicians can relate to: “After years of jobs that I hated and not chasing my passion, I finally figured it was time…” With accolades from Columbia Country Amateur Series-2014, The Augusta Chronicle Amped Music Contest-2014, Local Country Showdown, and the Nashville Connection-2014, this is only the beginning for her on this journey to success.

Her most recent original “Pick Me Up” can be found HERE on Reverbnation. You can also view her on the following links: 

YouTube--Donna Jo

Facebook--Donna Jo

Twitter--Donna Jo Music

Reverbnation--Donna Jo Music

And you can also read more of her story at her website: Donna Jo Music.

I’m pretty sure you’ll fall in love with her voice just as I have; and when you get to know her story, it will only deepen your love for this beautiful soul. I urge you to take a moment to click on the above links to get to know Donna better and get a feel for her music. She is truly one of the most talented people I’ve come into contact with in a LONG time!

I’m sure she’s bound to break records beyond our imaginations (as well as her own)!

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed the content!

Leave a comment or shoot me a message; let me know what you think or give the artist herein a shout-out…even just to say “hi”!

Another site, but not just another blog…the home where we bring you artists with flavor and stories with substance: The Underground Artistry Blog.

Yours Truly,

Rachel Marie, the Writer

Double Aught Entertainment, LLC.

The Underground Artistry Blog

                                                                          Donna Jo

The Underground Artistry: Interview with John Paul

 There is much to say and not enough space to type it all; stage name is John Paul, known by family and friends as Paul Reynolds. We chatted for a little over half an hour and I have truly been enlightened. John is not your average artist; he wants to be able to bring back the necessity of substance to music, starting with his own. “I just want to be myself”, the artist states after a question about his philosophy in reference to his music. Carefully stating that he will ‘never freestyle on a track’ as an end result due to his want and need to produce a well-developed product. He isn’t in the game to just put out music; he’s in this game to put out GOOD music. Music that will not only grace your ears but will touch your souls; John Paul is indeed a refreshing highlight in today’s world of industry forced robotic tunes.

Another topic we discussed, the latter mentioned: how does he feel about today’s music? What needs to change, if anything? Mildly putting it: “we need to challenge the system”. Complacency has definitely became evident in today’s music where he politely put it: “There’s good and bad. You have artists like J. Cole, Big Krit, and Kendrick Lamar who are challenging the system.” Stating that the industry has become more “trendy” than anything; “no one sings about love anymore”, he claims. With the title of his first album: “From Georgia with Love”, John is trying to change and challenge that aspect. In addition, he brought up that today’s music is more about ‘lust’ and that is going out of style; people ‘want more melodic tunes’ and he is definitely in the business to give people what they want! The industry has become over saturated with mediocrity; in a sense if an artist is basic and good enough to hold a tune, they get exposure. John expanded on this idea by stating that “good music always prevails” and despite the idea of today’s music being “trendy”, it’s all about “what you put into it” that counts.

John Paul, aka Paul Reynolds, at 30 years old is definitely something different. With influences such as OutKast, Stevie Wonder & Curtis Mayfield—just to name a few—his music is refreshing with his first single being “To Loose Your Love”, which you can listen to on Live 365 hosted by Yvonne Wilcox, as well as other music player platforms such as Spotify, Rhapsody, etc., through searching by his album title. Hailing from Augusta, GA, he is today’s enlightening movement. To be able to discern between the differences of what’s important in life and his passion for music, John Paul is going to be streaming through your radio stations for a long time.

You can grab his music here: (just click!)

• CD Baby-John Paul
• iTunes
• Amazon 

You can also check him out on the following social media sites:

• Facebook: John Paul-2Shades
• Twitter @JohnPaul2Shades
• Pinterest
• Reverbnation  

His song, "To Loose Your Love" is being played on #Live365 hosted by Yvonne Wilcox. You can check out that station as well as her page as well! Whoa, I feel another interview coming on!!! :)
For booking information email:
doubleaughtentertainmentllc@yahoo.com
OR
reynoldpaulsdae@yahoo.com


Alright, I think I've got em all for now...updates to come as updates are received.

Another site, but not just another blog…the home where we bring you artists with flavor and stories with substance: The Underground Artistry Blog. 

Hope you enjoyed the read; leave a comment or shoot me an email! 

Yours Truly, 

RachelMarie, the Writer

Double Aught Entertainment, LLC.

The Underground Artistry Blog